BOSTON – The Orthotic and Prosthetic Technological Association is in the process of creating industry standard guidelines for central fabrication facilities and technicians. To date, there is no common reference guide or manual that technicians can access, and what reference materials exist are dated at best, Patrick J. Myrdal, RTPO (C), FCBC, president of the Orthotic and Prosthetic Technological Association (OPTA), said at the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association Technical Summit held at the American Orthotic & Prosthetic National Assembly here.
Myrdal said the need for such a document is critical.
“Without evidence we have no foundation, without foundation we have no science, without science, we have no future,” he said.
Patrick J. Mydral
According to OPTA, the goal of the fabrication manual is to create a reference to be used by educators to create tests and curriculum to gauge basic O&P fabrication knowledge and have references for future certification/registration exams; create a learning reference that has real world value and application to current technicians that will serve as a lab (shop) reference for everyday work; and create a tool that can be used by future practitioners to better understand the fabrication side of O&P. The manual will be a basic visual reference established on NCOPE requirements, Myrdal said.
The manual will be consolidated by a group of credentialed O&P professionals, he said. The organization is actively seeking volunteers to help with the project, especially those with a passion for a particular process or fabrication method.
For more information:
Myrdal P. OPTA Guidelines. Presented at the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association National Assembly 2012. Sept. 6-9, Boston.
