ISPO, the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotists, is the global membership organisation for all professionals involved in the provision of prosthetic and orthotic care, rehabilitation engineering, and related areas.
The ISPO mission is to improve the quality of life for persons who may benefit from the rehabilitation practice of prosthetic, orthotic, mobility, and assistive technology by:
- Promoting multidisciplinary practice;
- Facilitating professional education to provide quality care;
- Promoting research and evidence-based practice;
- Facilitating innovative and appropriate technology;
- Fostering international collaboration and consensus;
- Facilitating knowledge exchange.
The Society brings together over 3,000 members in more than 100 countries, representing different disciplines: prosthetists and orthotists, prosthetic and orthotic (P&O) technicians, orthopaedic surgeons, rehabilitation doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, orthopaedic shoemakers, nurses, and biomechanical/rehabilitation engineers.
By providing an effective platform for exchange and communication on all aspects of the science, practice, and education relating to prosthetics, orthotics, and rehabilitation, ISPO members benefit from being part of a worldwide community to network and engage, to enhance their skills and knowledge, and to actively contribute to the development of the P&O field.
Members of ISPO affirm their commitment to deliver the highest standards of patient care; to train, develop, and share professional experience; to act as leaders, and to promote enhanced function and treat all equally via the ISPO 50 Charter.
ISPO has been actively working to develop the prosthetics and orthotics sector worldwide since its inception in the 1970s. Read about the “History of ISPO and Assistive Technology (AT)” here.
ISPO is active in developing global standards for prosthetic and orthotic care. The ISPO Education Standards for Prosthetic/Orthotic Occupations provide a basis for prosthetic/orthotic education programmes around the world to have the appropriate infrastructure and resources to develop students into entry-level practitioners that will provide quality prosthetic/orthotic services. See the “ISPO Education Standards for Prosthetic/Orthotic Occupations” here. ISPO collaborated with WHO and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to develop the WHO Standards for Prosthetics and Orthotics, accompanied by an implementation manual to support countries in developing or improving high-quality, affordable prosthetics and orthotics services. The standards are people-centred and aim to ensure that everyone in need has access to prostheses and orthoses worldwide. See the “Standards for Prosthetics and Orthotics” here.
Finally, note that further information on the Society’s activities and developments throughout the past two years, including background details on ISPO Committees and ISPO Member Societies, can be found on the ISPO Biennium 2019-2021. Click here