AOPA Survey of Teaching and Instructional Activities of Prosthetists and Orthotists
J. Warren Perry, Ph.D. *
Lester A. Smith *
The American Orthotics and Prosthetics Association circulated a questionnaire to its membership in June, 1964, asking for information on teaching activities of prosthetists and orthotists. The information received by the Association on the number, type, and settings of lectures and demonstrations on artificial limbs and braces follows.
This Survey was an attempt to document an impression that we thought was true and wanted to document: that many prosthetists and orthotists around the country are engaged in a considerable number and variety of instructional and teaching activities. This was not intended to be an exhaustive study of this subject, but within the limitation of a questionnaire, we wanted evidence to show that, as a part of their own professional development, members of the Association are taking an active role in interpreting the nature of their work to others.
Results of this questionnaire are attached, and we hope you will take the time to examine the many ways in which members have contributed to the educational programs of universities, colleges, hospitals and rehabilitation centers throughout the country. These data are reported in the same order in which the questions were asked.
At colleges and universities, the involvement of prosthetists and orthotists in instructional activities has centered around courses for residents in orthopedic surgery and physical medicine, physical and occupational therapy, and in nursing courses. It is worthy to note that a sizeable number of civic and service clubs, and high school guidance programs have also requested Association members to provide orientation talks on prosthetics and orthotics.
Instructional activities of these kinds are a most influential, direct means of dissemination of information about the fields of prosthetics and orthotics. We wish to take this opportunity to express our appreciation to all of you who participated in this Survey.
1. Have you or members of your staff participated in teaching activities in which you have discussed or explained any aspect of prosthetics— orthotics? Yes 109; No 10.
2. How many of your staff have done this? Table 1
3. Where was this done? Table 2
4. Who were the students in the teaching that you did? Table 3
5. Have you been asked to provide prosthetic-orthotic appliances as instructional materials for any of the courses in geographical areas near you? Explain. No, 16; Yes, 74; Occasionally, 6.
6. Aside from courses, have you been asked and have you been involved in any orientation activities in explaining and describing the fields of prosthetic-orthotics? To what kinds of groups? Explain. Civic, 9; Service, 23; Nurses & PT's, 12; Hospitals, 28: Clinics, 15; Guidance (High Schools), 8.
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