An ICF-based education programme in amputation rehabilitation for medical residents in the Netherlands

Education programmes of the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO) are directed primarily at prosthetists and orthotists. In a multidisciplinary setting, greater attention should be given to other professionals working in the field of amputation, prosthetics and orthotics. This includes, among others, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and residents and physicians from orthopaedics, vascular surgery and physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). The aim of this paper is to describe the education programme in amputation and prosthetics for residents in PM&R in the Netherlands. The programme is based on concepts of the International Classification on Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).

This narrative paper presents the amputation and prosthetics education programme for residents in PM&R in the Netherlands. The programme is based on two models: the ICF and the Canadian Medical Education Directives for Specialists (CanMEDS).

ICF core sets for amputation and prosthetics need further development. Subsequently, the application of these core sets can help stimulate the education of residents in PM&R, and other multidisciplinary team members who work in amputation rehabilitation.

Through this education programme, residents work closely with other team members using the common language of the ICF, enhancing treatment and technical advice in amputee care.