PROFILE SPECIALISATION HAND-OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Introduction / Background: Hand therapy is the art and science of rehabilitation of the upper extremity of the human body. It has become a specialisation for occupational therapists (OT) and physiotherapists (PT) in theory and... [ view full abstract ]

Introduction / Background:
Hand therapy is the art and science of rehabilitation of the upper extremity of the human body. It has become a specialisation for occupational therapists (OT) and physiotherapists (PT) in theory and practice, combining a comprehensive knowledge of both the anatomy and function of the upper extremity and conceptual issues involved in rehabilitation.

Description of the policy / proposed policy
In the process of acknowledgment of the specialisation of Hand-Occupational Therapists (Hand-OT) the 'Profile Specialisation Hand-Occupational Therapist' has been realized (Boer-Vreeke e.a., 2015) by a partnership between Dutch Association of Occupational Therapists (EN) and Dutch Society for Hand Therapy (NVHT). The relevant occupational therapy documents as well as the document 'Hand Therapist Profile' that is acknowledged by the EFSHT and IFSHT, have served as the basis for this document.

The 'Profile Specialisation Hand-Occupational Therapist' describes in what way the hand-OT differs from the professional practice of the generalist-occupational therapist.
In this profile, the bottom-up approach as well as the top-down approach within hand-occupational therapy are described. The hand-OT will however always navigate between the bottom-up and the top -down approach, and decide when and which approach is the most effective and most appropriate. Here arises the 'customisation' of the occupation-based, client-centred approach of a hand-OT.

Application of the policy to practice:
Based on competences, knowledge and skills, described in this 'Profile Specialization Hand-OT', the procedure and criteria for a 'Register of Specialised Hand-OT's' will be developed.