Contents
- Acknowledgements
- Practice Analysis Task Force
- Introduction
- Executive Summary
- Survey of Practice
- Results Related to Professional Background, Work Setting and Demographic Information
- Results Relating to Domains of Practice
- Results Relating to the Tasks
- Results Related to the Knowledge and Skills Statements
- Results Related to Practice Areas, Devices and Activities
- Qualitative Responses
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Practice Analysis of ABC Certified Assistants in the Disciplines of Orthotics and Prosthetics
January 2012
Introduction
The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics, Inc. (ABC) contracted with Professional Examination Service (PES) to conduct an updated practice analysis of orthotic and/or prosthetic assistants including a validation survey of the entire population of ABC Certified Orthotic and/or Prosthetic Assistants (CPOA, CPA, COA).
Why Do a Practice Analysis?
The goal of a practice analysis study is to determine current trends in patient care, technology and practice management by ABC Certified Orthotic and/or Prosthetic Assistants.
Why Do a Validation Study?
The goal of the validation study was to identify unique priorities in the delivery of orthotic and prosthetic patient care, e.g.: What highly critical tasks are performed by ABC certified orthotic and/or prosthetic assistants? What subset of knowledge and skill is essential at the time of initial certification? What procedures are the most frequently implemented?
What Will ABC Do with the Results of the Study?
The results are being used to generate defensible credentialing test specifications designed for entry-level orthotic and/or prosthetic assistants. The results will also be used to identify specific topics for in-service and/or continuing education and to provide guidance for education program enhancement in regard to curriculum review and/or programmatic self assessment.
