The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC) has released the 2011 Practice Analysis of ABC Credentialed Mastectomy Fitters. ABC’s Practice Analysis Task Force and ABC Executive Director Catherine Carter worked with Professional Examination Service, New York, New York, to create and implement a practice analysis of mastectomy fitters.
ABC last conducted a practice-analysis study of the mastectomy fitter profession in 2004. In 2011, the profession was resurveyed to identify changes in the profession related to care delivery, available items and services, 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 post-mastectomy items and services by ABC-certified mastectomy fitters.
The overall return rate for the survey was 26 percent, which is a very positive return rate for this type of survey, according to ABC.
“We wanted to get an idea of what current mastectomy fitter practice looks like in order to meet the ever-changing needs of the profession,” said Jeanine Doty, CPO, CFm, ABC’s Practice Analysis Task Force chair. “We were very pleased with the positive responses we received from the professionals surveyed.”
ABC will use the results of the practice analysis survey to assure that its mastectomy fitter credentialing exams are continually 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 Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE) with pertinent information on what mastectomy fitter students need to learn and what information to disseminate,” said Carter.
A complete copy of the Practice Analysis of ABC Credentialed Mastectomy Fitters is available at www.abcop.org
