Quality, amputee union, ABC value etc.
Description
Collection
Title:
Quality, amputee union, ABC value etc.
Date:
9/17/1999
Text:
To all who have contributed to these various discussions, I feel a more
objective look at the comparisons that have been made between physicians
and O&P practitioners might be helpful.
Where quality of care is concerned I feel there is little difference
between the two. Considering the scope of comparative working knowledge
required to provide that care I see no significant difference. I have
had and been privy to many experiences with physicians that were
appalling in the degree of sloppy, insensitive and rushed procedures,
communication and bedside manner. There seems to exist a mental
barrier in some against questioning a physician's skills, approach and/or
manner. This is decreasing as we all are forced to take more
responsibility for our care due to the HMO scene etc. but it still
exists. That same mental barrier does not exist in any significant way
in our field. Thats good. What I'm saying is that there are no
patient unions, but if that would improve care maybe there should be.
If it would improve care in our field, maybe an amputee union is
needed. However, those are very large ifs.
I personally work hard to improve my skills, not only as a practitioner
(as in fitting, follow-up etc.) but in communication and listening
skills, manner of approach etc. I know of prosthetists who are in this
field for the money (?) but they are few. Unfortunately there are few
ways to judge a prosthetist without experiencing first hand a fitting,
adjustment or some other contact. Communication with other amputees is
the best way to judge, just as communicating with others about their
physician is the best way to choose one. Choosing a health care provider
is too personal a decision to make to be left to chance or even to
credentials.
I am concerned that there are amputees who have been so poorly served by
a prosthetist that they are having to propose such active measures to
improve things. I do think we as a profession are trying hard to
guarantee proper training
Lane Ferrin CP
___________________________________________________________________
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objective look at the comparisons that have been made between physicians
and O&P practitioners might be helpful.
Where quality of care is concerned I feel there is little difference
between the two. Considering the scope of comparative working knowledge
required to provide that care I see no significant difference. I have
had and been privy to many experiences with physicians that were
appalling in the degree of sloppy, insensitive and rushed procedures,
communication and bedside manner. There seems to exist a mental
barrier in some against questioning a physician's skills, approach and/or
manner. This is decreasing as we all are forced to take more
responsibility for our care due to the HMO scene etc. but it still
exists. That same mental barrier does not exist in any significant way
in our field. Thats good. What I'm saying is that there are no
patient unions, but if that would improve care maybe there should be.
If it would improve care in our field, maybe an amputee union is
needed. However, those are very large ifs.
I personally work hard to improve my skills, not only as a practitioner
(as in fitting, follow-up etc.) but in communication and listening
skills, manner of approach etc. I know of prosthetists who are in this
field for the money (?) but they are few. Unfortunately there are few
ways to judge a prosthetist without experiencing first hand a fitting,
adjustment or some other contact. Communication with other amputees is
the best way to judge, just as communicating with others about their
physician is the best way to choose one. Choosing a health care provider
is too personal a decision to make to be left to chance or even to
credentials.
I am concerned that there are amputees who have been so poorly served by
a prosthetist that they are having to propose such active measures to
improve things. I do think we as a profession are trying hard to
guarantee proper training
Lane Ferrin CP
___________________________________________________________________
Get the Internet just the way you want it.
Free software, free e-mail, and free Internet access for a month!
Try Juno Web: <URL Redacted>.
Citation
“Quality, amputee union, ABC value etc.,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 5, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/213050.
