[Abstract] The 2019 Practice Analysis of Hand Therapy and the Use of Orthoses by Certified Hand Therapists

Highlights

• The Definition of Hand Therapy and the Scope of Practice of Certified Hand Therapists established by HTCC, strongly and accurately reflects current hand therapy practice by CHTs.

• Hand therapy is a mature and stable specialty field of occupational therapy and physical therapy.

• The use of the terminology of “upper limb” (which excludes the cervical and thoracic spine) instead of “upper quadrant” in the definition of hand therapy remains the most accurate representation of practice.

• The use of orthoses in hand therapy is not an isolated, standalone, technical skill, but is thoroughly integrated into the evaluation and treatment of hand therapy patients.

• Hand therapists use custom and prefabricated orthoses on a daily basis as an integral part of a rehabilitation plan of care

Abstract

In 2019, the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC), in consultation with Scantron Corporation, performed a practice analysis study of hand therapy, the sixth in a series of similar studies performed by HTCC over a 35-year period. More than 40 subject matter experts from the United States and Canada, representing a broad range of experiences and perspectives, developed an updated delineation of the domains, tasks, knowledge, and techniques and tools used in hand therapy practice. A large-scale online survey of certified hand therapists from the United States, Canada, and other countries overwhelmingly validated this profile. Additionally, HTCC explored specific features and trends in hand therapy practice, including details about the use and fabrication of orthoses by hand therapists, and compared findings with previous studies. The results affirmed the test specifications for the Hand Therapy Certification Examination; affirmed the definition of hand therapy; and refined the scope of hand therapy practice. This study will provide guidance for HTCC policy decisions for the next five to seven years.

Source