Global Hand Surgery: Initiatives that Work (The Touching Hands Project): Why, When, and How!

The Touching Hands Project was initiated as part of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) outreach effort in 2014. The project has expanded rapidly and has become a pillar along with education, research, clinical practice (patient care), and organizational excellence. This article explains the background behind The Touching Hands Project that leads to a groundswell of support for ASSH's commitment to outreach from the leadership, membership, and corporate members. The Touching Hands Project in collaboration with organizations with similar missions has greatly expanded hand care across the globe by focusing on education, patient care, surgery, and rehabilitation.