Symposium topic
The ISPO Education Standards for Prosthetic/Orthotic Occupations (the Standards) provide a globally recognised framework to ensure consistency, quality, and competency in prosthetic and orthotic (P&O) education, supporting the development of a skilled workforce capable of delivering safe and effective patient care. Since their publication in 2018, advances in pedagogy, clinical practice, service delivery, and digital technologies highlight the need to evaluate the Standards and determine whether revision is required. This symposium presents the work of the ISPO Education Standards Subcommittee (within the ISPO Education Committee organisation), including findings from evidence-informed review activities and stakeholder engagement. A draft of the revised Standards will be shared to support a facilitated discussion aimed at informing a collaborative, globally relevant update.
Underpinning science and theory
The symposium is grounded in established guideline revision methodology, drawing on Vernooij et al.’s framework for updating clinical practice guidelines. The process includes identifying new evidence, assessing the need for updates, structured revision and drafting, external stakeholder review, and publication (Figure 1). This approach ensures a transparent, systematic, and evidence-based process for refining the ISPO Education Standards.
Relevance for the ISPO World Congress
Updating education standards is essential for maintaining high-quality education and strengthening global P&O workforce capacity. This symposium is particularly relevant for educators attending the ISPO World Congress, as it directly informs curriculum design, accreditation processes, and teaching practice. It offers delegates an opportunity to help shape future-ready, globally applicable Standards that reflect evolving educational, clinical, and technological demands.
Perspectives
Presenters are members of the ISPO Education Standards Subcommittee, comprising eight professionals involved in education and governance from diverse global contexts. The group brings varied professional and regional perspectives on standards development and implementation while promoting inclusive stakeholder engagement to ensure the refined Standards reflect global needs.
Learning objectives
By the end of this symposium, participants will:
• Understand the rationale and process for revising the ISPO Education Standards
• Understand how evidence mapping and scoping reviews inform standards development
• Discuss key challenges and gaps in current P&O education standards
• Contribute to the review process by providing informed feedback on proposed revisions
• Apply insights to support education development, policy, and standardisation initiatives within their own contexts
