Orthotist-Prosthetist

Summary

This position functions primarily in the Orthotic-Prosthetic Laboratory Section of the Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service. The Orthotist, Prosthetist or Orthotist/Prosthetist, provides the appropriate orthotic and/or prosthetic devices and treatment.

To accomplish this goal, the Orthotist, Prosthetist, or Orthotist/Prosthetist through a comprehensive examination of the patient and assessment of their individual needs and desires and function of the needs of the patient.

Duties

Performs a comprehensive assessment of the patient to obtain an understanding of the patients' orthotic/prosthetic needs:

• Review patient's prescription/referral
• Take a comprehensive patient history, including demographic characteristics, family dynamics, previous use of an orthosis/prosthesis, diagnosis, work history, vocational activities, signs and symptoms, medical history (including allergies to materials), reimbursement status, patient expectations and results of diagnostic evaluations.
• Assist in formulating the treatment plan by performing a diagnosisspecific functional clinical examination, including manual muscletesting, gait assessment and evaluation of sensory function, cognitive ability, range of motion, joint stability, skin integrity and compliance.
• Consult with other health care professionals and caregivers about patient's condition to assist in formulating a treatment plan.
• Communicate with patient and/or caregiver about the recommended treatment plan, and any optional plans, to involve them in orthotic or prosthetic care; include disclosure of potential risks/benefits.
• Verify patient care by documenting history, ongoing care and followup, using established recordkeeping techniques.
• Refer patient, if appropriate, to other health care professionals (e.g., psychologist, therapist, physician) for intervention beyond orthotic/prosthetic scope of practice.

Perform the necessary procedures to independently and without direct supervision deliver the appropriate orthotic/prosthetic services, which may include fabrication of the orthosis/prosthesis:

• 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 (e.g., diagnostic splint, residual limb shrinker).
• Prepare patient for procedure required to initiate treatment plan (e.g., take impression, digitize, delineate, scan)
• Implement procedure (e.g., take impression, digitize, delineate, scan).
• Select appropriate materials, components and specifications for orthosis/prosthesis based on patient criteria to ensure optimum strength, durability and function as required (e.g., choose ankle or knee joints, feet, knee units; choose material of components, lamination layups).
• Consult technical component/material resources as required.
• Prepare delineation/impression/template for modification/fabrication (e.g., prepare impression/reverse delineation, seal and fill impression/pour cast, digitize, strip model, download shape to carver or modification software).
• Modify and prepare patient model for fabrication.
• Fabricate/assemble prescribed device by assembling selected materials/components to prepare for fitting and/or delivery (e.g., laminate/vacuumform, remove socket/ orthosis from model, smooth and finish orthosis/prosthesis, contour side bars to model/delineation, smooth and finish sidebars, bench align components to socket, strap orthosis/prosthesis as necessary, perform final assembly of orthosis/prosthesis for patient fitting/delivery).
• Assess device for structural safety and ensure that manufacturers' guidelines have been followed prior to patient fitting/delivery (e.g., torque values, patient weight limits).
• Assess/align orthosis/prosthesis for accuracy in sagittal, transverse and coronal planes to provide maximum function/comfort.
• Provide gait training /functionaluse training.

VA Careers - Prosthetics:

Work Schedule:
Monday - Friday; 7:30am-4:00pm

Telework:
Ad-hoc

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives:
Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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