Hands across the Water: Clinical Observations of Hand Therapy Practices in Great Britain and Norway

The Evelyn Mackin Traveling Hand Therapist Award is a new award established in 2004 by the American Hand Therapy Foundation. This award was named in honor of Evelyn Mackin, a distinguished leader in hand therapy rehabilitation. Ms. Mackin enthusiastically endorses worldwide networking among hand therapists. She strongly believes in the value of sharing knowledge and technical skills. This award enables members of the ASHT to travel, learn new concepts or skills, and share them with the American hand therapy community. Visits to clinics in Great Britain and Norway revealed similarities and differences between European and American hand therapy practice. Clinical observations explore tendon transfer rehabilitation, cold sensitivity, sensory desensitization and re-education, Dupuytren's contracture, and clinic design. Other highlighted topics include delivery of health care services, hand therapist certification, and the unique contributions of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy to the practice of hand therapy. A hand therapy practice survey focuses on treatment and practice issues, continuing education, and challenges facing hand therapist colleagues abroad.