ISPO - Aims and Objectives

The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO) is a multi-disciplinary organisation made up of individuals who have a professional interest in the clinical, educational and research aspects of prosthetics, orthotics, rehabilitation engineering and related topics.

ISPO was founded in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1970 by a group of surgeons, prosthetist-orthotists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and engineers in order to promote improvements in the care of all persons with neuromuscular and skeletal impairments.

At present ISPO has 2,500 members worldwide in 75 countries. Where there are more than five members in any country, or region, they may band together in order to form a National or Regional Member Society. National Member Societies have been established in 35 countries.

As stated in the Society's Constitution, its basic aim is the promotion of high quality care. In order to achieve this:

• It acts as an international advisory body interacting with other international and national agencies, providing guidance and co-ordination and working at achieving optimal use of its resources.
• It acts as a vehicle for the exchange of information through such means as publication of its journal and the organisation of seminars, courses and conferences.
• It promotes and guides research, development and evaluation activities.
• It encourages, supports and co-ordinates the educational and training activities for all the professions in this field.
• It guides and supports the activities of those responsible for the care of patients.
• It carries out projects in order to facilitate a high-level of uniform practice through such means as the development of adequate international standards.

Membership provides the opportunity for professional involvement and contacts with those of similar activities and interests. It makes available information on the best practices in all aspects of the field - research, education and service. Most importantly, however, membership in the Society provides an ideal opportunity for individuals to help shape the future in this area of activity, both nationally and internationally.

Where there are more than five members in any country, or region, they may band together in order to form a National Member Society.

All Members receive the Journal of the Society - Prosthetics and Orthotics International - which is one of the leading journals in the field.

The World Congress of ISPO is organised once every 3 years. The last 11th World Congress of ISPO was held in Hong Kong, 2004.

Contact address:

International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO)
22-24 Rue du Luxembourg
B-1000 Brussels - Belgium
Tel: +32 (0)2 213.13.79
Direct: +32 (0)2 213.13.81
Fax: +32 (0)2 213.13.13
ispo@ispoint.org
www.ispoint.org

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