Re: Response to your comments on certification
George Boyer
Description
Collection
Title:
Re: Response to your comments on certification
Creator:
George Boyer
Date:
9/17/1999
Text:
Mr. Kempfer - The certification process clearly has been thought through with
the intention of ensuring quality performance. Nevertheless, the evident
variation in quality care indicates flaws which must be addressed.
Professionalism is not assured by the program in place. Advancing the
preparation of prosthetists by means of an extended residency program on the
medical model is one vector which will pay dividends. Other improvements are
discussed and these too will bear fruit. I think the intention of the several
industry groups is to move toward quality performance....I do not question
that....but the goal is not yet achieved. Thanks for your comments and please
enter into the debate as the matters are examined further. GeorgeB.
<Email Address Redacted> wrote:
> Mr. Boyer,
>
> In your original post regarding the union you are proposing you stated that
> certification is no measure of ability or assurance of quality. I am
> paraphrasing, but you stated something to the effect that prosthetists are
> certified merely by being passed by other prosthetists. I wish to enlighten
> you on the certification process.
>
> To become a certified prosthetist by The American Board for Certification in
> Orthotics and Prosthetics Inc., a candidate must have completed a long term
> certificate program, and possess a Bachelor's Degree, usually in a related
> field. After which a 1900 hour residency program must be completed exposing
> the candidate to a wide variety of prosthetic experience. Either during, or
> after residency, the candidate must pass a written, and written simulation
> exam. These examinations cover a wide variety of knowledge such as,
> anatomy/physiology, biomechanical principals, kiniesioligy, gait, etiology,
> componentry selection, problem solving, practice management, fraud and abuse
> issues, patient care and handling, and workplace safety. After successfully
> completing these examinations the candidate may take the Clinical Patient
> Management portion of the certification process. In this portion, a candidate
> must actually cast and measure a patient and successfully fit and align a
> prosthesis. they must also identify fit and alignment problems, and
> successfully solve these. They must fabricate and fit ancillary componentry
> successfully. This process entails four to five days of patient contact and
> supervision/examination by selectively chosen Certified Prosthetists from a
> wide variety of backgrounds. These examiners (of which I am one) are
> volunteers who give up a significant amount of time away from their practices
> and families to ensure that the high standards and competency of
> Certification are met and maintained. Only when a prosthetist can
> successfully complete the entire examination process and demonstrate their
> skills can they achieve Certification. To maintain this Certification the
> Prosthetist must obtain continuing education through a variety of methods
> including meeting attendance, journal reading/writing, and manufacturer's
> workshops.
>
> Although I realize there are Certified Prosthetists who may be complacent in
> their skills and treatment, I believe the standards of The American Board for
> Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics Inc. are indicative of quality
> patient care.
>
> I would also like to add a response about the merchandising of prosthetics.
> When I considered this profession as a career, it was to continue my service
> as a health care provider. I know very few of my colleagues who chose this
> profession based on it's earning potential. Most of those I have encountered
> in this field are dedicated to helping others with the skills they possess.
>
> I believe the union you propose would be an asset to both the consumer and
> the practitioner. But first you need to consider that you are your own
> advocate. You are the best person to represent yourself and your needs. You
> must insist on your needs being met. You must initiate a dialogue and pursue
> change. If you are unable to help yourself, you are unable to help others.
>
> Joel Kempfer C.P.
the intention of ensuring quality performance. Nevertheless, the evident
variation in quality care indicates flaws which must be addressed.
Professionalism is not assured by the program in place. Advancing the
preparation of prosthetists by means of an extended residency program on the
medical model is one vector which will pay dividends. Other improvements are
discussed and these too will bear fruit. I think the intention of the several
industry groups is to move toward quality performance....I do not question
that....but the goal is not yet achieved. Thanks for your comments and please
enter into the debate as the matters are examined further. GeorgeB.
<Email Address Redacted> wrote:
> Mr. Boyer,
>
> In your original post regarding the union you are proposing you stated that
> certification is no measure of ability or assurance of quality. I am
> paraphrasing, but you stated something to the effect that prosthetists are
> certified merely by being passed by other prosthetists. I wish to enlighten
> you on the certification process.
>
> To become a certified prosthetist by The American Board for Certification in
> Orthotics and Prosthetics Inc., a candidate must have completed a long term
> certificate program, and possess a Bachelor's Degree, usually in a related
> field. After which a 1900 hour residency program must be completed exposing
> the candidate to a wide variety of prosthetic experience. Either during, or
> after residency, the candidate must pass a written, and written simulation
> exam. These examinations cover a wide variety of knowledge such as,
> anatomy/physiology, biomechanical principals, kiniesioligy, gait, etiology,
> componentry selection, problem solving, practice management, fraud and abuse
> issues, patient care and handling, and workplace safety. After successfully
> completing these examinations the candidate may take the Clinical Patient
> Management portion of the certification process. In this portion, a candidate
> must actually cast and measure a patient and successfully fit and align a
> prosthesis. they must also identify fit and alignment problems, and
> successfully solve these. They must fabricate and fit ancillary componentry
> successfully. This process entails four to five days of patient contact and
> supervision/examination by selectively chosen Certified Prosthetists from a
> wide variety of backgrounds. These examiners (of which I am one) are
> volunteers who give up a significant amount of time away from their practices
> and families to ensure that the high standards and competency of
> Certification are met and maintained. Only when a prosthetist can
> successfully complete the entire examination process and demonstrate their
> skills can they achieve Certification. To maintain this Certification the
> Prosthetist must obtain continuing education through a variety of methods
> including meeting attendance, journal reading/writing, and manufacturer's
> workshops.
>
> Although I realize there are Certified Prosthetists who may be complacent in
> their skills and treatment, I believe the standards of The American Board for
> Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics Inc. are indicative of quality
> patient care.
>
> I would also like to add a response about the merchandising of prosthetics.
> When I considered this profession as a career, it was to continue my service
> as a health care provider. I know very few of my colleagues who chose this
> profession based on it's earning potential. Most of those I have encountered
> in this field are dedicated to helping others with the skills they possess.
>
> I believe the union you propose would be an asset to both the consumer and
> the practitioner. But first you need to consider that you are your own
> advocate. You are the best person to represent yourself and your needs. You
> must insist on your needs being met. You must initiate a dialogue and pursue
> change. If you are unable to help yourself, you are unable to help others.
>
> Joel Kempfer C.P.
Citation
George Boyer, “Re: Response to your comments on certification,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 1, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/213158.
