Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Professional practice as a podiatrist requires the integration of a wide range of knowledge, skills and personal attributes in the clinical setting. This unit introduces you to the clinical, theoretical and professional domains of podiatric practice. Students in this unit begin the transition to the unique and challenging role of clinician, as well as continuing academic learning. The application of prior knowledge e.g. anatomy, physiology and the acquisition of new knowledge, are encouraged through a case-based approach. Principles of evidence -based practice are introduced in a podiatric context.

Aims

The aim of the PU43 course is to meet the needs of the community by preparing graduates with the contemporary knowledge, skills and attributes expected of independent health practitioners in podiatry.

The aim of this unit is to introduce you to some of the clinical skills, theoretical knowledge and professional standards and protocols that are foundational for podiatry practice. The unit develops essential skills such as a self-directed approach to learning and the ability to work as part of a team.

Objectives

At completion of this unit you should be able to:

1. Understand and apply relevant podiatry practice principles and theoretical concepts
   
2. Interpret evidence to inform a preliminary diagnosis and management plan
   
3. Identify common foot conditions, select appropriate treatments and use podiatry instruments with adherence to clinical protocols
   
4. Conduct physical examinations, interpret results and analyse findings with adherence to clinical protocols
   
5. Use equipment to fabricate foot orthoses for common foot types.

These learning outcomes address elements of the National Podiatry Competencies from the Australian and New Zealand Podiatry Accreditation Council:

• PC 1. Practise podiatry in a professional manner
  
• PC 2. Continue to acquire and review knowledge for ongoing clinical and professional practice improvement
  
• PC 3. Communicate and interrelate effectively in diverse contexts
  
• PC 4. Conduct patient/client Interview and physical examination
  
• PC 5. Analyse Interpret and diagnose.

These learning outcomes support the development of students towards demonstrating QUT graduate capabilities:

• knowledge and skills pertinent to the professional area
  
• critical, creative and analytical thinking, and effective problem-solving
  
• effective communication in a variety of contexts and modes
  
• the capacity for life-long learning
  
• the ability to work independently and collaboratively
  
• social and ethical responsibility and an understanding of Indigenous and international perspectives
  
• characteristics of self-reliance and leadership.

Content

The content is presented in five areas, each linked to the major learning outcomes for the unit.

Professional and Ethical Practice in Podiatry

• evolution of the profession
  
• scope of practice
  
• roles and responsibilities of the practitioner
  
• QUT Podiatry Clinic Protocols


Knowledge

• Common foot conditions and therapeutic approaches used in their management


• Use of podiatric instruments
  
• Padding and strapping techniques
  
• Orthotic fabrication techniques



• Normal and abnormal foot and lower limb anatomy and function of the following areas:


• Vascular
  
• Neurological
  
• Biomechanical/Joint
  
• Muscle
  
• Dermatological (Skin and Nail)


Communication

• Use of non-verbal communication skills to record important details of a patient medical history and accepted formats to complete patient charts eg SOAP notes


Physical Examination

• Performance and interpretation of relevant tests of the foot and lower limb in the clinical setting. This includes;


• Vascular examination
  
• Neurological examination
  
• Biomechanical/Joint examination
  
• Muscle examination
  
• Dermatological (Skin and Nail) examination


Clinical skills

• Proficiency at an introductory level in:


• Scalpel techniques
  
• Nail care, including use of high speed podiatric drills
  
• Padding and strapping techniques
  
• Orthotic fabrication

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit will be available in internal mode. This second year unit is the first substantive student experience in podiatry practice, following a brief introduction in tutorial activities in PUB251 in first year. To assist with the integration of the learning within the workplace environment, tutorials are based around clinical cases and followed by critical discussions of cases. The principles of quality, safety and professional practice in health care are explained in lectures, which present the new knowledge you need to begin to work within the podiatry context. Evidence -based practice is explained and applied to the selection of physical examination and treatment techniques that would be considered most appropriate for the management of the clinical cases presented. The transition to professional practice is facilitated through learning activities in the podiatry clinic and the podiatry skills laboratories. These sessions use simulations to assist you to acquire physical examinations skills, clinical skills and orthotic fabrication skills.

The student cohort forms the initial patient group for development of the practical skills. Communication skills within teams and with other professionals are developed by requiring you to use professional communication with peers and supervisors.
You will be required to attend additional clinical rotations during semester breaks.

Assessment

There are three assessments to be completed by the end of the semester.
You must pass each of the assessment items to pass the unit.

Designated unit
This is a designated unit. Designated units include professional experience units, units requiring the development of particular skills, and units requiring the demonstration of certain personal qualities, and are deemed to be critical to progress in your course. If you fail to achieve a passing grade in this unit on two occasions you will be issued with an unsatisfactory academic performance notice and could be excluded from the course. Supplementary Assessment will NOT be granted to students enrolled in designated units.

In this unit you will participate in the podiatry clinics and will be required to comply with the policies and procedures of the clinic at all times. Failure to comply with relevant policies and procedures may lead to exclusion from the clinics and inability to complete the unit.

Special note:
It is a policy that clinical attendance is mandatory for all students. Clinical hours will be documented to demonstrate fulfilment of Podiatry Board requirements. Any digression from this rule must be either accompanied by a medical certificate or prior approval, in writing, obtained from the unit coordinator. Verbal notification will not suffice. Your clinic workload will need to be completed by the end of week 13. Students who do not complete the designated (based on student roster) clinical work prior to this time will not be eligible to undertake the final clinical exam. Students are advised that this rule will be strictly enforced.Assessment will be spaced throughout the semester to provide the opportunity for feedback on your learning to that point. You will be provided with feedback on all your assessments as you progress through the unit.

Formative Assessment
You are provided with these formative assessment opportunities:

• online case scenarios in preparation for the portfolio assessment item
  
• weekly verbal feedback from staff in practical, orthotic fabrication and clinical sessions regarding the development of skills in preparation for the portfolio and clinical skills exam
  
• online quizzes during the semester in preparation for the final theory exam.

Assessment name: Portfolio
Description: You are asked to compile a portfolio of your engagement with online and practical activities that apply relevant podiatric theoretical concepts and practical skills in a clinical setting.
Relates to objectives: 1,2,3,5.
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid-semester

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: You will be required to evaluate and apply knowledge across the learning areas for this subject.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4.
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Central Exam Period

Assessment name: Laboratory/Practical
Description: You will be required to complete a Clinical Skills Exam where you are evaluated on your ability to use your clinical and physical examination skills (e.g. use of scalpels and other podiatric instruments) in accordance with QUT protocols.
Relates to objectives: 3, 4.
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

To participate in this unit, you are required to purchase a QUT Health Clinic uniform, physical examination equipment, personal protective equipment and textbooks.

Full details of costs and choices of suppliers are on the unit's Blackboard page.

References:

Lorimer et al. (2006). Neale's Disorders of the Foot. Melbourne: Churchill Livingstone.

Merriman, L. M. (2009). Assessment of the lower limb. 3rd Ed. Melbourne: Churchill Livingstone.

QUT PUB339 Podiatric Medicine 1: Physical Examination of the Foot and Ankle (TBA)

QUT PUB339 Podiatric Medicine 1: Padding, Strapping and Bandaging Techniques for the Foot and Ankle

Risk assessment statement

Blue card
The Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian Act (2000) requires that students undergo a criminal history check and be issued with a blue card by the Commission prior to undertaking field experience in a school or centre, or undertaking activities in any unit which may involve contact with children. You will require a blue card for clinical placement/practicum in this unit. You should apply for a blue card at least 12 weeks before any clinical placement/practicum. Current blue card holders must register their card with QUT. For more information visit www.bluecard.qut.edu.au

Risk Assessment Statement
1. This unit will involve lab-based and clinic-based sessions. All students will be required to attend the induction sessions at the commencement of the semester where the safety precautions to be observed while working in the labs and clinic will be outlined. You are required to read the laboratory safety manual and the clinic protocols and sign the forms indicating that you have read and understood the material contained in the manuals. Please direct any questions regarding safe working procedures to the unit coordinator or the unit tutors. Protective clothing must be worn at all times in the laboratories - face mask, goggles/face shield, lab coat and closed in footwear and the clinic uniform during clinic sessions.

2. Other risks associated with working in the clinics eg Hepatitis B, and needlestick injury are outlined in the Podiatry Clinical Protocols documents. You should have completed your Hep B vaccination prior to commencing the unit - see the Faculty of Health Policy.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 19-Dec-2012