Orthotist involvement in early gait rehabilitation after stroke: A cross-sectional survey of orthotists in the United Kingdom.
Miriam Golding-Day, Joshua Young, Paul Charlton and 3 others
PMID 38896542WHAT IT FOUND
Most orthotists felt they should be routinely involved in early stroke gait rehabilitation without a specific referral, but only 5% reported being involved that way.
They were confident in prescribing ankle-foot orthoses but less confident advising on broader therapy.
Key findings
0189% of orthotists felt they should be routinely involved in early gait rehabilitation without a specific referral, but only 5% reported being routinely involved in this way.
02Orthotists were highly confident in recommending lower limb orthotic treatment plans (89%), but confidence in advising on broader therapy and physical activity was low.
03Most respondents (61%) were dissatisfied with the frequency of their involvement in early stroke rehabilitation.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The response rate was low (12%), meaning most orthotists did not answer, and those who did may have been more interested in stroke care than average. The survey relied on self-reported confidence and practice patterns, which may not reflect actual clinical behaviour. Participants were recruited via the professional body's mailing list, potentially excluding orthotists who are not members.
Declared interests
The author MGD received a fellowship grant from the Stroke Association and the National Institute for Health and Care Research. The authors declared no other known conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume that orthotists are routinely assessing stroke patients for gait aids in acute settings. The survey shows that without a specific referral, routine involvement is rare (5%), so relying on implicit orthotic review may delay necessary interventions.