Course overview
The aim of this course is to develop students' knowledge of the diagnosis and management of vascular diseases, the principles of chronic wound management, management of the diabetic foot and in the advanced surgical management techniques of foot pathologies. Course contents include Pathology: arterial, venous, oedema, gangrene and other occlusive condition: investigations, clinical manifestation and treatment. Assessment and management of the patient with diabetes: neuropathy, macro and micro angiopathy, infection, ulceration and gangrene. Management of other high risk patients: painful neuropathy, Hansens disease, alcohol related complications, HIV related neuropathies. Wound care: wound care products, indications and contra-indications. Total contact casting, use of splints, walkers and footwear. International management protocols. Toe, forefoot and rearfoot surgery.
Course learning outcomes
- Critically appraise the intrinsic and extrinsic factors contributing to conditions of neurovascular compromise and safely determine their management consistent with patient identified goals.
- Appraise the high risk patient and determine the appropriate safe management strategies consistent with identified patient goals.
- Describe the range of wound dressings available, and pharmaceutical recommendations for the management of acute and chronic wounds, inclusive of safe, effective and person-centred use.
- Identify common foot pathologies amenable to surgical intervention, indicators and contraindications, and determine appropriate referral pathways.
- Determine the safe and effective pre-operative and postoperative management of the surgical patient.
- Reflect and report on biopsychosocial influences on the management of high risk and surgical patients.