Thirty Years of Hand Therapy: The 2014 Practice Analysis

Abstract In 2014, the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC), in consultation with Professional Examination Service (ProExam), performed a practice analysis study of hand therapy, the fifth in a series of similar studies performed by HTCC over a 30-year period. Subject matter experts from the US and Canada, representing a broad range of experiences and perspectives, developed an updated delineation of the domains, tasks, knowledge, and techniques and tools used in hand therapy practice. A large-scale online survey of hand therapists from the United States, Canada, Australia, and 13 other countries overwhelmingly validated this profile. Additionally, HTCC explored trends in hand therapy practice and compared findings with previous studies. The results led to the revision of the test specifications for the Hand Therapy Certification Examination; the affirmation of the definition of hand therapy; the refinement of the scope of hand therapy practice; and guidance for HTCC policy decisions. Study Design Quantitative - Descriptive Level of Evidence N/A