Key Points Arising from Visioning Process on Prosthetic and Orthotic Education - Essay Example

INTRODUCTION It starts with the market. Because the human events are filled with problems, it takes a talent to find an opportunity to build upon. Most successful businesses are inspired by the diamond in the rough story. Entrepreneurs don't show up with an investment overnight. The idea does not come naturally. Great ideas come out in the open unexpectedly. It is up to the individual to act upon it. Opportunities are rare. The freedom to decide always hangs in the balance. Investments are made when business people see a potential growth in the field of commerce. Everybody wants to be the first in the market. But this is never easy. The rough road lies ahead since investors have to start mostly from scratch. Lots of researches are needed in preparation for the establishment of a main base. Resources must be in high supply to support the growing demand. Management must participate actively in various affairs of the company especially in the operational processes. Hardships will test the mettle of business pioneers. Only by believing in what their ideas can do will they earn success in the entrepreneur circle. World development is not merely about evolution. Yes, it is a given that mankind yearns for a better life and dreams for a better future. But the events and situations that occur are pictures of selfless efforts made by extraordinary people who made a difference in the lives of many. Although companies and corporations are earning huge money from products and projects launched to answer social and global concerns, still, the main reason business leaders plunge into action is because to answer a tremendous need. Humanitarian causes are blessed with financial gains, possibly, to increase its capability ten folds in addressing future problems. In spite of the progress in the field of medicine, many issues continue to linger unattended. Confusion still surrounds numerous medical concerns. People remain doubtful about health solutions. Advanced studies are made to find treatments. Medical research still tops the priority list of business ventures. In fact, continuous development is becoming another business field. Humanitarian concerns are closely identified with the healthcare issues of the world. CAUSE AND EFFECT War is itself an atrocity. Every battle happens for a reason. But it shouldn't happen in the first place. To neutralize the aggressor is the objective of all wars. But neutralizing also means killing and inflicting damage to the other side. Peace is often abused for it is almost always associated with war. As Sun Tzu always said, peace can only be achieved through war. It is considered an understatement to tell that the wars of the world claimed a billion lives. It is so because those wars sacrificed more than what the records showed. Statistics cannot tell everything but it can be the basis for something else. In business, figures count. Analysts wait and see. Observers assess the situation and act on it. Most of the notable victims of war are the amputees. Many war veterans lost at least a limb during their tour of duty in Vietnam. But because amputation cases are not common, the medical world is unprepared for this kind of situation. The jungle warfare in Vietnam and neighboring countries like Cambodia and Laos only increased the use of landmines and booby traps. The number of amputees continues to rise even after the war as those war materials lie hidden and unrecovered. Years after, the former battlefield is still dangerous. Individuals who lost a limb in either war are not an isolated case. Congenital disorders add up to the list of amputees. Disease-related amputations like those with gas gangrene are also contributing to the growing number of cases. While legless and armless individuals are becoming more visible today, medical research is on the rise in order to address the situation. Although amputees are as normal as a regular guy can be, the situation has a tremendous psychological strain for many of them. They become dependent for a large part of their lives. Loosing a hand, an arm or a leg is hard to deal with. Depression sets in, and many withdraw from too much attention. Relationships are affected. Many end up being a recluse in the long run. FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE It is sad to note that the advancement in finding a recourse or solution for amputees has been spearheaded by the victims themselves. The growing number of amputees has paved the way for companies to do business. Since there is a need to allow these individuals to live normal lives, investors thought about making artificial legs and arms. Businesses manufactured spare parts as replacements for the lost limbs. Initially, amputees find suppliers to reinforce them with artificial parts. These individuals, motivated to lead normal lives, want to get the best of everything from the corporations that they transacted with. However, advancement and innovation of artificial body parts didn't bring immediate results. The situation inspired a number of amputated individuals themselves to make a difference. Although, the presence of amputated people had been a common sight for centuries, artificial limb companies only began to do business shortly before the American Civil War. Amputees during that time didn't find too many options concerning their distressful situations. Either they improvised something to make their lives easier, or they simply accept the fact that nothing can be done. The Civil War increased the number of amputees. Veterans who lost a leg or an arm made replacement limbs for themselves. Interestingly, other amputees received help from them. THE PIONEERS One of the best known pioneers in the prosthetics business is J.E. Hanger. He has been a Confederate soldier with an engineering background. A rifle ball tore his leg during the war. He found a way to replace his lost limb. Gifted with innovative skills, he eventually founded the Hanger Company to provide artificial limbs for his Confederate comrades. After the Second World War, the progress made to address the situation of artificial limbs has been accounted as almost insignificant. But "in the late 195O's, the Prosthetics Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences - National Research Council commissioned Bess Furman, a noted newspaper reporter, to write a summary of what had been accomplished in prosthetic research and development since the end of World War II" (http://www.amputeeresource.org/Changing%20Role%20of%20the%20Amputee.htm). There are notable individuals who contributed in a way to the ever growing concern on prosthetics. Farmer A.A. Winkley inspired Lowell Jepson, a trader, to found the Winkley Company in 1889. The horse farmer and breeder made things easier for himself when he developed a slip socket below his amputated knee. The slip socket design has been made available to other veteran amputees and the company has been acclaimed worldwide. At this time, prosthetic development focused more on the lower limb since more people have that kind of amputation. In 1909, a right arm amputee, D.A. Dorrance began innovating designs for the upper extremity of the body. His leather socket design consisted of a heavy glove-covered cosmetic hand, a mechanical hand with limited movement and a hook used for carrying things. Prosthetic companies during that time began using amputees as its salesmen to talk or relay better the significance of limb replacements. With the research artificial extremities still going slow, The Artificial Limb Users Association, the first amputee consumer group, experimented to bring improvement to leg replacements. To educate the general public and to help amputees lead normal lives, consumer groups like the Conquers, and The Reach to Recovery Program came into the public picture THE SIGNIFICANCE OF RESEARCH After the Second World War, research foundations began exploring for solutions and possibilities that will help change the lives of amputees. The University of California at Berkeley and Los Angeles became research grounds. Corporations like Northrop Aviation and IBM contributed to prosthetic research organizations. The rehabilitation as an alternative concept has been introduced by Howard Rusk, M.D. The National Academy of Sciences/ National Research Council gave birth to the Committee on Prosthetic Research and Development. In the military, amputees have been given special attention especially by the Army and the Navy. The prosthetic program started by Northrop has been assumed by the University of Los Angeles California which offered intensive courses for medical professionals to have a better understanding of the amputee cases. Northwestern University and New York University followed and soon therapists, doctors, researchers and prosthetists are working together to develop methods and instruments for victims of amputation. The United States Council of National Defense looked forward to organizing a partnership between the artificial limb representatives and the brace manufactures across the country as The First World War started raging in Europe. But the anticipated meeting failed to bore fruit. The limb makers saw the plan more as a service orientation rather than a business potential. Although, investors launched their companies to address the plight of the amputees, most of the general public has little interest in the situation. The field of commerce saw little growth potential in tackling the amputation issue. Many believed that there is virtually no market in it. But in 1946, the two groups formed an alliance leading to the founding of the Orthopedic Appliance and Limb Manufacturers Association. Two years after, the American Board for Certification in Prosthetics and Orthotics was established. With the government actively participating in the issue, the world has now a clearer picture of the situation. Licensed Prosthetists and Orthostists spearheaded the educational campaign for amputees. Although, data and information about amputation are collected and made available, solutions to answer the needs of the victims still lie in wait. Some business entrepreneurs saw a market for manufacturing prosthetics. However, without coordinating properly with the authorities specializing in amputation, mechanical gadgets and equipments are made available to amputees. It failed to meet the market demand since the mechanical tool did not meet the standard set by various groups and foundations involved in serving the cause of the victims. Research teams decided to sort out information relevant to the solutions for amputated individuals. The problem with so many available data was that, nobody knew what to do with it. The manufacturers and the authorities on limb programs have contrasting ways in finding the solutions for amputees. But nobody was handing out the necessary data to the manufacturers on how to make prosthetics. Prosthetic companies were just clueless about the methods of fitting the materials to the needs of the amputated individuals. A century of research would be meaningless without the manufacturing process. THE PROSTHETIC MARKET As corporations set sail in the prosthetic market, knowledge is a vital part in the manufacturing process. Energy Storing Seattle Foot, the first among many amputee solution systems, to emerge in the market. Many amputees became interested but the value of such equipment has never been pointed out to them. The consumers simply want to buy it to make the victims of amputation feel comfortable and follow a normal way of life. "Amputees were asking their prosthetist for the Seattle foot long before it was available to prosthetists, without knowing or understanding whether it would be of value to them" (http://www.amputeeresource.org/Changing%20Role%20of%20the%20Amputee.htm). As businesses often are, financial gains are at an all time high but the long term application of the material becomes another problem. When amputees have the necessary prosthetics attached to their limbs, it doesn't necessarily mean that their problems are over. Mechanical solutions are merely temporary. These objects are considered to be extensions of the body. It is not forever because the limbs may still grow in size and a new adjustment is to be made. Limbs must be trained to get used to the role of prosthetics. The scientific study on amputees has named rehabilitation as a vital process in turning limbs functional. It is important for prospective investors in the prosthetic field to learn as much as they can about the functional abilities of the limbs. Suppliers of limb parts take for granted the effects of their products to amputated individuals. Mechanical equipments should suit the natural motions of the upper and lower extremities of the body. Companies who only show the roles of prosthetic without taking into consideration how limbs can adapt to it will never make it in the long run. Successful business enterprises are able to balance the need for prosthetic and orthotic treatment for amputees. The musculoskeletal must be addressed in the same way the braces and mechanical support will fit to allow proper and comfortable movement in the limbs The proposed association of limb representatives and limb manufacturers during the First World War failed to materialize because of financial discussions. Financial gain has been prioritized over the need for services. This is the main reason why companies fold up. They don't innovate. They only look on the money aspect. They don't satisfy the needs and wants of the market. Research foundations are made to educate people with certain global and general issues and concerns based on the figures and information gathered in a selected area or specific field of study. Although, schools and academic institutions benefit much from numerous research studies, the business world can use the data as one of its resources in scaling a potential market. Research information is made available for groups concerned in addressing certain problems. Many thought that academic foundations and business circles have contrasting styles, methods and approaches. These two fields only differ in objective. Academicians strive to get useful information to be shared with the rest of the world and to answer the numerous social and health concerns. Business entrepreneurs want to achieve financial success. BUSINESS AND RESEARCH Healthcare companies build their own research agencies not merely to gather figures in the business circle. These corporations are now looking for possible solutions to healthcare problems where they can build business empire based on need. It is in fact a win/win situation for such companies since they are able to give assistance to issues and concerns while being paid for doing so. Way, way back, the Hanger Orthopedic Group Inc. has its sights on finding solutions for amputated people. It is a known fact that its founder is an amputee himself. On its way to developing methods for amputees, the unknown pioneer turned a small company into a successful business enterprise. J.E. Hanger's investment become successful since it primarily focused on the need of amputees to lead normal lives (http://www.hanger.com/sections/po/newsroom/INN_newTeam.html). Because the development for alternatives and measures to treat amputees is slow, numerous groups gathered information to be shared to the general public. The British Columbia Institute of Technology in Vancouver, Canada launched a research program which will be incorporated to their curriculum for the Prosthetics and Orthotics department. Two main groups are included in the research process. The stakeholder group shared their views and beliefs about the medical staff involved in handling the amputation concerns. On the other hand, the medical team comprised with Certified Prosthetists and Orthotists shared their observations about themselves. The results of the survey show that there are a few orthotists and prosthetists involved in addressing the amputation issue. In addition, prosthetic materials are expensive which revealed the part that these medical practitioners are limited in number. Because of this, a large percentage of amputees are finding other options to treat their disability. It represents a loss in the market share of the medical practitioners. With a shrinking business potential, it concludes that both prosthetists and orthotists have poor business skills. The study has opened an opportunity in the manufacturing side of the business. Investors can get a share of the market by using all research data available as basis for making prosthetic gadgets. Educating business companies is the best way to fully understand the needs of the consumers. Making money out from the market is not only addressing the issue and concern. If the right products are designed for the benefit of the amputees, the financial gain will soon follow. "In the domain of technology development, it makes sense to drive development in this direction because people-hours in any manufacturing process are typically expensive hours. It might be added that most of the research and development work is not being done by prosthetists and is therefore is not constrained by the concept that the prosthetist is a necessary part of making and delivering a prosthesis" (http://www.oandp.org/jpo/library/2002_01_023.asp). INVESTING AND INNOVATING Research and Manufacturing are completely two different fields. But with the right combination and the right attitude, both sides can work together to build a better prosthetic market. The possibilities are just endless. For business to work in this kind of market, roles of both fields must be defined with each focusing closely to adhere to the needs and wants of the other. Consumer groups must be honored and treated with respect. They should never be taken advantage of. Mathew A. Bulow is a Certified Prosthetic. His is a success story driven by endurance and the will to survive from his own predicament. He is an achiever. With three Olympic Games, a long jump record and a tennis championship under his belt, people will see him as different. And different he really is. Bulow is an amputee victim himself, loosing his leg to cancer. His situation should have discouraged him but he persevered. Today, his company, the Bulow Biotech Prosthetics is a major player in the market of amputee equipments. Research has played a vital part in his company's drive to bring innovation to the products for amputees. Bulow Biotech Technology keeps its products focused on regaining the natural motions of the prosthetics when joined to the amputated part. Matthew Bulow used his experience as an experience to find answers not only for himself but also for other people who have long suffered like him. "Because the ultimate goal of prosthetics is regaining natural motion, Bulow Biotech Prosthetics has dedicated much of its effort to bionic technology" (http://www.bulowbiotech.com/bioprostech.html). His company introduced the first foot module built with artificial intelligence, the Ossur Proprio Foot. A breakthrough product, the Ossur Power Knee brings movement and coordination to the amputated leg with that of the sound one. Lester Sabolich opened his prosthetic clinic in 1947, not to make artificial limbs but to make a difference in people's lives. His mission has been handed down to his son, John and later to his grandson, Scott. The Sabolich Prosthetic and Research Center has been featured in the National Geographic, Popular Science and USA Today. John Sabolich perfected a socket which provides proper movement and comfort to prosthetics. Not only does it allow a comfortable situation for amputees, it also provides total control of the equipment. Research led the way for the company to introduce its notable products to the market. "Due to the increasing need for advanced prosthetics, Scott Sabolich Prosthetics & Research established a close symbiotic relationship with Martin Bionics, a leading prosthetics research and development company specializing in advanced technology designed to mimic the human body" (http://www.scottsabolich.com/technology.html). KEY POINT The business of prosthetics depends heavily on the acceptance of amputated people. Satisfaction of a product relies much on the way a material affects their daily lives. Prosthetic entrepreneurs should know that the comfort of amputees means everything. The ability of certain equipment to bring solution to amputated individuals will spearhead its value in the market. Consumer groups and manufactures must work together if both intend to survive. Complementing each other will mean more profits. Companies should not focus solely on manufacturing or innovating new products. It should also produce spare parts for prosthetics. The availability of prosthetics in the market does not guarantee a firm holds on amputated individuals. Money is a catalyst. Since healthcare engineering is expensive, prices in the market will surely compensate the expenses made for selling a product. Because of the high costs of most prosthetic equipments, the affordability will be questioned. Success in the business world also comes down to managing costs. Most successful companies in the world manage to find ways in order to cut their expenses. One profitable method to cut costs is through mergers. Prosthetic investors can save financial resources by limiting the number of its manufacturing plants. Instead of making products for every market, one plant is enough to mass produce prosthetic equipments. The key for finding the market is through distributorship. A network of good sales people will do the job to penetrate unexplored areas. But prior to exploring the field, the sales network must be educated about the significant product descriptions which is very useful in addressing numerous questions from the consumer group. In the prosthetics business, each division must work independently. But all should adhere to the same goal or objective. Research must inform the manufacturing section about the key points necessary for the product. A network of medical practitioners and sales team should work together to share important information about prosthetics. Education is the key point for business enterprises to capitalize upon. Knowing what works perfectly well among amputees keeps the job half done. BIBLIOGRAPHY Raschke, S. U. PhD,CO(c) Ford, N. PhD, CPO 2002. Report on Key Points Arising from Visioning Process on Prosthetic and Orthotic Education Done at the British Columbia Institute of Technology. Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics. Vol.14. Available from: [19 August 2007] Pike, A. C. C.P. 1999, PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION CLINICS OF NORTH AMERICA Vol. 2. No 2. Available from: [19 August 2007] [19 August 2007] [19 August 2007] [19 August 2007] Read More