Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
06:58
A Structured Rehabilitation Protocol for Improved Multifunctional Prosthetic Control: A Case Study
Published on: November 6, 2015
Prosthetist/orthotist educational experience & professional development in Pakistan
Lina Magnusson1, Nerrolyn Ramstrand
1Department of Rehabilitation, School of Health Sciences, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden. Lina.magnusson@hhj.hj.se
Disability and Rehabilitation. Assistive Technology
|October 13, 2009
Summary
Graduates of Pakistan Institute of Prosthetic & Orthotic Science (PIPOS) need improved resources and training. Addressing gender inequality and enhancing professional development are crucial for better prosthetic and orthotic services in Pakistan.
Area of Science:
- Prosthetics and Orthotics Education
- Rehabilitation Sciences
- Healthcare Professional Training
Background:
- The Pakistan Institute of Prosthetic & Orthotic Science (PIPOS) provides essential training for prosthetic and orthotic (P&O) professionals in Pakistan.
- Understanding graduate experiences and educational needs is vital for enhancing the quality of P&O services.
- Previous assessments of P&O education in Pakistan are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify areas for improvement and supplementation in the education provided at PIPOS.
- To describe the educational opportunities and further educational needs of PIPOS graduates.
- To inform curriculum development and professional support for P&O practitioners in Pakistan.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews with 15 PIPOS graduates.
- Transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis to identify key themes and insights.
Main Results:
- Graduates reported a need for upgraded educational resources, including literature and internet access, and enhanced staff training.
- Female graduates experienced gender inequality during their education, though management provided support.
- Key challenges for graduates entering the workforce included difficulties with prescription determination, lack of multidisciplinary patient care, and insufficient workshop management knowledge.
- Limited awareness of the P&O profession among the public and medical community was identified.
- Graduates expressed a desire for specialization and international collaboration, while acknowledging the risk of 'brain drain'.
Conclusions:
- PIPOS education meets a fundamental need for P&O services in Pakistan.
- Enhancing program content, upgrading faculty knowledge, improving information access, and addressing gender equality are recommended for better P&O service delivery.
- Graduates have limited professional development opportunities and a strong desire for further education and specialization.
