VHSF Syllabus
Location: Online
Presenter: Mirella Deisher, OTD, MS, OTR/L, CHT
Target Audience: International Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, & Certified Hand Therapists
Educational Level: Intermediate
Instructional Method: Online instruction
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The content of this course addresses the ability of the fellow to perform efficient and effective examination and intervention procedures for the upper extremity and hand in a manner consistent with current evidence and best practice. Case studies and mentorship will provide an opportunity to hone critical thinking skills as we analyze specific cases to improve outcomes.
PREREQUISITES: Licensed OT, PT, CHTs, COTAs & PTAs
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Achievement of objectives depends on full participation which includes:
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Completion of assigned readings
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Utilize Mentorship Resources
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Attending class or Tuesday evening case study discussions
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Completing post session quizzes
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Completing end of term exams
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Participating in VHSF Jounal Review
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Attending VHSF Live Weekend Lab or similar hands-on learning
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Seeking support to transition to a related practicesetting
Upon successful completion of this program, the fellow will:
Demonstrate advanced expertise in occupation-based examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention, and management of patients with upper extremity and hand impairment and disability as evidenced in a weekly quiz and case study participation and by completing exams.
Demonstrate leadership in the field who help bridge the gaps between practice patterns utilizing evidence-based practice and enhance interdisciplinary collaboration by doing a critical appraisal of journal articles.
Successfully perform and interpret tests and measures for the upper quarter to develop appropriate therapeutic interventions, and to identify red flags that necessitate referral to the appropriate professional, as evidenced in the weekly quiz and case study participation and completing exams.
Successfully perform and describe when to use preparatory and occupation-based interventions for the upper extremity and hand to improve patient outcomes as evidenced in weekly quiz and case study participation and completing exams.
Be able to explain occupation-based examination and intervention skills to student occupational therapists and colleagues as evidenced in case studies or passing rubric for a lecture delivered to hand fellows.
Describe the use of biopsychosocial and disablement models, evidence-based practice, the use and generation of knowledge, the influence of practice philosophy in clinical reasoning as evidenced in the weekly quiz and case study participation, and completing exams.
Apply clinical reasoning strategies regarding diagnostic and narrative reasoning strategies; develop a holistic diagnosis through clinical reasoning, and utilize effective management strategies as evidenced in the weekly quiz and case study participation and by completing exams.
Explain the principles of, and effectively utilize differential diagnosis as evidenced in the weekly quiz and case study participation and completing exams.
Apply clinical reasoning methods for expert clinicians as evidenced in the weekly quizzes and case study participation and completing exams.
Efficiently utilize a biomechanical screen and occupation-based assessment using the principles of evidence-based practice as evidenced in the weekly quiz and case study participation and completing exams.
Access professional website to locate guides to practice, code of ethics, position papers, standards, and other literature pertaining to the literature review and professional development as evidenced in preparing lectures, access journal articles to present to peers.
Demonstrate the ability to critically analyze research articles as evidenced in journal article appraisals.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Required Texts:
Skirvin, Osterman, Fedorczyk, Amadio, Feldscher, and Shin (eds). Rehabilitation of the Hand and Upper Extremity. 7th ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier, 2021. Proof of purchase will be required upon enrollment.
Supplemental readings and exercises will not be provided. For those with an ASHT membership, you have access to Journal of Hand Therapy and a discounted subscription to Journal of Hand Surgery is also available.
Recommended Memberships for US:
American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT)
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) or
American Physical Therapy Association
(APTA)
International students are recommended to hold membership in their local professional organizations.
*VHSF holds no financial interests in the recommended memberships or purchase of required text.
Weekly Lecture Schedule
Assigned readings are indicated on the platform
Term Week plus Topic & Readings
Supplemental Readings
1.1 Baseline Exam Basic Anatomy of Wrist and Hand part 1
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
1.2 Basic Anatomy of Wrist and Hand part 2
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
1.3 Clinical Assessment Hand & Wrist
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
1.4 Basic Anatomy of Elbow, PRUJ, Forearm
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
1.5 Clinical Exam of the Elbow
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
1.6 Shoulder Anatomy, Biomechanics
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
1.7 Shoulder Clinical Exam
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
1.8 Soft Tissue Healing
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
1.9 Biopsychosocial Model in Hand Therapy
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
1.10 Peripheral Nerve Compression
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
1.11 Compression Neuropathies of the Wrist
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
1.12 Compression Neuropathies of the Elbow
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
1.13 Brachial Plexus
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
1.14 Bone Healing
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
1.15 T1 CHT Exam Prep & Post Exam Review
Guest Speakers
1.16 Dr. David Ring on Rethinking Common Shoulder & Elbow Pathologies
1.17 Dr. David Miller on Common Hand Conditions
1.18 Dr. Elisabet Hagert on Peripheral Nerve Compressions
1.19 Livia Strugari: 3D Printing in Hand Therapy
1.20 Cynthia Watkins, PT, DPT, CHT on Orthotic Fabrication for the Athlete
1.21 Ann Poretto-Loehrke, PT, DPT, CHT on Manual Therapy for the Wrist & Hand
1.22 Dr. Roy Meals & Panel on Thumb CMC OA
2.1 Level II: Anatomy & Kinesiology of the Hand & Wrist
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
2.2 Thumb CMC OA
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
2.3 Elbow Tendinopathy
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
2.4 Wrist Hand Tendinopathies
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
2.5 Flexor Tendon Injuries
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
2.6 Therapy Management for Flexor Tendon Injuries
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
2.7 Evidence Based Practice in Hand Therapy
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
2.8 Extensor Tendon Injuries: Surgical
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
2.9 Therapy Management for Extensor Tendon Injuries
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
2.10 Therapy Management of Peripheral Nerve Injuries and Repairs
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
2.11 Distal Radius Fractures
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
2.12 Complex Regional Pain Syndrome & Stiff Hand Management
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
2.13 Extraarticular Hand Fractures
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
2.14 Shoulder Rotator Cuff
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
2.15 T2 CHT Exam Prep & Post Exam Review
Guest Speakers
2.16 Dr. Jay Talsania on Thumb CMC OA Management
2.17 Aviva Wolff EdD, OT, CHT on the Injured Musician
2.18 Dr. Paul Sibley on Elbow Tendinopathies
2.19 Kris Valdes, OTD, OTR/L, CHT on Clinical Research in Hand Therapy
2.20 Robyn Midgley, BSc, OT, AHT, ECHT on CMMS
2.21 Christos Karagiannopoulos MPT, PhD, ATC, CHT on Wrist Sensori Motor Control
2.22 Mirella Deisher on Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization
3.1 UQ Screen & Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
3.2 Scapular Dysfunction
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
3.3 Brachial Plexopathy
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
3.4 Tendon Transfers
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
3.5 Elbow Fractures & Dislocations
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
3.6 Biceps & Triceps Injuries
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
3.7 Carpal Fractures, Dislocations, & Instabilities
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
3.8 DRUJ: Surgical Management
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
3.9 TFCC
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
3.10 Dupuytren’s Disease
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
3.11 RA of the Hand & Wrist
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
3.12 Intraarticular Hand Fractures & Joint Injuries
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
3.13 Complex Hand Injuries
Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
3.14 Pediatric Brachial Plexus Injuries & Pediatric Hand Anomalies Post session Test Your Knowledge Quiz
3.15 T3 CHT Practice Exam & Post Exam Review
Guest Speakers
3.16 Dr. Jay Talsania on Wrist & Hand Fractures
3.17 Wendy Medeiros of Wrist Widget on Ulnar-sided Wrist Pain
3.18 Dr. Lee Osterman on Dupuytren’s Contracture
3.19 Dr. Donald Lalonde on “What’s New in WALANT”
3.20 Dr. Scott Kozin on Pediatric Brachial Plexus Injury & Congenital Hand Differences
3.21 Dr. Paul Sibley & Mirella Deisher on Complications s/p Distal Radius Fractures
3.22 Dr. Lok Raj Chaurasia & Mirella Deisher on Management of the Stiff Elbow
COURSE PARTICIPATION ASSESSMENTS:
The course provides a professional development and related evaluation in the following ways:
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Completion of written CHT preparatory exams (*required)
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3 exams at the end of each term
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Content is cumulative and meant to serve as preparation for the CHT exam. Exams can be retaken.
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100 multiple choice questions in 2-hour period
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Exams will be reviewed.
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Weekly quizzes
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Completion of at least one written assignment:
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Journal Article Review/Critical Appraisal (recorded)
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Recorded presentation on a topic of interest
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Blog: Writing one blog
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Topic must be approved (1-2 pages)
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Course participation
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Progression through content and completion of courses.
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Mentorship based on identified need by the fellow or instructor
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ACCESSIBILITY ACCOMMODATIONS:
• This program is delivered virtually using PowerPoint presentations and audio. Closed captioning is available if you choose to enable it. If you need special accommodations to improve accessibility of contact, please email Mirella Deisher at: info@virtualhandfellowship.com
CANCELLATION POLICY:
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The program can be discontinued at any time; notification of terminating the program via email is required.
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You will not be reimbursed for any attended sessions, or content you have had access to such as that provided with purchased bundles.
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You will only be reimbursed for content you did not have access to after the awarded discounts have been reimbursed to Virtual Hand to Shoulder Fellowship, LLC. Transaction fees incurred by VHSF will also be reimbursed to VHSF.
CONTACT HOURS:
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VHSF is an AOTA, CBOT, and CPTA approved provider; 96 contact hours or 9.6 CEUs will be awarded upon completion of the full year program.
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An additional 14 contact hours or 1.4 CEUs will be provided for participation in the Live Weekend Lab event.
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Contact hours are also available for guest speakers.
MENTORSHIP:
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Mentorship is available throughout enrollment. Using the patient planner tool should guide your preparation to discuss questions you have related to patient care. Any recommendations should be vetted by your referral source to ensure progression by their preferred protocols. Mentorship will be limited by accuracy and availability of the information provided. Any images or videos shared to support mentorship can be used by VHSFto support learning for all enrolled fellows. HIPPA must be maintained when seeking patient care mentorship or sharing images & video content.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
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Social media will be utilized for marketing and networking opportunities. If you do not want your name or image posted, please send me written notice stating this.
