POD1503 · Neurological podiatry

Overview

Podiatrists work with people who have a range of neurological conditions that impact many aspects of their lives. This unit is designed to develop your understanding of the impact of neurological conditions on people, their gait, the lower limb and their ability to participate in everyday activities. You will also be exposed to inter-disciplinary and disability focused practice. You will develop an understanding of the importance of goal setting and partnering with clients in their course of care. You will also develop knowledge in the motor and neurological system impacting the lower limb, and the physiological changes across the lifespan and in disability. This hands-on unit will include practical sessions where you will perform a range of age specific motor and neurological assessments in a simulated settings. You will be required to evaluate your findings to diagnose and support intervention strategies for a range of neurological conditions that impact the lower limb and mobility. You will use a range of strategies and treatment mobilities and be introduced to pharmacological therapies relevant to the management of your client. This unit will highlight the role of the podiatrist as part of a multidisciplinary team. You will also use evidence-based practice in the decision-making process of managing a client with neurological conditions.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Assessment in this unit includes hurdle assessment tasks. Failure of any hurdle assessment task may result in failure of the unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Describe the anatomy of the nervous system.
2. Describe the risk factors, clinical features and pathological processes of a range of neurological disorders affecting the lower limb.
3. Demonstrate relevant motor and neurological assessments of the lower limb.
4. Conduct gait analyses in clients with neurological conditions in the lower limb in a simulated setting.
5. Analyse clinical cases and management plans for a range of motor and neurological conditions affecting the lower limb, in a culturally safe way.
6. Develop management options focused on reducing lower limb deterioration relating to neurological conditions, including motivational interviewing, exercise and orthomechanical therapies.
7. Plan appropriate patient interactions, including person-centred goal development in a simulated setting.
8. Communicate effectively with clients, carers and other members of the health care team in a simulated setting.
9. Use Artificial Intelligence tools ethically and responsibly in evidence-based practice in the management of lower limb neurological conditions.

Workload

8 hours of teacher directed study per week, including 2 hours of lectures and 2 hours of tutorial, 4 hours of practicals. 8 hours per week of self-directed study. Total per week = 16 hours for 16 weeks

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.