BAPO Admin

Details

This webinar will detail the design and application of the PDE Neuro strut alongside 3D printing the components for the calf, ankle and foot. The aim of the webinar is to fully explain the modularity and adjustability of the orthosis. The main concept is the interchangeable struts that allow the adjustment of the overall orthosis stiffness.

Day 1 is presented virtually and covers footwear assessment procedures, what to consider, analysis of the situation and how to use this information to choose the most appropriate type of footwear.  The different types of footwear will be discussed, stock, modular, and bespoke footwear (its uses, allowances, benefits and limitations).  The mechanics of feet and how they affect footwear and how footwear affects feet is included, with lots of detail about designing bespoke footwear and how each part of it should be specified and designed by the orthotist to achieve the best outcome for the patient.​​ 
 

Days 2 and 3 are face to face and includes practical sessions aiming to improve assessment, measuring skills, casting, fitting, supplying and reviewing skills.​ 

Potential problems at fitting and review and how to resolve them will be discussed and suggestions on how to improve practice will be suggested. ​ 

Attendees should be prepared to share a short case study on day 1.  This can be either a success or a problem that they experience in their footwear provision.  A brief description is all that is needed but photos would help.​​ 

Attendees should bring an example of a footwear draft to day 2.​ 
 
Delegates will need to attend all 3 days of this Short Course. 

Details

Communication between prosthetic / orthotic clinicians and technicians plays a vital role in Prosthetics and Orthotics. Both parties have to exchange clinical and technical information which needs to be accurately understood to ensure the unique needs of patients are integrated into the design and fabrication process. Due to the limited literature investigating this topic, a qualitative study which aims to explore the impact of communication on PO devices and their relationship are required. 

Methods 

Semi-structured interviews were performed, targeting the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered prosthetists, orthotists and technicians who worked at four main Opcare centres in Midlands region and two in East Anglia region. Transcribed interviews were input into NVivo software and thematic analysis was employed to identify explore key themes arising from the qualitative data.  

Results 

Ten respondents took part in this study, seven clinicians and three technicians. Participants used a variety of communication methods; however, verbal communication was mostly preferred. Specification which was too long and ambiguous were identified as a main obstacle to effective written communication. The effectiveness of communication encounters challenges in the context of offsite manufacturing. The importance of device quality was emphasized as a significant factor affecting communication. The study also found that open and honest communication enriched team collaboration and respect among team members. 

Conclusions 

This qualitative study provides comprehensive and rich data which explores the impact of communication on PO device and relationships and offers recommendations for researchers and practitioners to enhance patient care and foster a friendly work environment through effective communication.