With research and scholarship in O&P education limited, and the priority areas and needs of individuals interested in pursuing this area of research and scholarship relatively unknown, researchers conducted a study to identify and prioritize the areas in which O&P education research is needed and evaluate the resources needed to support those interested in pursuing education research.
Researchers used a participatory action research approach. Focus group sessions were held at the 2022 International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO) global educators meeting. Findings from the focus groups informed creation of a survey that was distributed internationally, with results presented to attendees at the ISPO World Congress for review and ranking in 2023.
Findings from focus group discussions were used to create a 20-item survey. High-priority categories included providing feedback to students, program evaluation, and clinical education and internship. Protected time and funding, faculty development, and program resources were also identified as items needed to support faculty in pursuing education research.
At the ISPO World Congress, participants highly rated the categories of academic versus clinical practice, program resources, and program evaluation.
Researchers found that many categories were identified as priorities for O&P education research, and ways to support faculty pursuing the work were highlighted. The study also identified opportunities for education researchers to focus their efforts on directly impacting needs of education programs and the profession.
