Test Blueprint

The test blueprint is a document that has been derived from surveying hand therapists about the nature of their practice and determines the percentage of content included on the test. For example, 23% of the questions on the exam will have content related to evaluation.

A description of relevant tasks that fall under each domain and knowledge areas that have been identified as essential to the practice of hand therapy are provided here.

Practice Domains
1.0	Evaluate Upper Quarter and Relevant Patient Characteristics	23%
	Obtain and review medical, psychosocial, and vocational history Interview patient Plan for and select assessment tools Assess and document skeletal, muscular, nervous, vascular, skin, connective tissue status, functional and/or ergonomic status, and psychosocial factors Reassess and document patient status at appropriate intervals
2.0	Develop Treatment and Discharge Plans	15%
	Integrate theoretical knowledge bases and patient goals into treatment Establish short-term and long-term goals of treatment Establish frequency of treatment in collaboration with patient and referring physician and within the guidelines of third party payers Determine rehabilitation potential Select appropriate treatment techniques Identify appropriate resources to which patients can be referred Consult with and refer to other health care professionals Document the treatment plan Assess readiness and determine discharge needs including return to work Formulate and document discharge plan.
3.0	Implement Treatment Plans	50%
	Implement and modify treatment/interventions to address edema/vascularity, pain, scar, ROM/flexibility, wounds, strength, dexterity, sensation, function, endurance, and posture/movement.
4.0	Provide Population-Based Services	4%
	Determine needs of the target population (e.g., industrial, athletic, and performing artistic groups) Make intervention recommendations (e.g., education programs, prevention strategies, ergonomic modifications, and screening) based on available resources Assist in implementation of interventions Monitor effectiveness of interventions Serve as a resource person/consultant
5.0	Organize and Manage Services	4%
	Comply with regulations that ensure environmental safety Advocate for patients Ensure compliance with organizational policies and procedures Participate in case management Assess patient satisfaction
6.0	Promote Professional Practice	4%
	Maintain ethical and legal standards Participate in evidence-based practice (e.g., scientifically-based, outcome-based) Interpret and apply clinical research and outcome studies
Knowledge Areas
	Surface anatomy Anatomy and physiology of the skin/connective system Anatomy and physiology of the muscular system Anatomy and physiology of the skeletal system Anatomy and physiology of the nervous system Anatomy and physiology of the vascular/lymphatic system Physical properties (e.g., heat, water, light, electricity, and sound) Wound healing Behavioral science, and psychological reactions to impairment Research design and statistics Kinesiology and biomechanics Posture and pathomechanics Etiology and pathology of medical conditions Surgical and medical treatment of conditions Standardized and non-standardized assessment tools Treatment rationale, indications and contraindications Treatment methods, techniques, and tools Expected functional outcomes of treatment Expected physiological and psychological effects of treatment procedures Regulatory and legal guidelines Resource management Professional codes of ethics Safe and appropriate use and maintenance of equipment and assistive devices Safety techniques and procedures (e.g., infection control, emergency procedures, practitioner safety, environmental safety)