Students in the University of Pittsburgh Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics (MSPO) program are conducting research studies for which they are requesting survey participation from O&P practitioners. The research topics are an analysis of elevated vacuum suspension systems for transtibial prostheses, infection control in O&P, and side effects related to temperature fluctuation during cranial remolding orthosis treatment.
- Will Stuart is seeking certified prosthetists who have experience working with elevated vacuum suspension systems to complete a survey. Stuart hopes to identify the mechanisms used by practitioners when casting, fitting, and delivering these systems, compare and contrast different elevated vacuum suspension systems, and identify how they can be improved. The survey should take no more than 15 minutes to complete. The survey is anonymous; however, respondents can provide an e-mail address for a chance to win a $100 prepaid debit card. Participants’ names and any identifiable information will not be recorded, so responses will not be identifiable. The deadline for the completion of this survey is February 10. To access the survey, visit https://pitt.co1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_bezXzvvsyFdUK0Z.
- Ashley Muller is gathering information about infection control practices and beliefs in O&P, specifically those that pertain to situations outside of the normal patient examination room. The 12-question survey is designed to assess general knowledge and identify current means of infection control, and should take no longer than five minutes to complete. The survey is anonymous; however, respondents can provide an e-mail address for a chance to win a $100 prepaid debit card. To access the survey, visit https://pitt.co1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_3QQRVKvIf7l9eOF.
- Alicia Ericson is seeking clinical representative respondents who have experience with cranial remolding orthoses. The goal of the study is to determine what side effects may be induced by the fluctuation of a patient’s body temperature upon the commencement of cranial remolding orthosis treatment, adjustments and aspects of the helmet to consider when these side effects occur, and what effects they have on the long-term outcomes of the cranial remolding orthosis treatment. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. To access the survey, visit https://pitt.co1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_6G7X0lmc8Ez7LM.