Country:	Iran
City:	Tehran
Country:	University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences
Language:	Farsi- English
Type:	Fellowship
Certificate or Credits Earned:	Fellowship in Hand Therapy
Length of Programme:	Four months
Admission Requirements:	To ensure the highest standards of participation and learning, applicants to the four-month hand therapy program must meet the following criteria: Educational Qualifications: Graduated Occupational Therapist (OT) holding a Bachelor of Science (BSc), Master of Science (MSc), or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in occupational therapy or a related field. Professional Experience: A minimum of one year of professional experience in the field of occupational therapy, including clinical placements during academic training. Specialization Interest: Demonstrated interest in hand therapy, with practical exposure or academic coursework relevant to the management of hand and upper limb conditions. Applicants are encouraged to include supporting documentation, such as a résumé, academic transcripts, and a statement of intent outlining their goals for enrolling in the program.

Standard Development Form for Medical Sciences Skill and Professional Training Courses

General Information

Title of the Standard in Persian: Rehabilitation of Upper Extremity Injuries (Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist, and Hand)

Title of the Standard in English: Rehabilitation of Hand and Upper Extremity Injuries

Type of Standard: Skill-based and Professional

Definition of the Standard:

This standard encompasses initial assessment, setting treatment goals, designing treatment plans, and evaluating the outcomes of treatment for upper extremity injuries. These include injuries to the skin, tendons, nerves, muscles, bones, joints, and cases of chronic pain.

Similar Standards in the National Center: None

Standards

Content Standards

Goals

Knowledge Objectives:

– Define injuries of the upper extremity (shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand) and the importance of their rehabilitation.

– Explain the treatment team and the service delivery model for upper extremity injuries (shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand).

Standards

Content Standards

Goals

Knowledge Objectives:

– Define injuries of the upper extremity (shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand) and the importance of their rehabilitation.

– Explain the treatment team and the service delivery model for upper extremity injuries (shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand).

– Describe the role of occupational therapy in the rehabilitation of upper extremity injuries.

– Identify occupational therapy assessments across various health domains, including physical, cognitive, perceptual, psychological, and social aspects, as well as activity and participation, personal factors, and environmental influences on upper extremity injuries.

– Understand how to select appropriate interventions for each type of injury.

– Recognize the number and intensity of common occupational therapy interventions, such as sensory interventions (sensory retraining, desensitization, etc.), motor exercises (active and passive movements, stretching, etc.), and treatments for swelling and wounds.

– Know the timing for terminating treatment sessions, discharging patients, or referring them to other members of the healthcare team.

– Understand the appropriate timing for initiating interventions for each type of injury.

– Be familiar with potential secondary complications after injury or possible complications from therapeutic actions.

– Understand prevention, management, and treatment of complications using clinical reasoning in upper extremity injuries.

– Recognize professional and occupational assessments necessary for returning to work and how to prepare patients for resuming their previous jobs.

– Understand how to adapt assistive devices and environmental modifications.

Skill Objectives:

– Perform appropriate occupational therapy assessments, both subjective and objective, tailored to each patient based on clinical judgment.

– Design goals and treatment plans for each type of upper extremity injury.

– Choose appropriate exercises and therapeutic interventions tailored to each patient based on clinical judgment.

– Determine the number, intensity, and force required for each exercise based on clinical reasoning for each patient.

– Identify the appropriate time for modifying treatment plans, discharging, or referring each patient, based on their condition.

– Analyze the results of assessments for each patient and perform clinical reasoning based on these results.

– Recognize, prevent, and treat complications arising from injuries.

– Select and perform professional and occupational assessments needed by the patient, and provide necessary preparations for returning to their previous occupation.

– Choose appropriate assistive devices or make environmental adaptations for each patient based on clinical reasoning and assessment results.

Entry Conditions for Trainees

Educational Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy

Knowledge Requirements: Basic understanding of upper extremity problems and common occupational therapy interventions such as sensory retraining, motor exercises, and swelling and wound management.

Professional Experience: At least one year of experience in occupational therapy, including treating patients with upper extremity injuries (shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand).

Path to Competency

Learning Experiences (Specific to Professional Standards)

– Type: Patient Evaluation

Details: Evaluation of patients with upper extremity injuries, including physical examination and objective and subjective assessments.

Setting: Clinical internship

Execution: 5 supervised cases, 2 independent cases, 1 case per common injury type.

– Type: Treatment Planning

Details: Designing treatment goals, plans, and home exercise programs for patients with upper extremity injuries.

Setting: Clinical internship and classroom settings

Execution: 5 supervised cases, 2 independent cases, 1 case per common injury type.

Assessment of Professional Competency / Skill Evaluation

– Ability to identify different types of upper extremity injuries (muscles, skin, tendons, nerves, etc.). Assessed through written exams, logbooks, and OSCE exams.

– Ability to choose assessment methods and tools based on clinical judgment and patient conditions. Assessed through written exams, logbooks, and OSCE exams.

– Ability to design treatments tailored to injury severity and patient needs, prioritizing and quantifying interventions. Assessed through written exams, logbooks, and OSCE exams.

– Ability to create evidence-based treatment plans and implement them using clinical reasoning. Assessed through written exams, logbooks, and OSCE exams.

Course Development Form: Rehabilitation of the Hand and Upper Limb

This document outlines the comprehensive structure, objectives, and requirements of the professional and skill-based training course for the rehabilitation of the hand and upper limb. It includes detailed information about the course objectives, prerequisites, evaluation methods, and teaching materials.

1. General Information

Course Name: Rehabilitation of the Hand and Upper Limb

Course Type: Professional and Skill-Based Training

1.1 Course Definition

Rehabilitation of the hand and upper limb combines the science and art of therapy and physiotherapy. This course focuses on enhancing the functionality of the upper limb through therapeutic interventions tailored to individual needs.

2. Course Development Team

Name	Role	Degree	Field	Academic Rank	Contact Information
Maryam Farzad	Scientific Leader	PhD	Occupational Therapy	Assistant Professor	mfarzad@uwo.ca
Firozan Shokouh	Educational Expert	PhD	Medical Education	Professor	fshokouh@example.com
Saeed Hosseini	Scientific Expert	PhD	Occupational Therapy	Associate Professor	shosseini@example.com

3. Course Objectives and Structure

The course includes theoretical and practical sessions aimed at providing advanced knowledge and skills in the field of upper limb rehabilitation. Topics covered include anatomy, biomechanics, diagnostic imaging, and therapeutic interventions.

3.1 Detailed Course Structure

Module	Content	Duration (Hours)	Instructor
Anatomy and Biomechanics	Detailed study of upper limb anatomy and biomechanics.	60	Specialist A
Therapeutic Techniques	Practical sessions on advanced therapeutic methods.	120	Specialist B
Diagnostic Imaging	Introduction to diagnostic imaging for upper limb pathologies.	40	Specialist C

3.2 Evaluation Methods

Participants will be assessed using written exams, practical tests, and portfolio reviews. A structured logbook will be maintained to track progress. Successful candidates will receive certificates valid for five years.

4. Equipment and Facilities

The course will utilize state-of-the-art facilities, including splint fabrication labs, diagnostic tools, and rehabilitation centers. Specialized equipment includes CPM machines, biofeedback devices, and thermal modalities.

Comprehensive Hand Therapy Program Curriculum

Program Overview

Program Duration: 4 Months
Total Hours: 360 Hours
Program Structure:
1. Theoretical Education: 2 Months (180 Hours)
2. Clinical Mentorship: 120 Hours
3. Specialized Workshops: 4 Full Days

1. Theoretical Education (180 Hours)

Week 1: Anatomy and Kinesiology of the Upper Limb

– Detailed study of the anatomy of bones, joints, muscles, tendons, nerves, and vascular structures.
– Functional biomechanics and pathokinesiology of upper limb conditions.

Week 2: Diagnostic Imaging

– Introduction to imaging techniques (X-ray, MRI, CT, and ultrasound).
– Interpretation of diagnostic imaging relevant to hand and upper limb pathologies.

Week 3: Tendon Injuries

– Traumatic Tendon Injuries:
– Classification and mechanisms.
– Surgical and conservative management.
– Postoperative rehabilitation protocols.
– Non-Traumatic Tendon Disorders:
– Tendinopathies and overuse syndromes.
– Conservative management strategies.

Week 4: Peripheral Nerve Injuries

– Anatomy and function of peripheral nerves in the upper limb.
– Common nerve injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome and ulnar nerve entrapment.
– Treatment and rehabilitation strategies.

Week 5: Fractures and Joint Pathologies

– Assessment and management of hand, wrist, and elbow fractures.
– Rehabilitation techniques for joint instability and arthritis.

Week 6: Pediatric Hand Therapy

– Common congenital and developmental disorders in pediatric patients.
– Specialized therapeutic techniques tailored for children.

Week 7: Burns, Wounds, and Scar Management

– Management of acute burns and complex wounds.
– Scar assessment and therapeutic techniques to improve function and mobility.

Week 8: Neurological Conditions and Spasticity

– Understanding neurological impairments affecting the upper limb.
– Techniques for managing spasticity and restoring function.

2. Clinical Mentorship Program (120 Hours)

– Supervised Practice:
– Assessment and diagnosis of upper limb conditions.
– Development and implementation of individualized treatment plans.
– Observation and assistance in surgical procedures.
– Feedback and Case Review:
– Regular one-on-one feedback sessions with experienced mentors.
– Focus on clinical reasoning and application of therapeutic strategies.

3. Specialized Workshops (4 Days)

Day 1: Manual Therapy Techniques

– Practical application of joint mobilization, manipulation, and soft tissue techniques.

Day 2: Biofeedback and Advanced Modalities

– Integration of biofeedback technology to enhance muscle activation.
– Hands-on practice with therapeutic modalities for pain management.

Day 3: Kinesio Taping Methods

– Application techniques for pain relief, support, and inflammation control.

Day 4: Splinting and Orthotic Fabrication

– Custom design and fabrication of splints for various conditions.
– Material selection and fitting for optimal outcomes.

Program Highlights

– Comprehensive Curriculum: A robust theoretical foundation paired with practical skills training.
– Clinical Exposure: Real-world experience in accredited hand therapy clinics.
– Workshops: Focused training on advanced therapeutic techniques.
– Evidence-Based Practice: Integration of research