Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

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

Rationale

This unit extends the student by way of a greater role in independent case investigation and clinical case management and presentations. In essence, this unit is divided into different clinical components; palliative care clinic, specialist clinic (new patients), and biomechanics clinic. Complex cases histories and treatment interventions will be pursued. Students will be given the opportunity to undertake part of this unit in specialist podiatry clinics conducted at the university. This experience will provide exposure to the treatment of complex cases requiring higher order ability. Students will be expected to successfully implement a wide range of treatments and should be able to consolidate skills acquired in operative mechanical, chemical and physical therapies. Diagnostic skills will be developed with a wider range of patients being treated and the specialised study of disciplines such as dermatology, podiatric surgery and radiology further integrating academic and clinical studies. Treatment of paediatric candidates will be covered.

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. At the end of each semester, if you fail to achieve a passing grade in this unit you may be eligible for a period of probation or exclusion.

Aims

This unit is designed to extend the students clinical expertise by fostering a greater role in independent case investigation and clinical case management. This experience will provide exposure to the treatment of complex cases requiring higher order problem solving ability which will require the student to link information from their previous studies. Students will be introduced to the principles of paediatric foot care and in particularly, relevant aspects of: anatomy, medicine, pharmacology, disease processes, microbiology, communication in health care, health research methods and podiatric medicine.

Objectives

Throughout all aspects of this unit sensitivity to and an understanding of cultural and gender-related issues will be demonstrated as appropriate. On completion of this unit, you should be able to:

1. Demonstrate competency in the independent application of practical skills acquired in Podiatric Medicine 3 and build upon this base to improve clinical management of common foot pathology. The National Podiatry Competency Standards criteria will be used as a guide for identifying the key learning objectives. It is expected that students will be able to successfully treat a range of patients who attend the podiatry clinic. This will require the application of knowledge accumulated from the previous semester as well as the current one.


2. Demonstrate problem-solving strategies in the independent management of patient's complaints, including paediatric cases. Case presentation format to be used. In addition, student's ability to formulate their own opinions will developed.


3. Be able to identify specific paediatric conditions of the human foot and discuss the key learning issues associated with podiatric management of these conditions.


4. Demonstrate competency in the prescription and manufacture of a range of foot orthoses.

Content

Major topics include: theory of paediatric foot disorders, development of professional relationships during clinical sessions, written communications directed to appropriate health professionals and inter-colleague exchange, case presentations will be an integral part of clinical learning and sessions conclude with exchange between students and staff over case management, orthoses manufacturing clinic.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Clinical: Attendance at podiatry clinic will be used to allow students to demonstrate competency in the practical skills acquired in Podiatric Medicine 1,2 & 3. National Podiatry Competency Standards criteria will be used as a guide to the element that staff will be continuously monitoring on a week to week basis. Students will be given verbal feedback of performance during the clinical timeslot. Orthoses prescription and manufacture are included in this component of teaching.

As part of your studies for this unit involves prac placement, you must obtain a blue card BEFORE you begin your placement. A blue card confirms that you have passed a screening of your criminal history (the Working with Children Check) and have been approved to work with children and young people. For more information on the blue card and how to apply please visit the Blue Card site.

Clinical Case Presentations: Problem solving and the independent management of patients complaints will be facilitated by the use of 'Grand Round' case presentations. To assist students with preparation for this task, students are referred to the specific guidelines provided in attachment 1. Emphasis will be placed on integrating the information from the units: anatomy, medicine, pharmacology, disease processes, microbiology, communication in health care, health research methods and podiatric medicine.

Lectures & Tutorial: Lecture/tutorial format will be used to assist students to identify specific paediatric and biomechanical conditions of the human foot and discuss the key learning issues associated with podiatric management of these conditions.

Assignment Work: Development of students patient management skills will be attempted with assignment activity. Specific details to be provided. Health promotion and education will be the key objective by getting students to develop a patient resource manual.

Assessment

Note: This is a designated unit. Designated units are units which are deemed to be critical in a student's progress in the course. Such units include professional experience units, units requiring the development of particular skills and units requiring the demonstration of certain personal qualities. At the end of each year students who have failed to achieve a satisfactory level of performance in a designated unit will be eligible for exclusion. A satisfactory level of performance in a designated unit is a grade of 4 (pass) or higher, or S - Satisfactory, where appropriate. Supplementary Assessment will NOT be granted to students enrolled in designated units.

Assessment name: Case Presentation
Description: Description: Case Presentations/Clincal Examination
The student will present case patients to the examiner on a weekly rostered basis. It is expected that knowledge from all disciplines studied in this course will be displayed including interview, x-ray, diagnostic testing and allied medical opinions.
Relates to objectives: 1,2
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Continuous

Assessment name: Clinical Examination
Description: Clinical (includes) viva voca Examination.
Relates to objectives: 1,2,3
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Semester

Assessment name: Orthoses
Description: Orthoses manufacture and dispensing.
Relates to objectives: 1,4
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

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

There are no additional resource materials for this unit.

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

This unit may involve lab-based sessions. All students will be required to refer to earlier induction sessions when the relevant health and safety precautions were described and demonstrated. Students are required to read laboratory safety manuals and sign the form indicating that they have read and understood the material contained in such manuals. This unit involves contact with patients during clinical sessions. Exposure to patients with Hepatitis B is likely. You should refer to the School of Public Health policy on Hepatitis B vaccination available from the School website. Other clinical risks eg scalpel injury etc. are detailed in the Podiatry Procedures Manual. Students 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