UE | Applications

Over the last 20 years, The Teton Hand and Upper Extremity Conference Series, LLC has drawn from local and nationally renowned surgeons and therapists to provide peerless continuing education in a relaxed setting. Beginning early Spring 2023, we are shifting our focus to provide professional continuing education to entry-level therapist’s (or those training entry-level therapists) seeking to establish requisite behaviors, treatment and clinical skills necessary to successfully initiate (or train another to initiate) a career in the field of hand and upper extremity rehabilitation. The conference will continue to provide advanced education in a comfortable, relaxed setting that highlights matchless learning, networking and a bit of leisure time.

Historically, the Teton Hand and Upper Extremity Conference Series has enjoyed working with colleagues from across the nation while spending memorable time in beautiful Jackson, Wyoming. The Teton Hand and Upper Extremity Conference was established in February of 2002 to provide hand therapists and hand surgeons a world class opportunity for study and leisure. The conference has centered on the anatomy of the upper extremity and used fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens, lab sessions, didactic presentations, case studies, and panel discussions as its primary methods of instruction. Each year the conference emphasized the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand. The conference was designed to provide the attendee with a comprehensive study and review the upper extremity.

The Dell Hand Instructional Module

presents a series of 1-3hr videos centered around The Dell Hand Model, the relationship between the sensory and motor cortices and the hand, intrinsic and extrinsic hand anatomy, hand biomechanics, kinesiology, and pathomechanics as well as the fascinating role the hand plays in psychosocial interaction. All designed to be a practical adjunct to throughout the continuum of the graduate student learning experience.

The Dell Hand offers the opportunity for students to participate in an indelible learning experience. One drawer, one narrator, one videographer. These three distinct and effective methods of adult learning can be conducted using a single model of The Dell Hand. It is suggested that the students participate in two, 3 hour, learning modules. Module 1: a 1-3 hour anatomical instructional session. Module 2: a 1-3 hour practical testing session.

In an effort to limit cost and maximize student learning experience, we recommend dividing total class size into small groups, with 3 students to 1 Dell Hand. Based on class size, the total number of small groups needed will vary. We recommend completing these modules in sequential order beginning with the 3 hour anatomical instructional session and concluding with the practical testing session. Based on class size, Module 1, anatomical instructional sessions may occur in 3 hour blocks on the same day or different days. The same is recommended for Module 2 practical testing sessions.

Incorporation of the Dell Hand into the graduate curriculum may look different based on class schedule and professor preference. Whatever the scenario, the Dell Hand is ideal adjunct to the unique principles and concepts taught in the following graduate classes:

Musculoskeletal Anatomy

Anatomy and Biomechanics

Neuroscience of Human Occupation  

Functional Kinesiology

Psychosocial Intervention

Pathophysiology

The Dell Hand Instructional Series provides a series of anatomically and clinically-based, independently directed instructional modules, easily lead by a post-graduate teaching assistant or faculty member. If integrated into the suggested graduate classes noted above, the student would have the opportunity to incorporate the 3-1 Kinesthetic Teaching Model throughout the continuum of the occupational therapy curriculum. The Dell Hand Instructional Series could easily help the student log six hours of structured kinesthetic learning per area of study: Musculoskeletal Anatomy, Anatomy and Biomechanics, Neuroscience of Human Occupation, Functional Kinesiology, Psychosocial Intervention, and Pathophysiology–A cumulative adjunct of thirty-six hours of structured kinesthetic learning via the integration of The Dell Hand and Instructional Series.

The end result: students direct their own kinesthetic learning experience by drawing, narrating, and video/audio recording their own Dell Hand session. Each student will acquire their own individual, collaborative, permanent resource and experience. Incorporate The Dell Hand into your classroom today!

Kinesthetic Learning

Memorizing anatomy can be challenging! Acquiring an indelible imprint of anatomical structures, origins, insertions and relationships can be overwhelming, if not, illusive. As students of the hand and upper extremity, cementing a working knowledge is critical to our ability to negotiate the manifold pathologies that are common to the hand and upper extremity. The Dell Hand, and its associated media, provide the tools for a matchless, kinesthetic learning experience to make the acquisition of a permanent understanding of intrinsic and extrinsic hand anatomy possible.

With the Dell Hand, the nuances of the intrinsic and extrinsic anatomy of the hand come alive through the repeated drawing, erasing and communicating of the anatomy. The Dell Hand, and its associated media, provide the learner with a rich, tactile, physical educational experience. Designed to pair students, professionals, patients, physicians or other hand and upper extremity practitioners with each other, The Dell Hand is an ideal tool to learn and effectively communicate normal or pathological anatomy of the hand.

“Kinesthetic teaching strategies offer an exciting and satisfying learning experience that leaves the student with a vivid impression following the teaching session” and “will help bridge the gap between theory and practice, thus producing better learning outcomes and ultimately better patient care.” (Sue Hudson – National League for Nursing).

Another research article published by BMC Medical Education supports these claims with their own findings. The article stated, “In previous studies, students that had a kinesthetic learning style seemed to perform better academically, due to them employing deep learning approaches, a concept that entails students engaging with higher learning material to better solve a problem or complete a task.”

“Active learning strategies, such as discovery learning through kinesthetic activities, have been associated with increases in student engagement and satisfaction.” (Sue Hudson – Nation League for Nursing)

“Individuals benefit most from visual feedback, but learning can be enhanced further when simultaneous feedback from visual and kinesthetic sensory systems is combined.” (The American Journal of Surgery)

Benefits of Kinesthetic Learning

Improves clinical problem solving

Deepens understanding of complex concepts

Fosters clear communication

Advances focus and recall

The Teton Hand and Upper Extremity Conference Series, Inc in cooperation with UE | Applications provides guest lecturing/consulting for independent professional organizations and clinics. All content and presentation provided by Mike Cricchio MBA, OT/L, CHT.

The details of the guest lecturing contract can be individualized to meet the specific needs of your organization or clinic.

To calendar The Teton Hand and Upper Extremity Conference Series, Inc and Mike Cricchio MBA, OT/L, CHT for your next continuing event please send your request to: criccm@gmail.com

Please see the below example of the highly requested “The Human Hand: A Detailed Study of the Relationship of the Intrinsic and Extrinsic of the Hand”— a 1-day guest lecturing event that has or will be presented at the following organizations/clinics:

UCLA Outpatient Hand Clinic

Michigan Hand Society

Washington D.C. Hand Special Interest Group

Ventura Orthopedics

“The Human Hand: A Detailed Study of the Relationship of the Intrinsic and Extrinsic of the Hand”

9hrs of LIVE in-person education for a group of 10-30 registrants (registrants may be from various clinics). 10 Dell Hand Kits will be provided, at no additional charge, during the 8hr instructional period only. Depending upon registration, Dell Hand Kits may be used individually, or as a group of 2-3 registrants, during the 9hr instructional period. The 8hr LIVE in-person instruction is limited to 30 registrants. The Dell Hand Kits and Animated Anatomy of the Intrinsics of the Hand Video are available for purchase separately. Individual purchase the Professional Edition of the Dell Hand provides The Dell Hand Kit as well as a download of the 9hr instructional presentation.  Shipping, handling and deliver cost of The Dell Hands not included.