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Emerging Areas: Hand Transplants and Bionic Limbs

I chose to research and blog about occupational therapy's role in the emerging area of hand transplants and bionic limbs. With technology and science being at an advanced stage and continuing to advance, people living without limbs have endless opportunities. According to AOTA, about 1.7 million people are living with a limb loss and about 1 in 200 Americans have had amputations of a limb. I think the fact that surgeons can transplant a hand is incredible, but what happens next? That's where OT's come in. Occupational therapists working in the area of hand transplants need to be experienced, up to date with research, and committed.  OT's may work for years with someone who has received a transplant.

The Vision 2025's core principles are that occupational therapy is accessible, collaborative, effective, and contains leaders. I think when it comes to the emerging area of hand transplants, collaboration is important and necessary. Occupational therapists will collaborate with the hand transplantation team and with a team of experienced therapists.  

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