The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC) has released the 2010 Practice Analysis of ABC Credentialed Orthotic Fitters. Collaborators included ABC’s Practice Analysis Task Force, ABC Executive Director Catherine Carter, and Director of Clinical Resources Stephen B. Fletcher, CPO, who worked with Professional Examination Service, New York, New York, to create and implement a practice analysis of orthotic fitters.
ABC last conducted a practice-analysis study of the orthotic fitter profession in 2006. In 2010, the profession was resurveyed to identify changes in the profession related to the delivery of care, the specific orthotic devices utilized, and the technology in use today. The strategy included a validation study to determine current trends in patient care, technology, and practice management in the provision of prefabricated orthotic services by ABC certified orthotic fitters.
The survey’s overall return rate was 17 percent, a very positive return rate for this type of survey according to ABC.
“The orthotic fitters who participated in the survey have provided a great service to their profession,” said Fletcher. “Only those working within the profession can give us a comprehensive and contemporary look into their specific knowledge and skill sets.”
ABC will use the results of the practice analysis survey to assure that its orthotic fitter credentialing exams continue to be relevant for individuals entering the profession. The results will also be used to identify specific topics for in-service and/or continuing education programs, as well as provide guidance for education providers in regard to curriculum review and/or program self-assessment.
“As a result of the survey we’ll be able to provide the National Commission on Orthotics and Prosthetics Education (NCOPE) with pertinent information on what orthotic fitter students need to learn and what information to disseminate,” Carter said.
The ABC Practice Analysis Task Force included Michael Allen, CPO, FAAOP; Nelson LeMarquand, MS, CO, FAAOP; Brad Mattear, MA, CFo; Jack Richmond, CFo; Robby Tardell, CFo; and Steven Whiteside, CO, FAAOP.
A complete copy of the Practice Analysis of ABC Credentialed Orthotic Fitters is available at the ABC website.
