In 2008, the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC), in consultation with Professional Examination Service, performed a practice analysis study of hand therapy, the fourth in a series of similar studies performed by HTCC over a 23-year period. An updated profile of the domains, tasks, knowledge, and techniques and tools used in hand therapy practice was developed by subject-matter experts representing a broad range of experiences and perspectives. A large-scale online survey of hand therapists from the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand overwhelmingly validated this profile. Additionally, trends in hand therapy practice and education were explored and compared with the previous studies. The results led to the revision of the test specifications for the Hand Therapy Certification Examination; permitted refinement of the definition and scope of hand therapy; identified professional development and continuing education opportunities; and guided HTCC policy decisions regarding exam and recertification eligibility requirements.
Hand Therapy Certification Commission, Sacramento, California
Professional Examination Service, New York, New York
Hand Therapy Certification Commission, Sacramento, California
Professional Examination Service
Hand Therapy Certification Commission, Sacramento, California
Correspondence and reprint requests to Mary C. Kasch, OTR/L, CHT, FAOTA, Hand Therapy Certification Commission, 1337 Howe Avenue, STE 230, Sacramento, CA 95825
Conflict of interest statement: The Hand Therapy Certification Commission fully sponsored this research. The authors have not received and will not receive benefits of any kind from commercial parties associated with products or companies mentioned in this article, and do not have any financial interest in such companies or products.
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