The nature of work of a prosthetist and orthotist involves various stages.
To start with a P&O professional works as part of a clinical team which
comprises of orthopaedics, physiatrists, nurses and related medical professionals.
They have to study records and reports of a patient regarding the suitable
orthotic/ prosthetic aid required and then have to communicate appropriate
information regarding this to the patients and their families.
They then have to take measurements and casts required for the proper
fabrication and fitting of Prosthetics and orthotics. They have to
formulate designs and select materials and components for making the aids.
All this requires detailed studies as the orthotic and prosthetic
requirements of patients vary with the nature of disability, their
body type, their working and living conditions etc. In short, the prosthesis
and orthosis have to be custom made.
They then have to fit these aids and also teach their patients and their
families, the use of these orthotic and prosthetic aids. They have
to ensure that the fitting and alignment of the aids are proper and do
not cause discomfort to the patients.
A P&O professional's job does not end here. They have to take part
in follow-up procedures, maintenance and replacement of the orthotic
and prosthetic aids. They must supervise the activity of supporting staff, manage
prosthetics and orthotics workshop, maintain safe working environment
and procedures. Those involved in training and education have to
supervise and conduct education and training of prosthetics and orthotics
students upto undergraduate level. They have to upgrade their skills form
time to time and should keep abreast of the latest technology and
breakthrough in this field. They also have to contribute to community
rehabilitation programmes and improve social awareness as regards the
use of prothesis and orthosis and safe medical practices.
As regards the place of work of a P&O professional, they work in
hospitals, clinics, laboratories, work room and fitting rooms, device
manufacturing companies, rehabilitation departments of hospitals and government
agencies, ambulatory care services and special treatment facilities like
arthritis centres. Teaching and research and development are other
options available to them.
This profession is a time demanding one but brings with it good employment
opportunities and self practice facilities. Based on their educational
qualifications and professional experience P&O professionals may get
posted as Technologists, Consultants, Prosthetists and Orthotists in the
supervisory level, as Technicians or Assistants. With upgrading of skills
and considerable amount of job experience they may become Head of the
Department. Those in the teaching field can become Instructors and Lecturers.
Yet others can join R&D cells of government organizations and MNCs
as Researchers. Trained professionals can also start their own manufacturing
and maintenance units.
