The 2019 practice analysis of hand therapy and the use of orthoses by certified hand therapists.

BACKGROUND: 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 byHTCC over a 35-year period. PURPOSE: The primary goal of this study was to update and validate the definition and delineation of hand therapy and to ensure that the test content outline for the Hand Therapy Certification Examination (HTCE) reflects the critical tasks, knowledge, and skills required in the practice of hand therapy. Additionally, HTCC explored specific trends in hand therapy practice, compared findings with previous studies, and gathered data about the frequency, criticality, and performance expectations for the use and fabrication of orthoses by hand therapists. STUDY DESIGN: Quantitative Descriptive. METHODS: 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 all certified hand therapists from the United States, Canada, and other countries was completed to test the profile within the practice of hand therapy. RESULTS: This large-scale online survey overwhelmingly validated the profile of hand therapy. 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. New data was gathered regarding the use of orthotics in hand therapy. CONCLUSIONS: This study establishes content validity for the HTCE. It highlights that the specialty of hand therapy is a mature and stable specialty field of occupational therapy and physical therapy. Certified Hand Therapists frequently issue pre-fabricated and fabricate custom orthoses in the course of rehabilitation for clients with hand and arm injuries, and overall consider this a highly critical task in hand therapy practice. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.

Advancing recertification for nurse anesthetists in an environment of increased accountability.

The nurse anesthesia profession has been an advocate of credentialing since 1945 when the certification program and initial requirements were introduced. Substantial changes have evolved in the credentialing of health professionals over recent years to include documentation of initial and continuing competence while promoting patient safety. The National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) has conducted a 3-year investigation into continuing competence as applied to the practice of nurse anesthesia and to other professions. The purpose of this article is to present the essential concepts and current developments related to competence and continuing competence for nurse anesthetists. The NBCRNA continues to seek input from nurse anesthetists and stakeholders in its deliberations on how to define the future requirements for continuing competence.

The length of certification examinations.

The AHRA CRA examination development process is based on the sampling plan (or test blueprint) developed from the role delineation study implemented in 2001. Panels of radiology administration experts have written and validated multiple-choice questions and assembled the first version in accordance with the test blueprint. The number of questions in each domain is listed in Table 2.