Consumers are receiving information via direct requests to the center as well as indirectly through support and resources provided to numerous consumer groups across the country by the Information Unit. Consumers have also served as a source of information by participating in our national database which, to date, contains 132 entries of groups across the United States. This feedback can be used by the center staff as well as others in the field to verify consumer problems and address unmet needs in information and technology. Furthermore, consumer groups have been successfully linked to four major University programs to serve as participants in surveys on upper extremity prosthetic use, lower extremity prosthetic function, and satisfaction with prosthetic care and pain. These communication links between consumers and service providers will, hopefully, enhance productivity and produce quality outcomes for the disabled.
Professionals involved with care of the disabled utilize our services in different ways.
Through formal programs, we have provided them with information related to regional and national programs and resources in Orthotics and Prosthetics. In response to requests we provide many practitioners with information, written materials and other resources for use in patient education and program development. Currently, we are also working collaboratively to link providers of care with consumers, other professionals and referral centers throughout the country. In our first year of operation a variety of materials have been evaluated and compiled into hard copy references for professionals and consumers on such topics as support groups, publications for the disabled, sports and recreational references, juvenile resources, etc. Computerized information on Amputee Resources is continually being evaluated and updated.