Prosthetic Curricular Threads: Pilot Survey of Clinical Practice and Physical Therapy Education

Introduction: Physical therapists play a critical role in the rehabilitation of persons with limb loss/limb difference. The introduction to the skills and knowledge necessary to provide skilled care occurs during the physical therapist’s education in an accredited physical therapy program. Although clinical practice evolves as technological changes manifest and the evidence base progresses, it is unclear whether physical therapy education is adapting to stay current with clinical practice. Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the alignment of clinical practice with physical therapy education as it relates to prosthetic-specific curriculum. Methods: Surveys were sent to inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, prosthetic service clinics, and accredited physical therapy programs. Each survey was designed to assess both limb loss/limb difference rehabilitation and prosthetic specific-content germane to the setting being surveyed. Results: Sixty-eight physical therapy programs, 48 prosthetic-service providers, and 14 rehabilitation hospitals responded. Just over one third of physical therapy education programs reported having a course dedicated solely to prosthetic-related content. There was general alignment between what is being taught and what is being practiced in the clinics; however, there was variation in specific content and time devoted to prosthetic-related curriculum across programs. Conclusions: Further alignment of prosthetic-related content and clinical practice is needed in physical therapy programs. Clinical Relevance Statement: More careful alignment of prosthetic curricular content with clinical practice in physical therapy programs will increase the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs and help persons with amputations regain more function and quality of life.