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

This unit further develops professional understanding of the general and specific effects of medical and surgical conditions on the human foot. This subject builds on Podiatric Medicine 2 and continues to integrate the theory discussed in Podiatric Medicine 2 with the clinical experience. The unit is designed to allow you to develop a better understanding of clinical practice and integration of other subjects such as Pharmacology, Disease Processes, Medicine and Dermatology into the clinical environment. In particular, podiatric biomechanics will be covered in depth.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to facilitate integration of podiatry theory and clinical practice, commensurate with third year experience. Those key elements of the National Podiatry Competency Standards which focus on the physical examination and diagnosis of foot pathology will be used as the guiding principles underpinning this unit.

Objectives

Throughout all aspects of this unit, sensitivity to and an understanding of cultural and gender-rated issues will be demonstrated by the student as appropriate.

At the completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. demonstrate a body of podiatric biomechanics knowledge
   
2. demonstrate aspects of clinical competency as outlined in the relevant Australian and New Zealand Competencies Standards for Podiatrists
3. synthesise knowledge associated with different biomechanical explanations of foot function and therefore be capable of manufacturing appropriate functional foot orthoses
   
4. have demonstrated full attendance at the podiatry clinics
   
5. have an in depth understanding of a range of specified foot pathology.

These learning outcomes address elements of the Australian and New Zealand Competencies Standards for Podiatrists from the Australian and New Zealand Podiatry Accreditation Council (ANZPAC), primarily:

• 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
  
• PC 6. Develop a patient/client-focused management plan
  
• PC 7. Implement and evaluate management plan
  
• PC8. Provide education and contribute to a safe and effective health system.

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
  
• the ability to work independently and collaboratively
  
• effective communication in a variety of contexts and modes
  
• social and ethical responsibility and an understanding of Indigenous and international perspectives
  
• characteristics of self-reliance and leadership
  
• the capacity for life-long learning.

Content

Major topics in this unit include:

• BIOMECHANICS: Introduction to Normal Foot function and the normal foot in gait, Review of biomechanical examination, Casing and construction of foot orthoses, orthoses function & prescription writing, Rearfoot varus & orthotic treatment, Plantar foot pressures, Rearfoot valgus & orthotic treatment, Forefoot varus & orthotic treatment, Metatarsus primus elevatus, tarsal coalition & orthoses treatment, Talipes equinus & orthoses treatment, Alternative biomechanical theory (tissue stress theory, sagittal plane theory, two unit tarsus concept, equilibrium theory).

• PATHOLOGY: Posterior tibial dysfunction, heel pain/plantar fascitis, Soft tissue injuries of the foot & ankles, Lower extremity nerve entrapments, Hallux valgus and functional Hallux limitus, Chronic pain syndromes, Back pain, Revision of diabetes and the foot.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit will be available in internal mode. The integration of theory and practice is achieved by linking lectures, tutorials and clinical practice. Teaching methods include participation in lectures, attendance at practical session and clinical attendance.

You will be required to attend additional clinical rotations during semester breaks.

Requirements for Placements: You must hold a Blue Card to undertake clinical studies. You should allow 12 weeks for the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian to issue the card. For more information on the blue card and how to apply please go to the Commissions website and search for Blue Card. Students are also required to undergo Hepatitis B vaccination prior to undertaking any clinical placement. Hepatitis B vaccinations (3 inoculations) are done over a period of six months. You are also required to have a current Senior First Aid Certificate before you begin your placement. You may be required to attend clinical placements at times outside of the first and second semester periods. More information will be provided by the Course Coordinator.

Assessment

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.

NOTE: Clinical attendance is mandatory for all students and if you miss any clinics you will be required to make up the time, subject to availability. Your clinical workload will need to be completed by semester's end and no make-up clinics are available after this time. If you do not complete all the clinical work prior to the semester's end you will not be eligible to undertake the final clinical exam. Full attendance is mandatory and 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. You are advised that this rule will be strictly enforced and any breach could result in a "fail grade" being recorded for the unit. Please check the student by-laws, as these are applicable to all students.

You must pass the final practical and theory assessment items to pass this 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.You will be provided with feedback on your clinical performance during your clinical sessions. This continuous assessment of your clinical skills covers learning outcomes 2-5. Supervisors will provide direction and suggestions for improvement of your clinical skills on an ongoing basis and you will be responsible for recording and implementing these comments/suggestions eg. in a personal log book.

You will also be required to manufacture functional foot orthosis of the standard Root Design at the end of the semester. This relates to learning outcome 3.

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: You will be required to complete multiple choice and short answer questions in a written examination to be conducted during the final exam period. The content of the examination will be based on the unit program.
Relates to objectives: 1, 3, 5
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Semester

Assessment name: Demonstration
Description: You will be required to undertake the supervised assessment and treatment of patients in a final clinical examination. Elements of the Australian and New Zealand Competencies Standards for Podiatrists from the Australian and New Zealand Podiatry Accreditation Council (ANZPAC) will be used as the method of determining your level of competency.
Relates to objectives: 2, 4
Weight: 50%
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

Advanced Biomechanics Lecture Notes by Bennett (available from the Bookshop)

Michaud, T. (1997). Foot orthoses and Other Forms of Conservative Foot Care. (2nd ed.). (ISBN: 0683059742)

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

1. This unit will involve lab-based and clinic-based sessions. You 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/scalpel injury are outlined in the Podiatry Clinical Protocols documents. This unit involves contact with patients during clinical sessions. Exposure to patients with Hepatitis B is likely. You should have completed your Hep B vaccination prior to commencing the unit - see the Faculty of Health Policy on vaccination.

You are expected to comply with the procedures and guidelines in this manual at all times.

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