Hello all listserve members,
I would like to know other prosthetist’s opinions about physical = therapists making actual adjustments to prosthetic devices. In = particular, what would your feeling be if a therapist wanted to make an = actual adjustment to the prosthesis with allen wrenches (i.e. flexion, = extension, toe out, abduction, adduction), would you be comfortable with = this? To take in a little further, would you instruct the therapist on = how to make these adjustments if he or she needed to?
For those answering YES they would feel comfortable with this and = would instruct the therapist:
What are your feelings of liability with respect to a component = failing. Who is liable if the therapist adjusted something and did or = did not put loctite. Does your=20
relationship with the therapist have any bearing on your = decision or would you just instruct any therapist? Are you doing this = to remain on good terms with that=20
therapist?
For those answering NO they would not feel comfortable with this and = would not instruct the therapist:
Why wouldn’t you? Is it a feeling of therapist infringment on = our scope of practice? Is it lack of trust? Or do you just feel that = it is just not their job. Would you=20
be more inclined to instruct a therapist that you have = known for 5 years how to make adjustments? 10 years? 20 years?
All input would be appreciated and confidentially posted on the = listserve.
Thanks
Robert Schiff C.P.O., L.P.O.
