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September 2008 • Vol. 4, No. 4
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Advancing Orthotic and Prosthetic
Care Through Knowledge
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For the past several years, the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists, with funding from the U.S. Department of Education, has advanced the profession in the areas of awareness, research, and education. The grant funding1 made it possible for the Academy to conduct a series of State-of-the-Science Conferences (SSCs) to document the scientific foundation for clinical practice in O&P. Written proceedings of the SSCs are available in print and online at the Official Findings of the SSCs. An array of online professional continuing education (PCE) courses, based on these conference findings, are available through the Paul E. Leimkuehler Online Learning Center (OLC).
The newest addition to the PCE course series is based on SSC #8, The Biomechanics of Ambulation after Partial Foot Amputation (PFA), which was held in March 2007. The multidisciplinary, multinational panel of experts reviewed the scientific literature regarding the biomechanical function during level ground walking of persons with PFA to establish what is known, what is believed to be true, and what needs to be known to optimize ambulation for these patients. It was recognized by the participants that biomechanical analyses of devices used for ambulation with PFAs are only one aspect of the prosthetic/orthotic prescription. Factors affecting protection of fragile skin, prosthesis comfort, and aesthetic value are also of critical importance when selecting the most appropriate prosthetic prescription. This 100-question course carries 22 PCE credits.
Other PCE Courses Developed from SSCs
Orthotic Treatment of Idiopathic Scoliosis (16 PCE credits) Post-Operative Management of the Lower Extremity Amputee (10 PCE credits) Orthotic Treatment of Deformational Plagiocephaly, Brachycephaly, and Scaphocephaly (16 PCE credits) Orthotic and Pedorthic Management of the Neuropathic Foot (12 PCE credits) Prosthetic Foot/Ankle Mechanisms (12 PCE credits) Outcome Measures in Lower Limb Prosthetics (32 PCE credits) Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthoses For Ambulation (19 PCE credits)
Those who visit the OLC will also see the new course on evidence-based practice (EBP). Through the Academy's grant, the course was initially presented in the fall of 2007 as a one-day seminar and then again at the 2008 annual meeting. It is now available online as a six-module course designed to define EBP and simplify it. Individuals may take individual modules for credit or complete the full course for a certificate.
The goal of the course is to provide a cohesive guideline to help improve and justify the clinical care for patients. The module topics are listed below.
EBP Overview and Evaluate the Problem Form an Appropriate Question Assess the Available Resources Search for Available Evidence Critically Evaluate the Evidence Apply the Gathered Information
Be sure to use these and all the other great resources at the OLC for convenient, 24/7 access to high-quality education.
1SSCs #3-8, the printing and dissemination of the conference proceedings, and the development of all PCE courses were fully funded by grants from the U.S. Department of Education — H235R040001; H235J040017; H235R050001; H235J060001.
'Best of the Resident Research Series' Selected
The Academy Research Council's Research Education Committee reviewed more than 100 resident research papers to narrow down the "Best of Resident Research." All papers were evaluated based on their originality, method, conclusions, and relevance, as well as the quality of the writing.
Those with top ratings presented original research or an original solution to a clinical problem. The research methods employed were described in detail and were valid, reliable, and appropriate. The conclusions were supported by the results and careful consideration was given to alternative interpretations and limitations. Finally, the study was directly and immediately applicable to clinical, theoretical, or educational problems.
The best prosthetic-related research includes the following:
"Implementation of a Progressive Resistance Training Exercise Program for Persons with Unilateral Transtibial Vascular Amputation to Show Strength Gains" by Heather Houston, CP "Further Study of the Protective Effects of Rigid Removable Dressings for Recent Transtibial Amputation Patients" by Aaron Tarnow, CPO, and Thomas Sorensen
The best orthotic-related research includes the following:
"A Survey of Current Trends of Pediatricians in Maryland for Screening of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis" by Angela Bryl Swindell, CO "Outcomes of Orthotic Treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Gender Comparison Study" by Hailey Smith, CO
Papers that do not qualify as research using the scientific criteria applied by the Research Council, but which may still be of interest to our membership, are posted under the category of Papers of Interest. We encourage you to view papers in this section as well.
These new research papers and past honorees are posted on the Best of the Resident Research Series page.
Earn PCE Credits from this article
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