The Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association Inc. (AOPA) is the peak representative professional body for prosthetists and orthotists in Australia.  Currently AOPA has over 300 members, which represents more than 80% of all practicing professionals in Australia.

Prosthetists are responsible for the clinical care and the fitting of artificial limbs for amputees.  Prosthetic services are provided immediately post-operatively in hospitals as part of the rehabilitation program for amputees. These services continue throughout the amputee's life. 

Orthotists are responsible for the fitting of devices which apply external forces to the body for the purpose of support and alignment, reducing pain or enhancing mobility.  The delivery of orthotic services also occurs in acute hospital settings for a broad range of clinical presentations, such as spinal trauma.  Orthotic services are also provided for rehabilitation and ongoing care for clients with a diverse range of presentations such as cerebral palsy, polio, and sporting injuries.

Orthotic and prosthetic workforce in Australia

Prosthetists serve the amputee community in Australia.  Amputees represent a surprisingly large group in Australia. There are more than 20,000 amputees currently living active lives. There are 2,500 new amputees per annum in Australia.  75% of amputations occur as a result of vascular disease, and 75% of all amputees are over 60 years of age.  The remaining 25% of amputations result from trauma (road & work), tumor and congenital deficiencies.

Orthotists care for a large and diverse group of Australians.  Orthotists practice in both short-term acute and long-term rehabilitation settings.  Orthoses may be provided for all parts of the body, ranging from complex spinal braces following road trauma, to conditions requiring the application of foot orthoses.  Orthotists serve a population of 275,000 Australians requiring assistance in daily life.

The current education of prosthetists & orthotists consists of a 4-year master's course, and is currently only available at LaTrobe University in Melbourne.  An annual intake of 30 students does not currently meet national demands.  Currently there are 350 professionals delivering prosthetic and orthotic care to the Australian population.  Independent studies have shown significant shortages of practitioners currently exist. Whilst Victoria is well served with professionals (due to LaTrobe University being in Melbourne), all other states of Australia have significant shortages.  International benchmarks suggest Australia requires more than double the number of prosthetists and orthotists to meet community requirements.

Cost benefit of orthotic and prosthetic intervention

Independently determined benchmarks suggest resources and funding for prosthetic and orthotic services are equally deficient.  Studies have shown the provision of well planned prosthetic and orthotic services greatly reduce total health budgetary costs.  These cost reductions can be measured through a range of outcomes including a significant decrease in hospital bed stay, through to more rapid re-integration of the individual back into their community, and increased re-employment prospects.

Funding of orthotic and prosthetic services

The majority of funding for prosthetic and orthotic treatment is provided by state governments under a range of diverse programs.  The provision of services in hospital settings are generally funded by the hospital.  However long-term rehabilitation programs and ongoing life-long care are generally not funded.  Funding varies greatly from state to state, with some states able to provide funding for worlds best practice care, whilst other states are comparatively poorly resourced, resulting in the development of services that may be considered as falling short of international benchmarks.

Unfortunately only a limited number of private health insurance funds subsidise orthotic services and none of these insurers subsidise prosthetic services.  Government resources provided through varied programs have been in decline in real-terms over the past decade. A coordinated approach to funding and service provision at local, state and federal levels is required to ensure successful outcomes.

Closing statement

Australian prosthetic and orthotic professionals are considered amongst the most highly trained and capable globally.  We are seen as tremendously innovative and carry an international reputation for being committed to the delivery of world leading standards of care.

We continue to strive to improve the lives of all Australians requiring prosthetic and orthotic care.