Course overview
This course will develop student knowledge in the theory and practical application of basic podiatry assessment and treatment techniques. Vascular and neurological function and assessment. Skin pathologies and management, including infection, injury and mechanical manifestations; nail pathologies and management - surgical, non-surgical, footwear, style and fitting reviews; dressing types and theories of application. Principles of WHS and clinical standards, regulation and statutory requirements relevant to podiatric practice; Infection control, hand hygiene and standard precautions; appropriate clinical documentation (utilising Subjective, Objective, Assessment and Plan format of recording and It stands for Introduction, Situation, Background, Assessment and Recommendation, form of patient handover/discussion), and; the safe and effective use of podiatry instruments for the management of simple foot pathologies.
Course learning outcomes
- Explain the aetiology, management and prognosis of common skin and nail pathologies encountered in podiatry practice
- Describe principles of WHS, Standards, regulatory and statutory requirements, Universal Precautions and infection control as it relates to safe podiatry practice.
- Discuss theories of footwear design construction and evaluation
- Demonstrate basic person-centred podiatric vascular, neurological, dermatological and gait assessment with appropriate recording and dissemination of outcomes
- Use clinical reasoning to interpret podiatric assessment findings and plan interventions in podiatry practice
- Identify frequently used podiatry management techniques, characteristics of commonly used dressings and topical applications, indications and contraindications for use