Orthotist-Prosthetist

Orthotist/Prosthetist Job Duties

The Orthotist, Prosthetist or Orthotist/Prosthetist, provide appropriate orthotic and/or prosthetic devices and treatment.

An examination of the patient and assessment of their individual needs and desires.

Compliance with the treatment plan.

Design, component selection, measurement/casting of the patient, fabrication and fitting of the device to the patient.

Proper documentation of the patient record.

Continuing care and periodic examination of the patient and the orthotic/prosthetic device to assess fit, function and changing needs of the patient.

Communicates with patient and/or caregiver about the recommended treatment plan, to involve them in orthotic or prosthetic care; include disclosure of potential risks/benefits.

Verify patient care by documenting history, ongoing care and follow-up, using established record-keeping techniques.

Refer patient, if appropriate, to higher level Orthotist and/or Prosthetist for intervention beyond orthotic/prosthetic scope of practice or privileging.

Consults with higher-level Orthotist and/or Prosthetist to clarify or with physician/referral source to modify, if necessary, the original prescription and/or treatment plan.

Identify material, design and components to support anticipated outcome.

Inform patient, family and/or caregiver of the orthotic/prosthetic procedure, possible risks and time involved in the procedure.

Select appropriate material/techniques to implement treatment plan.

Provide patient with preparatory care for orthotic/prosthetic treatment.

Prepare patient for procedure required to initiate treatment plan.

Consult technical component/material resources as required.

Prepare delineation/impression/template for modification/fabrication.

Fabricate/assemble prescribed device by assembling selected materials/components to prepare for fitting and/or delivery.

Assess device for structural safety and ensure that manufacturers' guidelines have been followed prior to patient fitting/delivery.

Assess/align orthosis/prosthesis for accuracy in sagittal, transverse and coronal planes to provide maximum function/comfort.

Provide gait training /functional-use training.

Ensure that materials, design and components are fit/delivered as prescribed.

Complete fabrication process after achieving optimal fit of orthosis/prosthesis.

Educate/counsel patient and/or caregiver about the use and maintenance of the orthosis/prosthesis.

Reassess orthosis/prosthesis for structural safety prior to patient delivery.

Document treatment using established record-keeping techniques to verify implementation of treatment plan.

Solicit subjective feedback from patient and/or caregiver to determine status.

Assess patient's functional level.

Assess patient's skin condition.

Assess patient's general health, height and weight, and note any changes.

Assess patient's psychosocial status, and note any changes.

Assess fit of orthosis/prosthesis with regard to strategic contact to determine need for changes relative to initial treatment goals.

Assess fit of orthosis/prosthesis with regard to anatomical relationships to orthosis/prosthesis to determine need for changes relative to initial treatment goals.

Formulate plan to modify orthosis/prosthesis based on findings; inform patient and/or caregiver of plan to modify orthosis/prosthesis.

Make specified modifications to orthosis/prosthesis.

Assess modified device for structural safety, and ensure that manufacturers' guidelines have been followed.

Evaluate modifications to orthosis/prosthesis, including static and dynamic assessment to confirm that goals and objectives of modifications have been met.

Reassess patient knowledge and understanding of goals and objectives to ensure proper use of orthosis/prosthesis relative to modifications.

Document all findings and actions and communicate with appropriate health care professionals.

Adheres to established policies and procedures in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations as well as professional and ethical guidelines.

Communicates roles and expectations of employer and employees by providing documentation to create a professional, cooperative working environment and improve patient care.

Participates in continuing education and/or provide such education for other health care professionals, orthotic and prosthetic practitioners.

Participates in education for residents, students and trainees.

Participates in product development research, clinical trials and outcome evaluation studies.

Participates in/with consumer organizations and nongovernmental organizations to promote competency and enhancement of orthotic/prosthetic profession.

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized