Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 400942

Coordinator Stefania Penkala Opens in new window

Description This is the first subject to introduce Master's entry students to some basic theoretical and practical components related to podiatric practice with an emphasis on clinical competencies in patient communication and management that will be reinforced in the one week clinical placement in either a private practice or public sector setting. In addition, a clinical component will introduce students to skills required to treat basic skin conditions and evaluate the functional anatomy, gait and cursory examination as well as communication skills which are necessary components for the Podiatric Practice clinical subjects. Furthermore, general clinical treatment techniques will be covered such as chair side devices, strapping and removable pads to more complex skills such as the manufacture of non-cast orthotic devices will be covered.

School Health Sciences

Discipline Podiatry

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 2 10cp

Level Postgraduate Coursework Level 7 subject

Restrictions

Podiatry specific

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Identify the role of podiatrists in health care and understand the legal legislation and registration guidelines for the podiatry profession.
2. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate the aetiology and management of common skin and nail disorders in the health setting.
3. Distinguish relevant skills in assessment of dermatology, vascular, neurological and lower extremity biomechanics and gait analysis within the health environment.
4. Analyse the framework of OH&S, infection control standards and protocols in a clinical setting and in the treatment of the high risk foot and nail surgery procedures.
5. Apply analytical skills encompassing communication and correspondence with patients and allied health professionals (interpersonal, written, and professional presentation).
6. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate and manage common podiatric skills such as identifying and handling of instrumentation within the health environment.
7. Develop manual skills for the application of clinical techniques and apply strapping or pads to the leg and foot within the health environment.
8. Demonstrate a basic understanding of appropriate footwear and demonstrate the need for prescription of non cast orthoses.
9. Demonstrate the ability to apply the above theoretical concepts and practical skills during a one week placement in a private practice or public sector setting.

Subject Content

1. General clinical protocols
- Policy for the Uniclinic infection control standards and orthoses fabrication work areas (OH&S issues)
- documentation for patient management at Western Sydney university and learning contracts for external placements
- professional Issues related to clinical procedures (Internal and external), e.g. Immunisation, criminal checks, senior first aid and Dress Code
2. Cursory physical examination
- vascular, neurological and dermatological
- Basic Biomechanical techniques, planes and axes of The Lower extremity and introduction to assessment of gait analysis
- Basic gait analysis
3. Introduction to functional anatomy
- Anatomy of The thigh, leg and foot
- general joint and muscle function assessment
- introduction to postural types (lordosis, kyphosis) and foot types (normal, pronated and supinated)
4. Documentation
- legal and professional requirements
- practical management Issues
- assessment forms from The UniClinic
- prescription writing for orthoses
- correspondence ? letter writing
5. Instrumentation
- introduction to Basic routine instrument pack
- introduction to handling instruments
- Basic nail and Scalpel techniques
6. Manual treatment skills
- principles for mechanical / Fabrication skills
- Basic strapping and Padding techniques
- Basic workshop skills to fabricate non cast orthoses
7. Manual fabrication skills
- introduction to safety Factors in The workshop
8. External Clinical Placement
- one full week placement
- private or public sector
- observation only