Product Progress Report

This week in ISM, I wrote an Evidence of Learning, had a phone call meeting with my mentor, and completed a Product Progress report. During my phone call meeting with Mr. Wilson, we discussed the estimated costs of a shuttle lock system vs. an electronic vacuum and the role of insurance in helping patients cover these costs. I realized that a complete prosthesis with a vacuum is approximately three times more expensive than a temporary one with a shuttle lock, and this difference is most likely due to the amount of technology in a vacuum that supports a higher activity level for the patient. A complete prosthesis includes the prosthetic leg, any adjustments that are made, and all patient visits under that single device, so the price seems much more reasonable for a final vacuum because these legs can typically last about five years before they need replacement. Also, some patients are able to use the same socket when transitioning from a temporary prosthesis to their final device, so this will significantly decrease the overall cost. In my Product Progress report, I described everything I have accomplished so far in regards to my Final Product and what else I have left to complete before Final Presentation Night. As of right now, my mentor and I are ahead of the deadlines on my Final Product Calendar, so I can spend more time testing out various combinations before I choose the best version for my finished product. I'm planning on fully finishing both prosthetic legs by May 8th, which will ensure that I have enough time to account for any potential setbacks while I'm building my Final Product and focus on other aspects of Final Presentation Night as well. This upcoming week, I have scheduled another phone call with my mentor, and I will draft out the information for my FPN program brochure.