title: 2008 practice analysis study of hand therapy.
abstract: In 2008, the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC), in consultation with Professional Examination Service, performed a practice analysis study of hand therapy, the fourth in a series of similar studies performed by HTCC over a 23-year period. An updated profile of the domains, tasks, knowledge, and techniques and tools used in hand therapy practice was developed by subject-matter experts representing a broad range of experiences and perspectives. A large-scale online survey of hand therapists from the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand overwhelmingly validated this profile. Additionally, trends in hand therapy practice and education were explored and compared with the previous studies. The results led to the revision of the test specifications for the Hand Therapy Certification Examination; permitted refinement of the definition and scope of hand therapy; identified professional development and continuing education opportunities; and guided HTCC policy decisions regarding exam and recertification eligibility requirements.
authors.affiliation: Hand Therapy Certification Commission, Sacramento, California 95825, USA.
authors.forename: Mary P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Dimick
authors.forename: Carla M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Caro
authors.forename: Mary C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Kasch
authors.forename: Patricia M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Muenzen
authors.forename: Lynnlee
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Fullenwider
authors.forename: Patricia A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Keri
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Landrieu
authors.forename: J Martin
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Walsh
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D002170:Canada; D002568:Certification; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004521:Educational Measurement; D006801:Humans; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D009520:New Zealand; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D026761:Physical Therapy Specialty / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D034941:Upper Extremity; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation