Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

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

Rationale

At this point in the course you will be required to integrate and synthesise knowledge, practical, clinical and problem-solving skills acquired across the course. Clinical decisions are informed by relevant physical and clinically appropriate diagnostic examinations conducted within the framework of technological, ethical, financial and legal considerations and an evidence-based context. National and international medical, orthopaedic, pharmacological and podiatric perspectives guide the design, implementation and evaluation of complex patient management plans. The transition to pre-professional practice begins as you perform these tasks at the QUT podiatry clinic with close supervisor support.

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

The aim of this unit is to allow you to consolidate your prior learning in the podiatry degree and apply it in a clinical setting. In addition you will be required to engage with a more complicated body of knowledge relevant to clinical practice, and to develop and use evidence-based approaches to your patient care.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you should be able to:
1. Communicate with clients, carers and other health professionals in a professional manner, to establish a podiatric, medical and medication history
2. Acquire, review and appraise knowledge for ongoing clinical and professional practice improvement.
3. Using an evidence-based framework, initiate clinically appropriate diagnostic investigations (including physical examinations, pathology testing and diagnostic imaging investigations), interpret their findings and relate these to diagnosis.
4. Negotiate, implement and evaluate comprehensive treatment plans, including education strategies, for patients with complex conditions.

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

Content

Concepts in podiatric medicine may include the following topic areas: high risk foot, advanced imaging of the foot and ankle, vascular conditions, endocrinology, paediatrics, sports medicine, orthopaedics, rheumatology, dermatology, podiatric therapeutics, podiatric biomechanics and the use of clinical technologies. There will be a focus on recent developments in the profession and current clinical guidelines, with an emphasis on evidence based practice.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Lecture content will be delivered in teaching blocks (weeks 1-4 and weeks 11-13) to allow students to complete the requirements of the companion unit, CSB541 Professional Placement 1. During weeks 5-10, online activities and readings will be made available via Blackboard. This unit also includes on site clinical activities at the QUT Podiatry Clinic and practical sessions for the supervised fabrication of foot orthoses.

Assessment

* Please note you must pass each of the assessment items to pass the unit.
Full clinical attendance is mandatory. Digression from this requirement must be by prior approval, in writing (verbal notification will not suffice), from the unit coordinator. Absence due to illness will need a relevant medical certificate. Students who miss any clinic will be required to rectify the deficit, subject to availability. Each student's clinical workload will need to be completed by the end of semester (unless agreed previously), and no make-up clinics are available after this time. Students who do not complete all the clinical work by the agreed deadline will be ineligible to undertake the final clinical examination. Students are advised that these rules will be strictly enforced and any breach may result in failure of the unit. Please check the Student Rules, as these are applicable in all instances.Feedback on your performance in a mid semester assessment task will be provided in class and on an individual basis as required.
You will be provided with feedback from clinical supervisors regarding your clinical performance each week. Supervisors will provide direction and suggestions for improvement of your performance in preparation for the final clinical exam.

Assessment name: Laboratory/Practical
Description: Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE). You will be examined on your ability to apply knowledge and skills from your studies across the curriculum in standardised clinical scenarios.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid Semester

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: You will be assessed on your knowledge and understanding regarding the application of clinical, research and diagnostic skills.
Relates to objectives: 2, 3, 4
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Semester

Assessment name: Laboratory/Practical
Description: Clinical skills examination. You will be assessed on one to two occasions of patient treatment. You will be required to apply theoretical concepts of podiatric medicine and relevant clinical and diagnostic skills to identify common foot conditions, interpret evidence, form a preliminary diagnosis, provide initial patient treatment and discuss podiatric management pathways from an evidence-based perspective.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 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 on-campus clinic activities, you are required to wear a QUT Health Clinics uniform, and utilise your own physical examination instruments and personal protective equipment.Full details of costs and choices of suppliers will be provided on the Podiatry Clinic Resources Blackboard page.

Reference texts from preceding studies will be utilised in this subject including:

Beers, M. H. (2006). The Merck manual of diagnosis and therapy (electronic resource) (18th ed.). Whitehouse Station, N.J.: Merck Research Laboratories.

Christman, R. A. (2003). Foot and ankle radiology. St. Louis, Mo.: Churchill Livingstone

Dockery, G. L., & Crawford, M. E. (1999). Color atlas of foot and ankle dermatology. Philadelphia: Lippincott-Raven.

Frowen, P., & Neale, D. (2010). Neale's disorders of the foot (8th ed.). Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.

McGlamry, E. D., & Banks, A. S. (2000). McGlamry's comprehensive textbook of foot and ankle surgery (3rd ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Michaud, T. C. (1993). Foot orthoses and other forms of conservative foot care. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins.

NHMRC. (2011). National Evidence-Based Guideline: Prevention, Identification and Management of Foot Complications in Diabetes.

Portney, L. G., & Watkins, M. P. (2009). Foundations of clinical research: applications to practice (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson/Prentice Hall.

Thomson, P., & Volpe, R. G. (2001). Introduction to podopediatrics (2nd ed.). Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.

Turner, W., & Merriman, L. M. (2005). Clinical skills in treating the foot (2nd ed.). Edinburgh, New York: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.

Valmassy, R. L. (1996). Clinical biomechanics of the lower extremities. St. Louis: Mosby.

Risk assessment statement

This unit will involve lab-based and clinic-based sessions in on campus clinic facilities. 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 Clinic Policies and Procedures documents, and sign forms indicating that you have read and understood the material contained in these manuals. Please direct any questions regarding safe working procedures to the unit coordinator. 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 all clinic sessions. This unit involves contact with patients, and risks associated with the clinical environment (e.g. scalpel injury and exposure to patients with Hepatitis B) are outlined in the policies and procedures manuals for podiatry students. Students are expected to comply with these procedures and guidelines at all times.

Mandatory requirements for QUT clinics and external placements:
1. Blue Card: 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 QUT website .
2. Hepatitis B Immunisation: It is now a requirement that students who go on Clinical placements during the course of their degree must undergo Hepatitis B vaccinations. The Hepatitis B vaccinations (3 inoculations) are done over a period of six months. This means that you need to prepare for your clinical placements well in advance. Hepatitis B vaccinations are available from the University Health Services (Kelvin Grove Campus - ph: 3138 3161, Building C, Level 4) or from your local GP.
3. First Aid Certificate: You are required to have a current Senior First Aid Certificate before you begin your podiatry placement. There are a variety of First Aid certificate courses that are delivered by approved providers and duly authorised under the Ambulance Service Act 1991.

Please refer to the following link for health and safety information for professional placements at QUT:

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: 07-Feb-2013