Practice analysis of hand therapy

Area of Science:

• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• The American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT) conducted an initial practice analysis in 1985.
• A follow-up study was essential to reflect the evolving nature of hand therapy practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a practice analysis (role delineation study) of hand therapy in 1994.
• To update the description of hand therapy practice based on expert consensus and CHT validation.
• To inform revisions of the Hand Therapy Certification Examination test specifications.

Main Methods:

• A representative group of content experts developed a description of hand therapy practice.
• A questionnaire was developed to validate this description.
• The questionnaire was distributed to a random sample of 400 certified hand therapists (CHTs).
• A 50% response rate was achieved, with respondents confirming the accuracy of the practice description.

Main Results:

• The survey results confirmed the accuracy of the developed description of hand therapy practice.
• The findings were used to update the test specifications for the Hand Therapy Certification Examination.
• The 1994 study provided a clarified and expanded definition of hand therapy.
• Results were compared to the 1985 ASHT study.

Conclusions:

• The practice analysis successfully updated the definition and scope of hand therapy.
• The Hand Therapy Certification Commission improved its certification program based on the study's findings.
• The updated information ensured the Hand Therapy Certification Examination remained relevant and accurate.