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POD203 Introduction to Podiatric Clinical Practice (16)

Abstract

This subject prepares the student for podiatric clinical practice. Students will develop knowledge and introductory skills in the presentation, aetiology and management of onychopathologies, hyperkeratosis and helomata. The student will develop a range of knowledge, skills and attitudes in relation to clinical assessment and client management. Students complete 96 hours of clinical practice as a participant-observer in the allied health clinic and 35 hours of placement in a clinical podiatry setting.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Location

Session 1
InternalAlbury-Wodonga Campus
Session 2
InternalAlbury-Wodonga Campus
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: POD203
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject information

Duration Grading System School:
Two sessionsHD/FLSchool of Community Health

Enrolment restrictions

Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine (Core); Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine (Honours) (Core)
Bachelor of Health and Rehabilitation Science (elective)
Prerequisite(s)Incompatible subject(s)
BMS171POD111

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to assess neurological, vascular, and cutaneous systems, and appropriately and accurately record findings in a clinical record;
  • be able to define normal parameters in neurological, vascular and cutaneous assessment and accurately differentiate normal from abnormal findings;
  • be able to explain the theory underpinning the assessment of the neurological, vascular and cutaneous systems;
  • be able to describe safe working practices in a clinical environment with due consideration of the practitioner, clients and other personnel;
  • be able to describe the aetiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation and management of cutaneous pathology including: nail pathology; mechanical skin conditions (helomata and hyperkeratosis); xerosis/anhidrosis;
  • be able to perform routine skin and nail care without constant supervision and actively participate in clinical activities at the level of a podiatric assistant;
  • be able to identify changes in health status of clients and appropriately report these to a clinical educator;
  • be able to implement a management plan for clients with cutaneous pathology in negotiation with a clinical educator;
  • be able to demonstrate competence in assessing neurological and vascular status in clients with and without pathology;
  • be able to develop skills in assessing joint range of motions in clients with and without pathology.

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:
  • Clinical orientation, clinical protocols, working with sterile instruments, cleaning and stock control
  • Occupational health and environment
  • Aetiology, pathology, clinical presentation and comprehensive management of: cutaneous infections; nail pathology; hyperkeratosis, helomata and associated disorders
  • Preliminary therapeutic strategies including topical medicaments, paddings and dressings
  • Neurological assessment of the lower limb: sensory, motor and autonomic
  • Vascular assessment of the lower limb - arterial, venous, microvascular
  • Medico-legal and ethical considerations in podiatry practice
  • Introduction to working with clients: communicating with clients; history taking; clinical observation; assessment; client education; psychosocial aspects of care: grief; transference
  • Introduction to assessment of the older client
  • Assisting podiatry clients e.g. foot hygiene; moving clients
  • Medical information management
  • Reflective practice
  • Introduction to nail cutting/scalpel techniques
  • Management of minor wounds
  • Introduction to digital deformity

Work Place Learning

This subject contains a Compulsory Workplace Learning component of 13 days duration. Students are required to complete 99 hours of clinical practice as a participant-observer in the Community Engagement and Wellness Centre (CEW), which includes 35 hours working with 3rd year students for peer assisted learning.

Specialised Resources

Students will incur costs in association with clinical practice (purchase of clinic uniform and assessment equipment); the one week external workplace learning experience.

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The information contained in the 2016 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 06 September 2016. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.