O&P professionals know the feeling of intense pride and satisfaction that comes with finding a solution to a complex problem. But when a patient with a challenging presentation comes into a clinician's office, the best solution may involve a device that is new to the market or that is still seen as "experimental" in nature. O&P professionals are sometimes painfully aware that finding the optimal solution for a patient is only the first part of the challenge. Getting payers to authorize payment for a device and maintaining a solid knowledge base in new technologies and emerging research are also constant uphill battles. In this issue, we look at some of the steps stakeholders in the O&P industry are taking to help ensure that those who require orthotic or prosthetic care receive not only the best solution but also the best service. "Developing Evidence-Based Care Protocols" provides some excellent examples of how those in the medical and O&P professions are documenting their treatment methods in an effort to provide solutions that will yield a higher percentage of successful outcomes for their patients. Even the best solution can fall short of expected outcomes if the patient is not invested in the process. Providing patient education and partnering with the patient in his or her care can do a lot to boost outcomes. "Cooperative Care: Good for Patients, Good for Business" takes an exclusive first look at the way one O&P manufacturer is educating clinicians and their patients while also helping clinicians to expand their practices and improve outcomes for patients who are candidates for high-tech solutions. In another exclusive to The O&P EDGE, we preview a new prosthetic-interface technology that holds promise for increasing function and proprioception for those with upper- and lower-limb amputations ("High-Fi Flies High in New Prosthetic Interface,"). This month, we also conclude our "Balancing Act" series, which reviews the available literature on balance among individuals with lower-limb amputations—specifically whether or not training, alignment, and components can improve patients' balance. Toward the end of the month, The O&P EDGE team will be traveling to Irvine, California, to attend the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) National Conference, and we're interested in hearing from patients. What challenges have you overcome? What have been the hallmarks of your successful outcome? In what ways can The O&P EDGE help you, your O&P clinician, and your rehabilitation team address the issues you face? Please let us know. I look forward to seeing you in sunny California! Karen Henry
