Perceived Role Responsibilities Among Physical Therapists and Orthotists

ABSTRACT Introduction The provision of orthoses is a specialized practice within healthcare that requires collaboration among professionals for successful treatment outcomes. Although orthotists are an integral part of the process, the role of the orthotists may not be commonly understood or appreciated. Among the rehabilitative health care team, physical therapists (PTs) and orthotists are especially aligned, with overlapping roles in each profession's scope of practice. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional survey was distributed to members of the health care team, including certified prosthetist orthotists and PTs. Chi-squared tests were calculated to compare PT and orthotist responses to a question regarding role responsibilities of each team member. We hypothesized that there would be disagreement among the professions as to which tasks orthotists are responsible for performing. Results The results of this study suggest that PTs and orthotists agree that orthotists are responsible for recommending a patient-specific orthosis. Interestingly, PTs did not identify orthotists as a team member responsible for performing patient assessment and evaluation tasks, despite these tasks being a key driver of patient-specific orthosis recommendations. Conclusions Interprofessional education to increase knowledge of orthotic management principles among PTs may improve collaboration and communication within the health care team. Clinical Relevance The present study identified a potential gap in PT awareness of the scope of practice and training of certified orthotists. Provision of optimal patient management requires clear understanding of respective roles and responsibilities of the health care team.