The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics

Background

The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO) was founded as a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) in 1970, in Copenhagen, Denmark. ISPO contributes throughout the world in all aspects of science and practices associated with the provision of prosthetic and orthotic care, rehabilitation engineering and related areas such as wheeled mobility.

Mission

ISPO works worldwide to enhance the quality of life for people with physical disabilities who require improvements in mobility or independence, by:

Promoting clinically relevant research and evidence based practice

Facilitating development of innovative and appropriate technologies

Conducting high quality continuing education programmes

Developing international guidelines for the education of prosthetists and orthotists

Publishing peer reviewed information in journal, text, and electronic formats

Fostering cooperation and exchange of ideas worldwide


Vision

ISPO is an international multidisciplinary organization that effectively promotes the provision of quality services, innovative technology, clinically relevant research, and education in the field of rehabilitation for persons with physical disabilities. Through its growing membership and National Member Societies (NMS), ISPO addresses the needs of both industrial and less resourced regions, advocating for best practices to governments and non-governmental organizations and advising on key relevant issues.

Education

The ISPO is committed to facilitate and enhance the educational efforts of all health care disciplines involved in prosthetics and orthotics throughout the world.
The Society has detailed appropriate education and training guidelines for the full professional prosthetist/orthotist (Category I) and for the orthopedic technologist (Category II). The philosophy and curricula are widely accepted by most of the international governmental and non-governmental agencies in this field.

ISPO compiles and reviews standards throughout the world, governing the practice of the professions concerned with prosthetic and orthotic care, rehabilitation engineering, and other related areas. Information exchange and dissemination is achieved through world congresses, instructional courses, workshops, conferences, educational symposia, publications, website, and audiovisual media. Furthermore ISPO provides consultation and expertise to these areas where there is an identified need for development. Upon request, ISPO evaluates P&O programmes throughout the world for ISPO Category I and II recognition. The evaluation includes students’ entry requirements, teaching content, clinical training, quality and administrative procedures.