POD203 Introduction to Podiatric Clinical Practice (16)

This subject is intended to prepare the student for an entry into podiatric clinical practice. The first session will encourage the development of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, allowing students to assess and interpret a range of presentations within a clinical setting. The highly practical nature of this subject will enable students to safely perform treatment based activities to the level of a novice practitioner. Students will use the second session to enhance their understanding of common pathologies, and apply this knowledge in a clinical environment. Clinical skills will be developed during the scheduled clinical placements that occur within the Community Engagement and Wellness Centre (CEW). The subject will also contribute to the podiatry students progression towards cultural competence. Consideration will be given to the complexity of factors influencing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health outcomes, and culturally safe service delivery.

No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2019.

Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

Two sessions

School

School of Community Health

Enrolment Restrictions

Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine (Core); Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine (Honours) (Core)
Bachelor of Health and Rehabiltation Science (elective)

Prerequisites

BMS171

Incompatible Subjects

POD111

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to discuss the factors influencing public access to both podiatry, and general health services
  • be able to display culturally safe communication and conduct in a clinical situation
  • be able to describe safe working practices in a clinical environment with due consideration of the practitioner, clients and other personnel
  • be able to explain the theory underpinning the function and the assessment of the neurological, vascular and cutaneous systems
  • be able to demonstrate competence when assessing neurological, vascular and cutaneous systems, and interpreting those results
  • be able to record, present and store clinical information
  • be able to describe the aetiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation and management of basic cutaneous pathology
  • 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 develop a management plan for clients with cutaneous pathology in negotiation with a clinical educator

Syllabus

This 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

Workplace Learning

This subject contains a 13 days Compulsory Workplace Learning component.

Students are required to complete 99 hours of clinical practice as a participant-observer in the Community Engagagement and Wellness Centre (CEW), which includes 35 hours working with 3rd year students for peer assisted learning.

Special Resources

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

Contact

For further information about courses and subjects outlined in the CSU handbook please contact:

Current students

Future students

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2019. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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