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.
- Demonstrate ethical, professional, and safe clinical practice in accordance with relevant guidelines and legislation, clinical policies, and the National Safety and Quality Health (NSQHS) stadards (where applicable to clinical practice).
- Plan and perform an effective person-centred vascular, neurological, dermatological, and basic gait assessment to inform a diagnosis at a beginner level.
- Apply clinical reasoning to interpret podiatric assessment findings and incorporate an emerging understanding of social and cultural determinants and their impact on health to develop a person-centred management plan.
- Demonstrate safe use of foot paddings, simple wound dressings and person-centred recommendations for relevant S2 and S3 pharmaceutical products frequently used in podiatry practice.