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.

Thirty years of hand therapy: The 2014 practice analysis.

STUDY DESIGN: Quantitative and descriptive study. INTRODUCTION: In 2014, the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC), in consultation with Professional Examination Service, performed a practice analysis study of hand therapy, the fifth in a series of similar studies performed by HTCC over a 30-year period. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to gather data on current hand therapy practice to ensure the content of the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) examination and credentialing program requirements match current practice. METHODS: 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. Practicing hand therapists from the United States, Canada, Australia, and 13 other countries reviewed the delineation in a large-scale online survey. RESULTS: The survey overwhelmingly validated the updated profile. Additionally, the survey explored trends in hand therapy practice and compared findings with previous studies. The results were analyzed and compared with findings from previous studies. CONCLUSION: This analysis led to the revision of the test specifications for the HTCC; the affirmation of the definition of hand therapy; the refinement of the scope of hand therapy practice; and guidance for HTCC policy decisions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Not applicable.