Case Study 1: Management Plan

Lloyd: Podiatrists analyse and interpret information from the history and physical examination of the patient. They may also request further diagnostic tests such as xrays or ultrasound to assist them in making a diagnosis. These skills form part of competency area number 5 - Analyse, interpret and diagnose.

Lloyd: By watching the videos and reviewing the case materials on the website, you should be able to offer a preliminary diagnosis for this patient.

Lloyd: After the student discusses his preliminary diagnosis with the patient and with the supervising staff he develops his short term and longer term treatment plans, focused on the needs of the patient.

Lloyd: The student discusses his plans with the staff and patient and obtains consent from the patient before continuing to implement the management plan. This is competency area number 6 - Develop a patient or client focused management plan

Lloyd: The student now moves to competency area number 7 - Implement and evaluate the management plan - a podiatrist seeks to deliver safe and effective care in a cost efficient manner.

Lloyd: In this case the student has decided that removal of callous and nail care were the priorities for the day. The callous has developed over the high pressure area of the left midfoot. The student performs the debridement paying attention to infection control procedures. As the orthoses showed some compression due to being worn constantly, temporary padding was fabricated to deflect the pressure away from the calloused area. The size and shape of the pad were being checked carefully before it is completed and taped onto the foot at the end of the visit.

Lloyd: Before applying the padding, a new foot impression was also required at the visit.

Student: That position is great - could you stand up for me if you don't mind - just press in - just a little bit more if you don't mind - Thats great - if you just want to take a seat - just slowly pull your foot out if you don't mind - that's great.