Program Overview

Introduction to POD246 Podiatric Paediatrics and Orthomechanics

This subject provides students with a detailed understanding of the human developmental process, from conception to maturity. Students will study a range of paediatric conditions that podiatrists can assess, evaluate, and manage as part of a holistic client-centered approach to health.

Subject Information

Grading System

The grading system for this subject is HD/FL.

Duration

The duration of this subject is one session.

School

This subject is offered by the School of Community Health.

Enrolment Restrictions

Enrolment in this subject is restricted to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine and Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine (Honours) programs.

Prerequisites

The prerequisite for this subject is POD242.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• Apply knowledge of normal physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development to a range of diagnostic scenarios
• Assess, diagnose, and manage a range of paediatric conditions that may present in podiatric practice
• Analyze the legal and ethical considerations relevant to podiatric practice, including their role as a mandatory reporter
• Apply knowledge of therapeutic modalities used in biomechanical case management to develop appropriate management plans for clients
• Demonstrate effective communication skills for holistic client-centered health management

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:

• Communication skills: presenting information to clients, caregivers, and health professionals
• Paediatric assessment
• Recognizing child abuse and responsibility for mandatory reporting
• Paediatric conditions: viral illness, developmental disorders, neurological disorders, genetic conditions
• Paediatric lower limb conditions, joint pain in children, diagnosis of a child who limps, sports injuries
• Material science
• Introduction to padding and strapping of the foot and ankle
• Foot and ankle casting and cast evaluation
• Electronic scanning for foot casting and CAD/CAM orthotic manufacture
• Biomechanical assessment, orthotic prescription, and management plans
• Footwear modification

Availability

This subject is available in Session 2, with classes held on the Albury-Wodonga Campus. Continuing students should consult the Subject Availability List (SAL) for current offering details. In cases where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.