Conservative and Surgical Management of the Osteoarthritic Hand and Wrist, 3rd Edition

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About the Course  
This intermediate-level course provides rehabilitation practitioners with a detailed overview of the pathophysiology and mechanics of the joints of the hand of those diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA). Both occupational therapists (OTs) and physical therapists (PT) are trained initially as generalists in understanding the signs and symptoms of OA, the functional implications of the condition, and basic methods of intervention. An intimate knowledge of this condition and its treatment, typically reserved for those who specialize in hand therapy, will become paramount for generalists, too. With an aging American population, and based on the percentage of older adults affected, will come an increase in the number of individuals experiencing the signs, symptoms, and occupational disruptions associated with OA. The focused content on hand and wrist OA offered in this course provides the practitioner with the tools needed to assist clients in decreasing pain and deformity, while enhancing function. The course offers practitioners in-depth knowledge of several of the most common medical and evidence-based treatments, and it provides instruction for the application of techniques in evaluation and intervention. These include specific interventions, physical agent modalities, orthoses (splints), adaptive equipment, and joint protection to allow clients to engage in meaningful daily occupations.

About the Author
Erin K. Peterson, DHSc, OTR, CHT is an Assistant Professor of Practice in the School of Occupational Therapy, University of Indianapolis. She graduated with an entry-level Masters of Occupational Therapy in 2011 and earned a Doctorate in Health Sciences in 2014 from the University of Indianapolis. In 2018, she obtained her Certified Hand Therapist credential. She maintains clinical practice in upper extremity rehabilitation at Community Health Network in Indianapolis, IN, and is skilled in the design and optimization of rehabilitation documentation templates used in electronic medical record systems. Additionally, Dr. Peterson has research interests in improving client satisfaction in rehabilitation and post operative scar management. 

Learning Outcomes

  • Recognize the etiology and pathophysiology of osteoarthritis (OA) of the hand and wrist.
  • Explain the process and criteria for reaching a clinical diagnosis of OA.
  • Identify the goals and treatment options for managing OA.
  • Determine an occupational therapy intervention plan for management and treatment of OA of the proximal and distal finger joints.
  • Differentiate an occupational therapy intervention plan for the management and treatment of OA of the carpometacarpal thumb joint.
  • Construct an occupational therapy intervention plan for the management and treatment of OA of the wrist

How to Receive Credit  

  • Read the entire course online or in print which requires a 2 hour commitment of time. 
  • Complete a mandatory test (a passing score of 75% is required). Test questions link content to learning objectives as a method to enhance individualized learning and material retention.
  • Provide required personal and payment information.
  • Complete the mandatory course evaluation.
  • Print your Certificate of Completion.

Resolution of Conflict of Interest* 
Planners, faculty, and others in control of content (either individually or as a group) have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Sponsorship/Commercial Support and Non-Endorsement
It is the policy of Colibri Healthcare, LLC not to accept commercial support. Furthermore, commercial interests are prohibited from distributing or providing access to this activity to learners.
 
Disclaimer
The information provided in this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition. 
©2023: All Rights Reserved. Materials may not be reproduced without the expressed written permission or consent of Colibri Healthcare, LLC. The materials presented in this course are meant to provide the consumer with general information on the topics covered. The information provided was prepared by professionals with practical knowledge of the areas covered. It is not meant to provide medical, legal, or professional advice. Colibri Healthcare, LLC recommends that you consult a medical, legal, or professional services expert licensed in your state. Colibri Healthcare, LLC has made all reasonable efforts to ensure that all content provided in this course is accurate and up to date at the time of printing but does not represent or warrant that it will apply to your situation nor circumstances and assumes no liability from reliance on these materials. Quotes are collected from customer feedback surveys. The models are intended to be representative and not actual customers. 

Accreditations and Approvals

AOTA logoColibri Healthcare, LLC is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course approval ID# 6832. This Distance Learning-Independent is offered at .2 CEUs, Intermediate, OT Service Delivery, Foundational Knowledge. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.