Ispo Self-Study Document

International Society Prosthetics Orthotics
Guidelines for Self-Study for Prosthetics and Orthotics Educational

Programmes Seeking ISPO Category I or II Recognition
Version 1, March 2008

Reviewed 24 August 2010
This document was prepared by Bryan Malas and respectfully submitted to the
ISPO Education Committee and ISPO Board of Directors. The following
individuals assisted in preparing and developing this document:
Dan Blocka
Nerrolyn Ramstrand
Sandra Sexton
Harold Shangali
ISPO would also like to acknowledge the National Commission on Orthotic

Prosthetic Education (NCOPE) for their willingness to provide the initial self-study
template.
Self-Study Process for Prosthetics and Orthotics Educational Programmes Seeking

ISPO Category I or II Recognition
ISPO Self-Study: 03_08 2

This self-study process is intended to help schools and pathways of prosthetics and orthotics
education prepare for a site visit.
The self-study process should begin well in advance of the anticipated site visit to provide
sufficient time for evaluation of all elements of the training site. The process should involve the
various constituencies of the training site, including administration and faculty, students,
graduates, advisory committee members, and employers of graduates.
It is important to distinguish between the self-study process and the self-study report.
The Self-Study Process
Definition: A self-study is a formal process during which an educational institution or programme

critically examines its structure and substance, judges the programmes overall effectiveness
relative to its mission, identifies specific strengths and deficiencies, and indicates a plan for
necessary modifications and improvements. The process should include a consideration of
external factors influencing educational directions as well as an assessment of the extent to
which the programme graduates meet the ISPO Category I or II standard.
Elements of the self-study implied in the definition:
Formal: organised and systematic
Process: the self-study is the activity that precedes the report
Educational programme: the study is conducted by and for the programme with the participation
of appropriate constituencies
Critically examines: the current status of the programme is identified and analysed
Structure and substance: the study is comprehensive and considers all elements of the
programme
Judges overall effectiveness: conclusions should be reached regarding the extent to which the
program meets the stated goals and objectives set by the institution and by ISPO
Relative to mission: goals and objectives should be stated and appropriate to the programmes
mission
Identifies specific strengths and deficiencies: the study should be open, objective and precise in
its assessment
Indicates a plan for modification and improvement: in particular, mechanisms to correct

deficiencies should be proposed; formal long-range planning is a logical sequel to the self-study
process
External factors influencing educational directions: conditions within the sponsoring programme
projected changes in the professions role, and the legal, social, political and economic climate
affecting the programme should be considered as well as the extent to which the programme is
in compliance with established category criteria.

The Self-Study Report
Definition: A self study report is an evidential document that summarises the methods and
findings during the self evaluation process.
The self study report should include

a statement making explicit the purpose of the self study
findings of the study
a clear conclusion
plans for improvement
a clear conclusion and statement of future intent relating to a potential request for ISPO
Category I or II inspection. This should include a proposed timescale of readiness for an
ISPO validation visit.
Instructions for Completing the Self-Study Report
The self-study report consists of two parts to be sent to ISPO in advance of the visit and a set of
additional materials to be available on site. The list of on-site materials is provided elsewhere in
these instructions. Contents for the material to be mailed in advance are summarised below:
Part I
(Table of Contents)
1. Introduction
2. Institutional Data Form
3. Programme Data Form
4. Narrative
5. Summary
Part II
(Table of Contents)
1. Appendices
Instructions and Explanations for Part I
1. Introduction
This section should include a statement of how the self-study was conducted and a list of
participants and their assignments. A brief historical overview of the programme and orientation
to the programmes setting may be helpful to the self-study readers, but is optional.
2. Institutional Data Form
This form contains quantitative and factual data on the institution that are common to
other health educational programmes. The material requested is self-explanatory. For
coordinated/concurrent visits, it may be completed once and duplicated for inclusion with the
various programmes reports.

3. Programme Data Form
This form contains quantitative and factual data on the individual prosthetics and
orthotics programme being evaluated. Instructions for completing, where required, are on the
form.
4. Narrative (Program Description)
The narrative is the central piece to this document and should represent a thorough
description of the programme, its strengths and deficiencies. It is not necessary to repeat data
or information contained in the institutional/programme data forms and in the appendices, unless
it is necessary for the sake of clarity.
Note that the narrative outline parallels that of the standards. In general, each section requires a
summary of the self-study findings relevant to that standard, including the strengths and
concerns, an assessment of consistency with Category I or II self-study, and a summary of plans
to remedy any significant deficiencies noted.
5. Summary
This section is a brief summary of the significant findings from the self-study process
including strengths and concerns, and should also include a review of how the programme has
addressed any concerns cited during any previous accreditation review (if appropriate).
Instructions and Explanations for Part II
This volume contains the appendices, and the required contents that are referenced in the
institutional and programme data forms. A summary list of the required contents is enclosed
elsewhere in these instructions. Materials should be provided in the appropriate and in the
specific appendix part of appendix I, and may contain information required in other appendices.
In these cases, the subsequent appendices need only include a reference to that appendix, rather
than a complete duplication of the information already available.
The remainder of these instructions contains the following documents:
Self-Study Report-Part I Contents
The Institutional Data Form

The Programme Data Form
The Outline and Instructions for the Narrative
Self-Study Report-Part II Contents
A list of required appendices
Self-Study Report-On Site Materials
A list of materials to be available for review on-site by the visitors

INSTITUTIONAL DATA FORM
Select One: Seeking Category I Seeking Category II
General:
1. Official name of institution offering the prosthetics and orthotics programme:

Official name of programme:

2. Programme Address (i.e. city, country and postcode if applicable):

3. Identify the type of institution the programme is housed under:
Government
University
Hospital/Medical Center
Non-Hospital Facility (blood bank, laboratory)
Consortiums (If applicable complete the consortium date form; include in
appendix 1)1
Other Educational Establishment
Other
4. Institutions funded by (select all that apply):
Government
University
Charitable Source
Private Source
NGO
Other
5. Chief Administrative Officer of Institution
Name
Administrative Title
Address
6. Head of Department
Name
Administrative Title
1
Consortium: This indicates that the programme is housed in multiple sites. An example would be a
programme that has some percentage of time spent in an academic institution while the remaining percent
of the programme is spent in a hospital-based facility.

Address
7. Institutional Accreditation/Recognition if applicable (regional, government)
Name
Date
8. In general, educational programmes in the institution operate on what type of

system?
Semester System Trimester System Quarterly System

All vary, according to programme requirements
Other
9. Does the institution publish a general bulletin, newsletter or catalogue on its

educational programmes?
Yes No
10. Where does the institution publish information on tuition rates and refunds?
General bulletin or catalogue

Individual programme bulletin or brochure
As a separate document
Does not publish this information
11. Does the institution have a faculty grievance policy?
Yes No
12. Does the institution have a student grievance policy?
Yes No
13. Students in the training programme have ready access to which of the
following library resources?
University/College/School library programme/Department

Academic health center library Hospital library
Interlibrary loan Resource Center
14. Official student records are maintained by:
Institutional registrar/office of student records

Head/Deans/Directors office
Programme/Department office
Government Register

15. The following items should be included as Appendix 1 of the Self-Study
Report:
Institutional operational chart(s) showing relationship between training

programme being evaluated and the institution
Mission statement of the institution or a reference to the appropriate page in the
institution bulletin
Institutions general bulletin/catalogue, and relevant programme brochures or
catalogues
PROGRAMME DATA FORM
1. Official Training Programme Name
2. Address
3. Programme Objectives
In appendix 2 include a statement of the programmes overall educational objectives and

competencies needed for graduation or a reference to the appropriate page in the
institutions bulletin
4. Specify the following:
Length of professional programme (select most applicable):
Number of months
Number of weeks
Number of credit hours
Number of students admitted per year
Month(s) in which classes begin
Maximum number of students per intake
Total number of students currently enrolled in training programme
Nature of qualification awarded at the end of education and training
Title given to successful candidate
In view of the institution is that title related to:
Prosthetist/Orthotist
Orthopedic Technician
Other

Describe the accrediting body for qualifying candidates:
College/University
Ministry/Government Institution
Registered/Accreditation Council/Commission
Describe how patients are utilized in the course of education and training:
Solely used as models (demonstration) Yes No
Fitted/delivered as part of their training Yes No
Combination of both Yes No
Total hours of lectures
Total hours of self-study
Total hours of laboratory/workshop practice
Total hours of clinical (patient contact) work
Describe the approximate time for teaching/instruction (select most applicable):
Hours per day

Days per week
Weeks per year
Other
Indicate years to completion of programme
Identify the language(s) used in the education and training programme
5. Please specify the following:
Instructors: Number
Prosthetists Category I
Orthotists Category I
Prosthetists/orthotists
Orthopaedic technologists Category II
Instructors in fabrication Category III
Physicians/Surgeons
Therapists (physical and occupational)
Bioengineers
Engineers
External Lectures:
Physicians/Surgeons
Therapists (physical and occupational)
Orthotists
Prosthetists

Bioengineers
Engineers
Other
6. The institution provides which of the following for professional development

of faculty?
Continuing or in-service education at the institution

Tuition remission
Release time
Travel and/or registration funds
Other
7. List below the key professional and clerical personnel of the programme and
identity their responsibilities by the code(s) provided: (A) administrative; (B)
curriculum development; (C) coordination; (D) teaching; (E) student
performance evaluation; (F) faculty coordination; (G) student recruitment; (H)
student selection; (I) administrative assistance; (J) secretarial; (K) clerical;
(L) other (please specify). Also identify the approximate percentage of each
individuals total employed time that is devoted to the programme. This chart
is intended to provide an overview of the distribution of programme related
activities among key personnel.
Employed Code % of time by

Name and Title
Responsibility (ies)

8. Indicate the programs current fiscal year budget for:
Salaries and wages
Other expenses
Total budget
9. What percent of the above total is from sources external to the institution (i.e.
sponsored research, grants, contracts, professional service)
10. In Appendix 6 include completed form A-2 or an institutional form containing

the budgets for the last and present fiscal year, including aggregated
instructional personnel costs, travel, instructional supplies, etc.
11. Does the programme/institution have written health/safety policies for

students?
Yes No
12. Counseling for students with academic difficulties and other educational
guidance is provided by:
Programme administration
Institutions guidance/counseling center
Programme faculty
Referral
13. Personal counseling for students is available from:
Programme administration
Institutions counseling center
Programme faculty
Referral to private counseling
14. In Appendix 7 include the following items:
a) A copy of programme admission policies and criteria or a reference to

relevant pages in institution/programme official publication.
b) A brief summary of programmes admissions process
c) Copies of policies regarding criteria for progression in and completion of

programme or a reference to relevant pages in the bulletin
d) Completed form A-3 or other document summarising methods used to

evaluate students success in completing each course or segment of the
curriculum

15. Specify the following for facilities:
Class Rooms Number Dimensions

Instructional Lab/Workshop Number Dimensions
Consulting Rooms Number Dimensions
Measuring/Casting Rooms Number Dimensions
Plaster Rooms Number Dimensions
Orthotics Workshops Number Dimensions
Prosthetics Workshops Number Dimensions
Plastics Workshops Number Dimensions
Engineering Workshops Number Dimensions
Other Fabrication Workshops Number Dimensions
Description
Library Facilities (describe)
Research Facilities (describe)

OUTLINE AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR NARRATIVE SECTION CONTENTS
Instructions: Please develop and provide a narrative using the following guidelines.
The narrative should be submitted in a word or PDF format.
A. INSTITUTION
Comment on the institutional setting that the program is housed under. This should
include the following:
Brief description of the institution/program history
Location
Benefits of the institution
Prevalence of incidences in orthotics and prosthetics
Educational approach/philosophy
National diversity
Government regulations
State registration/certification
Summarise plans to correct any deficiencies or concerns.
B. RESOURCES
Provide a brief general statement concerning the overall adequacy of the programmes
resources to support the number of students enrolled and to achieve the stated
programme objectives:
1. Personnel
a. Program Director
State whether programme administrators responsibilities and qualifications are

consistent with the institution. Note how any deviations noted affect the
programme.
Summarise briefly how the efficacy of programme administration is evaluated.
Summarise plans to correct any deficiencies or concerns.
b. Faculty and/or Instructional Staff
Comment on the extent to which the number, qualifications and responsibilities

of faculty fulfill the institution requirements and are consistent with Category I.
Summarise plans to correct any deficiencies noted.
Briefly describe the process by which the performance of instructional staff is

evaluated and how the evaluation results are used by the institution and training
programme.
c. Clerical and Support
State whether the number of clerical and other staff is sufficient to support
programme operations.

d. Professional Development
Summarise how the institution and programme provide opportunities for faculty
development noting specifically release time and travel funds. Comment on the
extent to which these opportunities succeed in promoting the professional
growth of faculty and programme officials.
Make note of any plans to improve faculty development policies.
2. Financial Resources
Comment on whether the available financial resources are sufficient to sustain

program operations
Briefly describe the process by which the program budget is developed and
managed. Note specifically the program officials role in these activities.
If the programme is heavily dependent on external (soft) monies, describe the

plan to sustain programme operations in the event these funds expire or are
withdrawn.
3. Physical Resources
a. Facilities
Comment on the adequacy of physical facilities, including classrooms,

storage/stationary rooms, labs and office space assigned to or used by the
programme.
Comment on the overall quality and availability of clinical facilities used during
student practicums. Problems related to specific clinical experiences may be
discussed here or with the relevant course in the curriculum section of this
report.
b. Equipment and Supplies
Summarise findings on the adequacy of equipment and supplies, and note plans
to correct any deficiencies.
c. Learning Resources
Comment on the adequacy of library facilities, including physical plant, collection,

technology, service, staffing, ready accessibility and hours. Note any deficiencies
affecting the needs of the programme, and indicate how the programmes library
resource needs are represented within the school or institution.

4. Students
a. Admissions Policies and Procedures
Comment on the adequacy of the programmes policies and procedures
b. Evaluation of Students
Comment on the adequacy of the quality and efficacy of the evaluation methods,
timing and instruments utilised.
c. Health
Comment on the quality, accessibility and cost of the health services available to
students.
Note specifically whether the programme adheres to applicable, nationally

recognized health and safety standards, and whether the programme or
institution had written health and safety policies.
Summarise plans to correct any deficiencies noted
5. Off-Site Programmatic Activities
a. Off-Site
Describe the off-site programme and how it is consistent with the main campus
policies and procedures
Summarise plans to correct any deficiencies noted
6. Operational Policies
a. Fair Practices
Describe whether the programme/institution had defined policies and procedures

for faculty and student grievances, and a student work policy.
b. Student Records
Describe whether the programme/institution has defined policies and procedures

and if this are being met.
7. Programme Evaluation
Summarise the elements and timing of the programmes system for ongoing self-
study and improvement, including regular and special staff meetings, advisory
committee meetings (if applicable), review of graduates performance on

standardized certification/licensure/registry exams, graduates and employers
surveys, clinical faculty meetings and faculty retreats. Comment on the
effectiveness of the mechanisms used, and the extent to which such outcome
measures influence change.
Note any plans to alter or improve the present system.
8. Description of the Profession
Comment on whether the programmes selection of overall objectives and

curriculum content are appropriate for the education of the profession as
described for Category I.
9. Curriculum
Provide the results of the self-study analysis for each course and/or component
in the curriculum, including comments on the quality and appropriateness of
content, objectives, instructional methods, syllabi, sequencing, and where
relevant, the adequacy of the setting (i.e. a clinical facility).
Summarise strengths and concerns noted and indicate plans for correcting any
deficiencies.

APPENDICES
SUMMARY OF REQUIRED CONTENTS
The appendices should contain the following:
Appendix 1: Institutional Information
a) Institutional Organisational Chart(s) showing relationship between the prosthetics and

orthotics programme being evaluated and the institution.
b) Mission statement of the institution-or a reference to the appropriate page in the

institutions bulletin
c) Institutions general bulletin/catalogue, and relevant programme brochures or

catalogues. (This can be included as separate items).
d) Consortium data form, if applicable.
Appendix 2: Programme Objectives
a) The programmes overall educational objectives and competencies needed for graduation
b) A copy of published criteria for successful progression in and completion of programme-

or a reference to the appropriate page in the institutions or programmes bulletin
Appendix 3: Enrollment and Graduate Information
A table summarising enrollment, attrition and any available graduate statistics for the past three
years. Graduate statistics may include certification/licensure/registry results, employment
statistics, etc.
Appendix 4: Programme Administration and Faculty
a) Curriculum vitae for key personnel, including the programme director, education/clinical
coordinator, dean, executive or department chair (template A-1)
Appendix 5: Programme Finances
Completed form A-2 or institutions form containing three-year (last, this & projected) budget,
including instructional personnel costs (aggregated), travel instructional supply costs, etc.
Appendix 6: Student Academic Policies
a) A copy of published admissions policies and criteria including any technical standards
required for admission or a reference to appropriate pages in institutional/programme
bulletin
b) A brief summary of programmes admissions process
c) Copies of policies regarding criteria for progression in and completion of programmes - or

reference appropriate pages in bulletin

d) Completed Form A-3 or other summary of methods used to evaluate students success in
completing each course or segment of the curriculum

LIST OF MATERIALS TO BE AVAILABLE ON-SITE
1. Position description for professional personnel with major programme administrative

responsibilities
2. Curriculum vitae for all full-time and other key faculty
3. Any institutional and/or programme policies on
a) Professional Development
b) Faculty and Student grievance procedures
c) Student health and safety
d) Student work
5. Sample forms used in the student selection process
6. Student Handbook
7. Student Records
8. Curriculum materials not included in self-study report-e.g. detailed course objectives,

outlines, textbook requirements, syllabi
9. Materials such as exams and clinical evaluation forms used to evaluate and document
students progress
10. Any forms used as part of programme evaluation, such as students evaluations of
courses, analysis of graduates, certification results, graduate and employer surveys, etc.
11. Equipment and supply list
12. List of relevant on-line library resources

Form A-1 (page 1)
Curriculum Vitae Form (Faculty)
Do not exceed two pages on any individual
Personal Data: Name, address, email
Education: University undergraduate and graduate degrees (indicate dates). (For graduate
degrees list thesis title if applicable). List current degree pursuit (degree and year expected)
Faculty Positions Held: (places and dates)
Other Pertinent Experience: (place and dates) do not duplicate #3 above
Qualifications
Board Certification: Indicate discipline and date received
License to Practice:
Professional Organisations: Include committees and offices held
Teaching Responsibilities: List specific courses, specific responsibility and percentage of

responsibility if shared course
Special National/International Responsibilities: Offices held and role in organization
Special Local Responsibilities: In your department, university, or hospital that are in addition
to your normal job duties
Bibliography: Refereed publications and in press publications: (List chronologically starting with
most recent as it appears in literature authors, title, journal, volume number, first and last page,
year
Manuscripts submitted and under review (list, author, title, name of journal and date sent)

Form A-2
PROGRAM BUDGET
Description Past Year Current Year Projected Year
Salaries and Wages
Faculty (Full-Time)
Faculty (Part-Time)
All other salaries/wages
Fringes
Instructional Supplies (books,

journals, A-V, software, minor
equipment and instruments)
Travel
Capital Expenditures ( major

equipment, building, renovation)
Total Budget

Form A-3 (page 1)
Methods and Frequency of Student Evaluation: Didactic
Key:
1= Written Exams=Written evaluation of students clinical performance
2= Practical exam
3= Oral Exam
4= Research project/term paper/capstone project
5= Other
6= Other
7= Other
8= Other
Indicate frequency of exams per course under appropriate numbers
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Didactic Courses

A-3 (page 2)
Methods and Frequency of Student Evaluation: Laboratory
Key:
2= Practical exam
3= Oral Exam
5= Other
6= Other
7= Other
8= Other
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Laboratory Courses

A-3 (page 3)
Methods and Frequency of Student Evaluation:
Clinical Practicum/Fieldwork
Key:
2= Practical exam
3= Oral Exam
5= Other
6= Other
7= Other
8= Other
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Clinical Practicum/Fieldwork

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International Society Prosthetics Orthotics

Guidelines for Self-Study for Prosthetics and Orthotics Educational

Version 1, March 2008

ISPO would also like to acknowledge the National Commission on Orthotic

Self-Study Process for Prosthetics and Orthotics Educational Programmes Seeking

ISPO Self-Study: 03_08 2

The Self-Study Process

Definition: A self-study is a formal process during which an educational institution or programme

Elements of the self-study implied in the definition:

Formal: organised and systematic

Process: the self-study is the activity that precedes the report

Indicates a plan for modification and improvement: in particular, mechanisms to correct

ISPO Self-Study: 03_08 3

The self study report should include

Instructions for Completing the Self-Study Report

Instructions and Explanations for Part I

2. Institutional Data Form

ISPO Self-Study: 03_08 4

4. Narrative (Program Description)

Instructions and Explanations for Part II

The remainder of these instructions contains the following documents:

Self-Study Report-Part I Contents

The Institutional Data Form

Self-Study Report-Part II Contents

A list of required appendices

Self-Study Report-On Site Materials

A list of materials to be available for review on-site by the visitors

ISPO Self-Study: 03_08 5

Select One: Seeking Category I Seeking Category II

1. Official name of institution offering the prosthetics and orthotics programme:

Official name of programme:

2. Programme Address (i.e. city, country and postcode if applicable):

3. Identify the type of institution the programme is housed under:

4. Institutions funded by (select all that apply):

5. Chief Administrative Officer of Institution

ISPO Self-Study: 03_08 6

7. Institutional Accreditation/Recognition if applicable (regional, government)

8. In general, educational programmes in the institution operate on what type of

Semester System Trimester System Quarterly System

9. Does the institution publish a general bulletin, newsletter or catalogue on its

General bulletin or catalogue

11. Does the institution have a faculty grievance policy?

12. Does the institution have a student grievance policy?

University/College/School library programme/Department

14. Official student records are maintained by:

Institutional registrar/office of student records

ISPO Self-Study: 03_08 7

Institutional operational chart(s) showing relationship between training

PROGRAMME DATA FORM

1. Official Training Programme Name

In appendix 2 include a statement of the programmes overall educational objectives and

4. Specify the following:

Length of professional programme (select most applicable):

Number of credit hours

Number of students admitted per year

Month(s) in which classes begin

Maximum number of students per intake

Total number of students currently enrolled in training programme

Nature of qualification awarded at the end of education and training

Title given to successful candidate

In view of the institution is that title related to:

ISPO Self-Study: 03_08 8

Solely used as models (demonstration) Yes No