Prosthetics Health Article

The prosthetics health care team

Prosthetists may supervise several staff members. In some workplaces, the prosthetics assistant assists the prosthetist and may fabricate, repair, and maintain artificial appliances. However, prosthetics may be made by the prosthetics technician, an allied health worker who takes direction from the prosthetist and the prosthetics assistant. The technician also repairs and maintains prostheses. In some settings, the technician may have no contact with patients.

After surgery, the patient may be seen by the surgeon or primary care doctor. During the rehabilitation phase, the prosthetist and therapist will help the patient adjust to the prosthetic. The nurse and social worker may provide patient education and support. If needed, the patient may be referred to a rehabilitation counselor or a vocational counselor.

In addition, the patient will see the prosthetist, prosthetics assistant, or prosthetics technician if the prosthetic needs adjusting.

The early stages of all prosthetic treatment usually involves the prosthetist working with the physical therapist. The therapist can evaluate such factors as the patient's strength and ability to wear a prosthetic.

Education and training

Members of the health care team, such as surgeons, nurses, physical therapists, and social workers, may receive training in the use of prosthetics while studying for their respective professions. Prosthetists earn a four-year bachelor of science degree that includes specialized prosthetic training. They also serve a clinical residency. Programs for prosthetics assistants and technicians range from six months to two years. In addition, people working in these allied health professions can receive certification through the American Academy of Orthotics and Prosthetics. Board certification is based on education, employment, completion of certification of program modules (continuing education courses), and membership in the academy.

Advanced education and training

The name of the American Academy of Orthotics and Prosthetics reflects the relationship between the fields of orthotics and prosthetics. While orthotics usually focuses on temporary treatment with a brace, prosthetics involves permanent replacement of a body part with an artificial appliance. However, some patients require both prosthetics and orthotics, so schools offer degrees and certificates in both disciplines. Allied health professionals with education and experience in both disciplines will be twice as employable as those with degrees or certificates in only one of the professions.

Education is the key to career advancement for an allied health employee with only one specialty. A prosthetics technician can advance to assistant and then prosthetist by completing more classes.

The American Academy of Orthotics and Prosthetics offers continuing education courses and forums so that allied health workers remain knowledgeable about new developments in their professions.

Future outlook

The need for prosthetists, prosthetics assistants, and prosthetics technicians is expected to increase with the aging of the baby boomer generation. The existence of a rapidly growing senior population is a global trend, and prosthetics care should be in increasing demand worldwide. Among the needs for older populations are hip replacement and replacement of limbs amputated because of diabetes and other conditions.

BOOKS

Lusardi, MM, and CC. Nielsen, Orthotics and Prosthetics in Rehabilitation. Butterworth-Heinemann, 2000.

May, Bella. Amputations and Prosthetics: A Case Study Approach. Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Co., 1996.

Wilson, A. Bennett. A Primer on Limb Prosthetics. Springfield, IL: C.C. Thomas, 1998.

ORGANIZATIONS

American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists. 526 King Street, Suite 201, Alexandria, VA 22314. (703) 836-0788. <http://www.oandp.org>.

American Board for Certification of Orthotics and Prosthetics. 330 John Carlyle Street, Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314. (703) 836-7114. <http://www.opoffice.org>.

Liz Swain