Certified hand therapists membership in the American Society of Hand Therapists: A survey study

Study Design: Survey research. Methods: A pilot tested survey was administered through an electronic mailing system to 5777 CHTs with email addresses on file at Hand Therapy Certification Commission. The survey was electronically distributed on two separate occasions to maximize the response rate. Results: The response rate was 53% (n = 1271). The majority of the respondents who were not members of ASHT, 49% (441), indicated that member fees are too expensive, and 35% (311) respondents selected other as the reason. They specified that they were members in another country, the expenses were too high, or that they were retired. Ten percent (93) of respondents answered that they did not know what member benefits were offered, and 4% (40) responded that they do not value the member benefits offered. Finally, 2% (14) of participants answered that they do not value membership in any other professional organization. Discussion: While ASHT membership cost is lower than the benefits the member receives, some do not believe that the costs outweighs the benefits. The combination of these factors accounts for approximately half of all CHTs choosing not to join ASHT. Conclusion: Many established members value their membership and find it beneficial not only for themselves but also for furthering the profession as well. Many CHTs identified cost as the most apparent factor for not joining ASHT. (C) 2019 Hanley & Belfus, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.