Splint Level 1

Australian Hand Therapy Association Inc.

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Level 1 AHTA Certificate Course in Hand & Upper Limb Immobilisation Splinting (Static)

Course Description

The focus of this two-day course is on the static splint fabrication process. A dynamic format using lectures, case studies, demonstrations and hands-on practical activities will help to improve your splinting efficiency and take the fear factor out of splinting. Participates will learn principles of immobilisation splinting for the fingers, thumb, wrist and elbow and gain confidence in upper extremity assessment as relevant to splint making. Learn to take patterns and master a variety of splinting materials to allow you to fabricate professional looking, comfortable splints to meet your patient’s needs.

What You Will Learn/Course Objectives

	Understand principles behind the selection of custom-made and prefabricated static splints
	Gain awareness of the variety of splint materials, tools and components on the market
	Develop skills necessary to successfully fabricate select splints using various materials
	Understand the principles, indications and contraindications for the splints fabricated in the context of tissue healing, disease

processes and therapeutic goals

	Understand related anatomy / topographical landmarks
	Assess proper fit and function of splints completed

Course Schedule

Pre reading will be forwarded to all participants prior to the course

Saturday

Principles of hand splinting

Clinical reasoning and assessment

Biomechanics as related to splinting

Splint materials and pre-fabricated splints

Splint design and ASHT Classification

Demonstrations and practical work for the following static splints:

Finger immobilisation splint (to immobilise a single joint)

Finger immobilisation splint (to immobilise multiple joints)

Thumb CMC and MC immobilisation splint

Thumb and wrist immobilisation splint (demonstration only)

Sunday

Clinical reasoning – compliance and education

Demonstrations and practical work for the following static splints:

Elbow immobilisation splint

Forearm immobilisation splint (demonstration only)

Wrist and hand immobilisation splint (resting)

Functional wrist splint

Short written exam

Written case study submitted following completion of the course

Please note: The workshop runs from 9am to 5pm each day and the exam is held from 4 to 5pm on the Sunday

Professional Development Credits

	Certificate Course (attendance at two day course, case study and written exam): 50 hours credit
	Course Only (attendance at two day course): 16 hours credit

Location

	Cairns 15-16 May 2010. Presenter: Melissa James. Venue: Cairns Occupational Therapy, Suite 29 First floor Virginia House, 68 Abbott Street, Cairns) - Registration Form
	Adelaide 28-29 August 2010. Presenter: Kathy Minchin. Venue: Royal Adelaide Hospital OT Dept. - Registration Form

Investment & Registration

	AHTA Member/Associate - $520.00 (2009) $$535.00 (2010)
	Non AHTA Member/Associate - $625.00 (2009) $645.00 (2010)

Registration fees include lunch, morning & afternoon tea, course manual and splinting materials.

Registration form for Level 1

About The Presenters

Melissa James
B.Occ. Thy (Hons) Grad.Dip Hand Rehab. M.A.H.T.A Melissa has specialised in hand therapy since 1993 and has a post-graduate diploma in hand and upper limb rehabilitation. She has
lectured to both undergraduate and post-graduate occupational therapists and physiotherapists at the University of Queensland and Griffith University in relation to hand therapy and splinting. She has also lectured widely to therapists in regional Queensland on numerous topics relating to hand therapy. She has worked in both public and private settings and now works in her own private hand therapy practice.

Kathy Minchin

Kathy has worked in private practice in Adelaide treating hand injuries for over twenty years. The greater percentage of her work involves treating post operative hand conditions, most of which require hand splinting. Kathy taught a post graduate certificate course in splinting to OT's at Uni SA some years ago but now works solely in her private practice. Kathy had been a full member of AHTA since 1986.