Master Agenda

The Master Agenda project developed a roadmap for conducting conferences over the next 15 years by establishing standards for the format, implementation, evaluation, and outcomes dissemination for an ongoing series of State-of-the-Science conferences. Grant Year I saw the initial establishment of the Master Agenda thanks to consultation with scientists from the National Institutes of Health.

Grant Year II sought to measure the effectiveness of the Master Agenda plan. Changes were incorporated throughout the grant period on an as needed basis. Previous SSC Chairs and Co-Chairs were also called upon to conduct a thorough review of the guidelines and all related documents, templates and forms. This extensive review has resulted in a revision to guidelines, which have been approved and implemented by the Academy (see link below).

In the process of developing these guidelines, the need to create an in-depth and consistent process for developing Evidence Reports in support of SSC's was identified. The Evidence Report Guidelines developed in Grant Year III provide a clear and concise approach for developing an Evidence Report as it is the foundation for a State-of-the-Science Conference. The methodology employed in publishing an Evidence Report requires academic experience and knowledge of the specific topic. This document represents the collective efforts of a multidisciplinary team of Subject Matter Experts which is shown below.

Project Lead & Author:
Brian Hafner, PhD

Participants & Reviewers:
Jean Deitz, PhD, OTR/L
Michael Dillon, PhD, BPO (Hons)
Stefania Fatone, PhD, BPO (Hons)
Sharon Hubbard, MS
John Michael, MEd, L/CPO, FISPO, FAAOP
Kathryn Roach, PhD, PT

Participants:
David Boone, PhD, L/CP, MPH
Alicia Davis, CPO, FAAOP
Deanna Fish, MS, CPO
Robert Gailey, PhD, MSEd, PT
Steven Gard, PhD
Mark Geil, PhD
Chris Hovorka, MS, CPO
Donald Katz, L/CO, FAAOP
Ed Neumann, PhD, PE, CP
Douglas Smith, MD

In continued efforts to establish and improve best practices for conducting State-of-the-Science Conferences (SSCs) related to O&P, the Grant focused on two critical activities during Year IV.

Of primary importance, was the development of three Evidence Reports utilizing the State-of-the-Science Evidence Report Guidelines. The guidelines were the culmination of an extensive effort in Grant Year III to provide O&P relevant methods and processes for performing scientific literature reviews, however, this body of knowledge had yet to be used. Subject matter experts were engaged to provide three O&P related Evidence Reports prepared in accordance with the State-of-the-Science Evidence Report Guidelines. In addition to providing an Evidence Report, each of three authors provided written and verbal feedback pertaining to the use of the guidelines, such that revisions or recommendations may be incorporated into the guidelines. The topic areas for the Evidence Reports were: Lower Limb Socket Interface, Biomechanics of Amputee Gait and Upper Limb Outcome Measures.

As part of the ongoing efforts of the Academy and its grant team, a significant effort was undertaken by several academicians to develop a practitioner oriented course entitled: Evidence Based Practice: Justifying Patient Care. Subject Matter Experts were gathered to develop curricula that prepared clinicians to access scientific literature, critically evaluate published information and use research findings to improve clinical care for patients. This information was provided in modalities and venues: a live eight hour Certificate Program, a four hour Academy Annual meeting presentation and a five hour online Professional Continuing Education certificate course.

If you would like to submit a relevant topic to be considered for a State-of-the-Science conference (SSC) take a look at the Master Agenda Guidelines in the PDF below and use the online form to submit your idea for evaluation.
Master Agenda Guidelines

These projects have been funded by a grant from the United States Department of Education Special Demonstration Programs—Projects for Orthotic and Prosthetic Research. The purpose of this program is to provide funding in response to the Department of Education Appropriations Act for one or more projects designed to improve the quality of applied orthotic and prosthetic research and to help meet the increasing demand for provider services.
Grant Year One Award Details
Grant Year Two Award Details
Grant Year Three Award Details
Grant Year Four Award Details