The Hand: An Interactive Study for Therapists
By Judy Colditz, OTR/L, CHT, FAOTA
Order #3017
Earn 1.6 AOTA CEU (16 NBCOT PDUs/16 contact hours)
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Discover the amazing three-dimensional world of the hand This Self-Paced Clinical Course combines a written guide with interactive computer-based learning- the anatomical-based CD-ROM,
The Interactive Hand: Therapy Edition, Version 1.1 (2001).
Explore the multiple layers of complex anatomy of the hand while other images and text within the CD-ROM give you information on palpation, examination, and the presentation of common hand diagnoses. The course focuses on the anatomical basis and clinical presentation of problems in the hand and forearm.
This is excellent material, whether you specialize in hand therapy or you work with other patient populations.
Course Outline
Lesson 1: Arterial, Venous, and Lymphatic Systems
Occupational therapists who treat hand problems are commonly concerned with joint motion, strength, and sensibility when formulating functional goals. This lesson presents important information about how and when to recognize a problem with arterial, venous, or lymphatic flow that may require physician intervention.
Lesson 2: Bone
The skeletal structure of the human body is the mechanical framework on which we depend for both stability and mobility. This lesson focuses on the anatomy of the bones of the forearm and hand whereas the next lesson (Lesson 3) reviews the joints and ligaments that allow motion. The thrust of this lesson is for you to understand how bones heal and the stiffness commonly resulting from that process.
Lesson 3: Ligament and Joint
In this lesson, you will learn to recognize the anatomy of the ligaments of all joints in the hand; identify the joints of the forearm, wrist, and hand; recognize common deformities caused by rheumatoid arthritis; identify common ligament injuries in the hand, and recognize mobilization splints used to reduce joint stiffness.
Lesson 4: Nerve
Treatment focuses on appreciating the amount of nerve recovery in order to provide exercise and activities that facilitate continuing return of nerve function, rather than overwhelming it. This lesson spotlights common clinical presentations of median, ulnar, and radial nerve neuropathy at various levels; components of a peripheral nerve evaluation; the function of the sympathetic nerve fibers; goals of peripheral nerve splinting; and common splint designs for peripheral nerve injuries.
Lesson 5: Muscle and Tendon
Direct injury to tendons, especially in the fingers, requires a sophisticated knowledge of tendon healing to protect the repair and also maintain tendon glide and joint mobility at the same time. Differences in extrinsic and intrinsic muscles, isometric and isotonic muscle contraction, and flexor and extensor tendon injuries are explained. Also, appropriate splints for common tendon injuries are identified.
Lesson 6: Skin, Wound, and Scar
This lesson should serve as a catalyst for you to further investigate the fascinating world of wound healing. Gain the skills needed for detecting signs of skin tightness and types of scars, as well as learn how to care for burn wounds, take necessary precautions for open wounds and newly healed skin grafts; and the proper use of standard scar treatment techniques.
Each lesson covers one of the major anatomical systems of the hand. This division by anatomical systems is necessary for sequential presentation of the information. Integration of the information may require periodic review of previous lessons. The case studies accompanying the lessons help you integrate the interrelationships between the anatomical systems.
Topics are covered in the same sequence of information:
- Anatomy and physiology: A review of the system being discussed
- Specific diagnoses: Common diagnoses that involve the anatomical system
- Clinical presentation: Examples of how pathology of the anatomical system presents clinically
- Evaluation skills: Examination, palpation, and other manual tests necessary to evaluate the pathology of an anatomical system
- Measurement and documentation: Methods to measure and document the clinical presentation so that progress may be charted
- Precautions and contraindications: Information to ensure that you do no harm to the patient with a given anatomical system problem
- Treatment competencies: Skills necessary to appropriately treat the anatomical system pathology
- Case study: A typical patient scenario, demonstrating the use of evaluation and treatment methods
- Lesson summary points: A list of important points from the lesson to review
- Skills checklist: A list of skills you should learn and practice
- References and suggested reading: A list of references to direct you to a more in-depth study of the lesson's topic
- Glossary: Important terms with definitions from the lesson
Learning Objectives
After reading this Self-Paced Clinical Course and completing the written exam, the reader will be able to:
- Identify specific anatomy of each of the major systems of the hand.
- Differentiate the clinical presentation of common diagnoses of the hand.
- Choose appropriate evaluation techniques for common diagnoses of the hand.
- Select how to measure and document the clinical presentation of common diagnoses of the hand.
- Identify the major precautions and treatment contraindications of common hand diagnoses.
- Choose treatment skills that are appropriate for common hand diagnoses.
NOTE: Each lesson has its own set of learning objectives as well.
Content Focus
Category 1: Domain of Occupational Therapy, Client Factors
Category 2: Occupational Therapy Process, Evaluation and Intervention
Target Audience
Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants
Content Level
Intermediate. At this level, information is geared to the occupational therapist with a general working knowledge of current practice trends and literature related to the subject matter. Focus is on increasing understanding and competent application of the subject matter.
Continuing Education Credit
A certificate of completion for 1.6 AOTA CEUs (16 NBCOT PDUS/16 contact hours) will be awarded for successful completion of the self-paced clinical course measured by a passing score of 80% on a written exam.
Additional Information
Ways to order: Call 877-404-AOTA (2682) Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m. -5:00 p.m. EST, Fax 301-206-9789, or order online by clicking the Order Now link above.
Exam
You are encouraged to complete the SPCC and return the exam within one year of purchase, although completed examinations will be accepted at any time until such time as the course is discontinued. Certificates of completion are awarded after you have successfully completed the written examination with an 80% passing score.
To Retake Exam
If you are not successful in passing the SPCC exam, you may opt to retake it a second time for a processing fee of $75.00. To retake the exam, call 877-404-AOTA. You must do so after 6 weeks to allow time for further study and within 6 months of the notification that you failed.
Return Policy
If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, return it within 30 days of the invoice date for a full refund on the price of the product(s). Returns received between 30 and 90 days are subject to a 10% restocking fee, unless due to damage, defect, or incorrect shipment. Items must be returned in saleable condition.
Self-Paced Clinical Course returns are charged a 10% administrative fee regardless of the return date. No refunds are issued after 90 days. Shipping and handling charges are not refundable. These policies do not apply to bookstores.
Non-Degree Credit from Colorado State University. These SPCCs have also been approved to receive non-degree graduate credits from Colorado State University. Information regarding cost and application to Colorado State will be included with your materials.