title: Thirty years of hand therapy: The 2014 practice analysis.
abstract: METHODS
  Quantitative and descriptive study.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  In 2014, the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC), in consultation with Professional Examination Service, performed a practice analysis study of hand therapy, the fifth in a series of similar studies performed by HTCC over a 30-year period.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of the study was to gather data on current hand therapy practice to ensure the content of the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) examination and credentialing program requirements match current practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  Subject-matter experts from the United States and Canada, representing a broad range of experiences and perspectives, developed an updated delineation of the domains, tasks, knowledge, and techniques and tools used in hand therapy practice. Practicing hand therapists from the United States, Canada, Australia, and 13 other countries reviewed the delineation in a large-scale online survey.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The survey overwhelmingly validated the updated profile. Additionally, the survey explored trends in hand therapy practice and compared findings with previous studies. The results were analyzed and compared with findings from previous studies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This analysis led to the revision of the test specifications for the HTCC; the affirmation of the definition of hand therapy; the refinement of the scope of hand therapy practice; and guidance for HTCC policy decisions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Not applicable.
authors: Hand Therapy Certification Commission, Sacramento, CA, USA. Electronic address: info@htcc.org.
authors: JoAnn L
authors: JL
authors: Keller
authors: Professional Examination Service, New York, NY, USA.
authors: Carla M
authors: CM
authors: Caro
authors: Hand Therapy Certification Commission, Sacramento, CA, USA.
authors: Mary P
authors: MP
authors: Dimick
authors: Hand Therapy Certification Commission, Sacramento, CA, USA.
authors: Keri
authors: K
authors: Landrieu
authors: Hand Therapy Certification Commission, Sacramento, CA, USA.
authors: Lynnlee
authors: L
authors: Fullenwider
authors: Hand Therapy Certification Commission, Sacramento, CA, USA.
authors: J Martin
authors: JM
authors: Walsh
mesh_terms: D002568:Certification; D002983:Clinical Competence; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000193:education*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States
keywords: Certified hand therapist (CHT); Hand therapy; Practice analysis; Scope of practice; Trends; Wound management