Overview
This unit will provide you with knowledge of the assessment and management of complex musculoskeletal and inflammatory disorders common to the lower extremity. The foot in rheumatology and arthropathies will be covered in detail with respect to aetiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, investigation, and management. You will learn how these disorders can be managed by different interventions, including the use of pressure reducing devices and footwear intervention.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Pre-requisite: PODI13011 Podiatry Clinical Practice 3. Co-requisite: PODI14008 Podiatry Clinical Practice 4.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2019
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback – Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Summary of Student feedback-Have your say
Students felt that the lecturer was 'a great lecturer and was above and beyond fantastic in her teaching methods; is easily adaptable to student learning capabilities and is always present when needed for assistance'. The students felt that there were many learning opportunities in the realms of rheumatology. The tasks were set out in a logical manner and approaches different topics at the suitable time e.g. all sero-negative conditions in one lecture.
The positive student feedback is evidence to support conducting this unit face-to-face rather than via distance mode in future years. This would allow ample opportunities for students to clarify queries in a timely manner, and the ability to adapt the pace of the lesson based on students' capabilities.
Feedback from Summary of Student feedback-Have your say
The amount of content covered in this course is significant; whilst relevant, some topics can be reduced e.g. Blood and other laboratory investigations (urine) as these are not completely clinically relevant and within a podiatrist scope of practice.
In future lessons, the clinical applications should be highlighted to the students at the start. The lecture on blood and laboratory tests were reduced from 2 lectures in 2017 to 1 lecture in 2018 and further reduction in content is not possible. This lecture, although not directly podiatry related, does provide the students with an understanding of how to interpret blood and laboratory results a patient may bring into a clinical setting. This is directly related to rheumatological conditions and knowledge in this area is crucial.
Feedback from Summary of Student feedback-Have your say
The tutorials and practicals were relevant and hands-on. Students also appreciated the ample orthotics lab time to complete our accommodation devices.
This was the first time students were required to fabricate a pair of accommodative orthotic device during their practical sessions as part of their on-campus activity. Having hands-on sessions definitely reduced the monotony of this theoretical unit. It is recommended that the fabrication of the accomodative device continues to be part of the practical session of this unit.
Feedback from Summary of Student feedback-Have your say
Students found all of the assessment tasks very helpful and going through example exam questions was very useful.
In Week 12, there was a mock exam where students had to answer questions within a set time frame. It is recommended that this review week continues to be implemented in future years.
- Recognise and appraise the pathophysiology and clinical pattern of common arthropathies and musculoskeletal disorders specific to the lower extremity
- Evaluate conservative therapies applicable to the patient with rheumatic diseases and implement an appropriate patient-centred management plan.
- Develop patient education strategies for optimum management of common lower extremity musculoskeletal and inflammatory disorders.
- Engage in active learning and apply an evidence based approach to rheumatology and musculoskeletal medicine in podiatry practice.
Per NPC1320
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 20% | ||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 30% | ||||
| 3 - Examination - 50% | ||||
| 4 - On-campus Activity - 0% | ||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Communication | ||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | ||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | ||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | ||||
| 5 - Team Work | ||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | ||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | ||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | ||||
| 10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
| Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |
| 1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 20% | ||||||||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 30% | ||||||||||
| 3 - Examination - 50% | ||||||||||
| 4 - On-campus Activity - 0% | ||||||||||
Textbooks
Rheumatology of the Lower Limbs in Clinical Practice
(2012)
Authors: Jose Antonio Pereira de Silva, Anthony D Woolf
Springer
USA
ISBN: 978-1-4471-2252-4
Binding: Other
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 6th Edition (APA 6th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
m.lithgow@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Functional assessments of hip, knee, ankle and foot joints
Foot Health Surveys
GALS - Gait, Arms, Legs and Spine
Chapter
Merriman's Assessment of the Lower Limb (2009)
Editor: Ben Yates
Churchill Livingstone
ISBN 978-0-7020-5247-7
Chapter 10
Management of Chronic Conditions in the Foot and Lower Leg
Editors: Keith Rome, Peter McNair
Churchill Livingstone
ISBN 978-0-7020-4769-5
Chapter 2
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Functional assessment of the lower limb in health and in disease
Foot Impact Score
REMS - Regional Examination of Musculoskeletal System
Chapter
Neale's Disorders of the Foot (2010)
Authors: Paul Frowen, Maureen O'Donnell, Donald Lorimer, Gordon Burrow
Churchill Livingstone
Elsevier
ISBN 978-0-7020-3029-1
Chapter 8
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Diagnostic Tests Part 1
Haematology – blood tests and urine tests
Diagnostic Test Part 2
X-ray and ultrasound
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Create simple insoles for Rheumatological conditions
Venue: Orthotic laboratory
Module/Topic
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Systemic Lupus Erythematosis
Scleroderma
Sjogren's Syndrome
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Revise foot casting using foam box, POP and iPad scanner - cast and pour
Venue: Orthotic laboratory
Module/Topic
Psoriatic Arthritis
Reactive arthritis
Ankylosing spondylitis
Enteropathic arthritis
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Create an accommodative custom orthotic - cast modifications from plaster cast
Venue: Orthotic laboratory
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
There is no lecture, tutorial and practical session this week as it is a public holiday.
Students are expected to conduct self directed learning for the online quiz which is scheduled on Friday.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online Quiz: Friday 26th April
Venue: Computer lab
Time: 8:00 am
Online Quiz Due: Week 6 Friday (26 Apr 2019) 8:00 am AEST
Online Quiz Due: Week 6 Friday (26 Apr 2019) 8:00 am AEST
Module/Topic
Septic arthritis
Osteomyelitis
Gout
Pseudo-gout
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Create an accommodative custom orthotic –thermoforming
Venue: Orthotic laboratory
Module/Topic
Torn ligaments
Avascular necrosis
Charcot foot
Osteoarthritis
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Create an accommodative custom orthotic – grinding
Venue: Orthotic laboratory
Written Assessment Due: Week 8 Tuesday (7 May 2019) 11:59 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Gait analysis of abnormal gait seen in Rheumatological conditions
Plantar pressure analysis and/or video gait analysis
Chapter
Whittle's Gait Analysis Chap 7
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Podiatric Conservative interventions
Other Interventions:
Pharmacology in Rheumatoid Condition
Injections (Cortisone/ simvisc)
Surgical interventions
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Create an accommodative custom orthotic – grinding
Venue: Orthotic laboratory
Module/Topic
Revision of all practical skills undertaken throughout the term
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Create an accommodative custom orthotic – top cover and finish
Venue: Orthotic laboratory
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Attendance, Completion of Foot Health Surveys, and Finish Accommodative Device Due: Week 12 Monday (3 June 2019) 11:59 pm AEST
On Campus Activity (Pass/Fail) Due: Week 12 Monday (3 June 2019) 11:59 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Attendance: As per the University’s recommendation that "All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes,” students should also be aware that there is clear evidence to show that attendance rates are directly related to academic progress. It is therefore in your best interest and strongly recommended in the Bachelor of Podiatry Practice (Honours) course, that you attend all scheduled learning activities to support your learning.
Uniform: In all practical classes, students are required to wear the nominated uniform. Students must purchase their uniform from the bookshop. This uniform is separate to the mandatory clinical uniform. Please refer to the Podiatry Course Handbook for further details.
1 Online Quiz(zes)
The Online Quiz in Week 6 (26th April 2019) will consist of 40 multiple choice questions and cover content from Weeks 1-5.
The quiz will have a time limit of 60 minutes. The quiz will take place in a computer lab (or equivalent location) and is a closed book task. Access to books, notes, websites (other than the quiz) and the use of other electronic devices are prohibited during the quiz.
Topics covered include:
- Assessment of lower limb
- Diagnostic Tests
- Inflammatory sero positive arthritides - pathology and management
- Inflammatory sero negative arthritides - pathology and management
1
Week 6 Friday (26 Apr 2019) 8:00 am AEST
Week 7 Monday (29 Apr 2019)
The quiz will be marked electronically and the results will be available in Moodle.
You will need to demonstrate that you are able to:
1) Recognise and appraise the pathophysiology and clinical pattern of common arthropathies and musculoskeletal disorders specific to the lower extremity
- Recognise and appraise the pathophysiology and clinical pattern of common arthropathies and musculoskeletal disorders specific to the lower extremity
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Information Technology Competence
2 Written Assessment
The written assesment will be in the form of an essay.
The topic will be specific to the field of rheumatology and podiatry practice and will be decided upon after discussion with the Unit Coordinator. You will be expected to review the relevant literature in order to establish the current knowledge of the particular topic/s .
The essay must be 1500 (+/- 10%) words (excluding any references, figures and tables) and should include:
• A cover page which includes assessment title, student’s name and number, Unit Coordinators name, course code and title, due date, word count.
• An introduction
• Argument/case supported with evidence from the literature.
• Conclusion
Week 8 Tuesday (7 May 2019) 11:59 pm AEST
Week 10 Tuesday (21 May 2019)
Results will be available in Moodle
You will need to demonstrate that you are able to:
1. Evaluate conservative therapies applicable to the patient with rheumatic diseases and implement an appropriate patient-centred management plan.
2. Develop patient education strategies for optimum management of common lower extremity musculoskeletal and inflammatory disorders.
3. Engage in active learning and apply an evidence based approach to rheumatology and musculoskeletal medicine in podiatry practice.
The assessment rubric for the written assessment will be provided to you at the start of term.
- Evaluate conservative therapies applicable to the patient with rheumatic diseases and implement an appropriate patient-centred management plan.
- Develop patient education strategies for optimum management of common lower extremity musculoskeletal and inflammatory disorders.
- Engage in active learning and apply an evidence based approach to rheumatology and musculoskeletal medicine in podiatry practice.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Team Work
- Information Technology Competence
- Cross Cultural Competence
3 On-campus Activity
You will be expected to complete 8 compulsory competency tasks that forms part of a competency checklist.
The competency tasks will be made available to you at the start of term. Each competency task will be completed during tutorial and/or practical sessions and your attendance is compulsory. More details and information regarding the on campus activities will be made available at the start of term.
Week 12 Monday (3 June 2019) 11:59 pm AEST
All 10 competency tasks must be completed by the start of week 12
Review/Exam Week Monday (10 June 2019)
At the completion of term
You will need to demonstrate that you are able to:
Engage in active learning and apply an evidence based approach to rheumatology and musculoskeletal medicine in podiatry practice.
The on campus activities in this unit consists of competency tasks relating to professional podiatry skills, which are inherent requirements to meet the professional standards. Satisfactory completion of these activities on campus are integral to your achievement of learning outcomes and assessment of this unit and other units within the course. Participation in all competency tasks is required for you to satisfactorily PASS this unit.
If you are unable to attend campus, you must notify the Unit Coordinator (in writing/by e mail) as soon as possible, and provide a medical certificate or statutory declaration supporting any absence within five (5) working days. If the required documentation is not provided to the Unit Coordinator within the stipulated time frame, you will be marked as ‘Absent’ for the session. Failure to maintain a satisfactory competency record for on campus activities may seriously undermine your ability to complete this unit and will result in a ‘Fail’ grade.
- Engage in active learning and apply an evidence based approach to rheumatology and musculoskeletal medicine in podiatry practice.
- Ethical practice
Examination
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
