Successful Splinting: Hands-On Fabrication and Troubleshooting

Purpose of course: Successful Splinting: Hands-On Fabrication and Troubleshooting will provide the information and working knowledge to more confidently and effectively produce splints, including determining appropriate material selection, identifying appropriate pre-cut or splinting sheet material for use cases, and special considerations or appropriate modifications based on patient need. Case studies will be used to reinforce learnings, and instructor supported hands-on fabrication of five commonly prescribed splints will be completed.

Course learning objectives: Learning Outcomes and Assessment Methods Successful Splinting: Hands-on Fabrication and Troubleshooting Performance Health Academy CEU Course 1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in using anatomical landmarks to fabricate an effective splint. Specific Outcome Goal: Attendees will demonstrate the ability to identify five anatomical landmarks that are used in the fabrication of upper extremity splints, issues related to the inaccurate use of anatomical landmarks and contributing factors. Assessment of Learning Outcomes Splinting Lab providing hands-on experience integrated with close supervision by instructor with discussion to confirm appropriate and accurate application of anatomical landmarks as required. Case study assessment along with interactive discussion specifically focused on the most commonly experienced issues related to the inaccurate use of anatomical landmarks. The instructor will confirm understanding of the above via verbal interaction, offering feedback and correction as necessary. Attendees will demonstrate the ability to verbally explain the process of identifying at least one contributing factor to the splint/anatomical landmark issue being discussed as well as at least one method of intervention to correct the issue. The instructor will confirm understanding of the above via verbal interaction, offering feedback and correction as necessary. Q and A session along with brief post-test period will be provided to allow the instructor to follow up and provide any additional information as deemed necessary. 2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the properties of a range of splinting materials. Specific Outcome Goal: Attendees will demonstrate competency in the selection of appropriate splint material for specific diagnoses and understanding of splint material characteristics. Assessment of Learning Outcomes – Attendee will demonstrate ability to select and explain the necessity and purpose of no less than two splint materials for each of the splints fabricated in the Splint Lab. – Case studies will be used and include verbal discussion with attendees able to identify at least two corrective measures to optimize a splint that take into account the inherent properties of splinting materials. – Attendees will demonstrate the ability to verbally explain the handling characteristics of different splint materials, how to properly prepare splinting materials, and one appropriate splint type per material. The instructor will confirm understanding of the above via verbal interaction, offering feedback and correction as necessary. – Q and A session along with brief post-test period will be provided to allow the instructor to follow up and provide any additional information as deemed necessary. 3. Demonstrate understanding of the splinting process, including the use of patterns, and design and fabrication of splints. Specific Outcome Goal: Attendees will demonstrate competency in the ability to identify and explain at least 3 steps in the splint fabrication process as well as at least one diagnostic and/or patient specific lifestyle consideration when selecting a specific splint pattern. Assessment of Learning Outcomes Case studies will be used and attendees will verbally identify at least one contributing diagnostic factor and at least one patient specific contributing factor that was considered in selecting the splint pattern for a splint they fabricated. Hands-on demonstration by the instructor and subsequent hands-on fabrication by the attendee of splints to further reinforce the successful start-to-finish process of splint fabrication as well as reinforce diagnosis/lifestyle considerations in fabricating splints. Attendees will participate in an instructor- facilitated discussion to examine challenges in the splint fabrication process as well as the ramifications the diagnosis/patient needs have on splint process and design. The instructor will confirm understanding of the above via verbal interaction, offering feedback and correction as necessary. Q and A session along with brief post-test period will be provided to allow the instructor to follow up and provide any additional information as deemed necessary. 4. Identify the types of splinting materials used in the hands on portion, their similarities and differences, and one or more use cases for each. Specific Outcome Goal: Attendees will demonstrate competency with the selection of the appropriate splint materials for specific diagnoses including, but not limited to: carpal tunnel, RA, Game Keeper’s Thumb, by identifying two splint material format options that would address the above diagnoses. Assessment of Learning Outcomes Case studies will be used and attendees will verbally justify the rationale for selecting at least two splint material characteristics on two or more of the splints fabricated in class. The instructor will confirm understanding of the above via verbal interaction, offering feedback and correction as necessary. Q and A session along with brief post-test period will be provided to allow the instructor to follow up and provide any additional information as deemed necessary. 5. Create from start to finish the 5 required splint types covered in the course and demonstrate modification of splints for proper fit. Specific Outcome Goal: Attendee will be able successfully adjust orthotic in the following areas: 1. Desired angle of joint not met during initial fabrication. 2. Splint fits too loose around a digit per complaint of patient 3. Lateral border of splint is causing redness of the skin within 20 minutes of wear time. 4. Patient complaints of skin irritation. Assessment of Learning Outcomes Hands-on demonstration by the instructor followed by attendees competing stated modification on at least one splint. Application of strapping to all splints, with attendees able to state at least two justifications for either strapping material choice or placement of strapping on the splint. Attendee will demonstrate in lab session how to adjust the angle & width of one portion of the splint while maintaining the integrity of the remainder of the splint. Group discussion of examples of fitting challenges encountered in everyday clinic situations, options for successful corrective measures with attendees able to report at least one corrective measure used for a splint fabricated during the course. Q and A session along with brief post-test period will be provided to allow the instructor to follow up and provide any additional information as deemed necessary.

Name and credentials of all Instructors: Dr. Kirsten N Davin, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, SMS; Cindy Bauer, MSOT, OTR/L; Bruce Curtis, OT; Elisa Marks, MS, OTR/L, CHT, CEAS; Christina Schmidt, OTR/L, CHT

Describe the experience the instructors have in teaching this course: The course instructors have from 16 to 38 years of splint-making experience in a multitude of clinical environments. They are highly qualified professionals who are not only experts in the field but are passionate about what they do and understand the unique challenges that more novice splinters face on a daily basis. All have previous experience in teaching splinting techniques, and bring a breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding to presenting the material that adds considerable value to the attendee.

How many hours of continuing education are you applying for: 6

Who is the target audience: OT, OTA. PT, PTA

Expected enrollment: 10-20

Course sponsor (if applicable): Performance Health Academy