Course Outline
HLT204 Clinical Foundations in Orthotics
Course Coordinator:Brian Delaney (bdelaney@usc.edu.au) School:School of Health - Public Health
2024Semester 1
UniSC Sunshine Coast |
Blended learning | Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online. |
Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.
What is this course about?
Description
Building upon skills introduced in HLT102 and HLT105, this course introduces principles of orthotic treatment of the lower limb in musculoskeletal conditions. You will learn how orthoses are designed, how they interact with the body to control movement, and skills related to the assessment of and manufacture of an orthosis. Projects are centred on enhancing psychomotor skills and familiarity with materials/techniques used in orthotics through the fitting of prefabricated and custom-fabricated orthoses.
How will this course be delivered?
| Activity | Hours | Beginning Week | Frequency |
| Blended learning | |||
| Learning materials – Independent structured learning materials | 2hrs | Week 1 | 13 times |
| Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Tutorial/Workshop | 2hrs | Week 1 | 13 times |
| Laboratory 1 – Laboratory | 3hrs | Week 1 | 13 times |
Course Topics
Module 1: Lower limb orthoses and biomechanics
Module 2: Musculoskeletal evaluation and conditions
Module 3: Orthotic prescription
What level is this course?
200 Level (Developing)
What is the unit value of this course?
12 units
How does this course contribute to my learning?
| Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... | Graduate Qualities Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... | Professional Standard Mapping * The Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association | |
| 1 | Describe characteristics of common musculoskeletal aetiologies and discuss common orthotic related treatment strategies. |
Knowledgeable Empowered |
2.1.1, 2.2.1, 2.4.1, 6.1.1, 6.2.1, 6.2.3 |
| 2 | Describe the relevant factors and evidence for selecting and/or modifying orthotic intervention for the lower limb to appropriately manage a client with musculoskeletal impairment. |
Empowered Engaged |
2.3.2, 2.3.6, 2.4.1, 2.4.2, 3.1.1, 5.2.1, 5.3.1 |
| 3 | Critically evaluate the assessment, fit and function of a lower limb orthosis using professional terminology to inform future performance and practice on yourself and for a peer. |
Empowered Engaged |
2.1.3, 2.4.2, 2.4.4, 2.4.5, 3.1.3, 3.2.1, 3.2.2 |
| 4 | Demonstrate developing technical competence using common techniques in casting and fabrication used to create a thermoplastic lower limb orthosis | Engaged |
3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.1.3, 3.2.1, 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.2.1, 5.3.1, 5.3.2 |
| 5 | Demonstrate safe developing competence and professionalism in the physical assessment (including prompt communicative feedback) on a simulated client with musculoskeletal impairment for assessment, measurement, and fitting of a lower limb orthosis. | Engaged |
1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.4, 1.1.5, 1.1.6, 1.1.7, 2.1.3, 3.1.1, 3.2.1 |
* Competencies by Professional Body
| CODE | COMPETENCY |
| The Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association | |
| 1.1.1 | Ensures all interactions with the client and/or carer demonstrate respect, honesty, empathy and dignity and are conducted in a culturally appropriate manner |
| 1.1.2 | Ensures the client is the focus of the care pathway |
| 1.1.4 | Obtains informed consent from the client and/or carer prior to the provision of care |
| 1.1.5 | Listens effectively to the client and/or carer |
| 1.1.6 | Encourages the client and/or carer to participate and provide feedback |
| 1.1.7 | Provides prompt, accurate and comprehensive information in clear terms to enable the client and/or carer to make an informed decision |
| 2.1.1 | Identifies subjective and objective information to enable development of an appropriate orthotic/prosthetic care plan |
| 2.2.1 | Accesses and utilises evidence to guide clinical decisions |
| 2.4.1 | Considers all relevant characteristics of the client during orthosis/prosthesis fitting and review processes |
| 2.3.2 | Considers the information obtained, the client and/or carer’s goals and evidence when formulating treatment options |
| 2.3.6 | Determines and justifies the design details of the orthosis/prosthesis prescription |
| 2.4.2 | Uses appropriate techniques to ensure optimal fit and function of the orthosis/prosthesis |
| 2.1.3 | Performs assessment professionally, safely and effectively |
| 2.4.4 | Evaluates and monitors treatment outcomes using patient feedback and/or outcome measures |
| 2.4.5 | Modifies treatment to ensure best possible outcomes are maintained |
| 3.1.1 | Utilises appropriate casting, measuring and/or cast modification techniques to facilitate fabrication |
| 3.1.3 | Performs and/or coordinates requires modifications of orthoses/prostheses |
| 3.2.1 | Assesses the orthosis/prosthesis for structural safety at appropriate intervals |
| 3.2.2 | Ensures the orthosis/prosthesis is compliant with manufacturer guidelines and standards |
| 3.1.2 | Fabricates and/or coordinates the optimal fabrication of orthoses/prostheses |
| 5.2.1 | Recognises the responsibility to do no harm |
| 5.3.1 | Works within professional scope of practice, consent of client and/or carer and authority of employer |
| 5.1.1 | Adheres to legislation and workplace guidelines relating to safety |
| 5.1.2 | Identifies workplace hazards and acts to eliminate or reduce risks |
| 5.3.2 | Seeks assistance or refers on when beyond own level of competence |
| 6.1.1 | Undertakes independent learning to further own knowledge and skills on a continuous basis |
| 6.2.1 | Assesses and critically analyses sources of evidence |
| 6.2.3 | Integrates evidence and new learning into practice to improve health outcomes for clients |
Am I eligible to enrol in this course?
Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.
Pre-requisites
HLT105 and LFS122 and enrolled in Program SC307 or SC367 with a Prostehetics and Orthotics Extended Major
Co-requisites
Not applicable
Anti-requisites
Not applicable
Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)
Basic technical skills related to PO and anatomy
How am I going to be assessed?
Grading Scale
Standard Grading (GRD)
| High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL). |
Details of early feedback on progress
In week 4, you will receive formative feedback on Task 1 Portfolio to help prepare for future sessions.
Assessment tasks
| Delivery mode | Task No. | Assessment Product | Individual or Group | Weighting % | What is the duration / length? | When should I submit? | Where should I submit it? |
| All | 1 | Portfolio | Individual | 30% | 1800 words |
Week 13 | Online ePortfolio Submission |
| All | 2 | Report | Individual | 30% | 1500 words |
Week 11 | Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check |
| All | 3 | Examination - Centrally Scheduled | Individual | 40% | 120 minutes |
Exam Period | Exam Venue |
| All - Assessment Task 1:Practical Competencies Portfolio | |
| Goal: | This portfolio will allow you to improve the connection of theory learned in class regarding orthotic design, physical evaluation, anatomy, and biomechanics to the performance, as well as develop your ability to critique your own and others work, in the areas of physical assessment, problem solving orthotic fit, and communication skills. |
| Product: | Portfolio |
| Format: | You will complete a series of OSCEs, interactions and reflections, both on campus and via submissions to Canvas. |
| Criteria: |
|
| All - Assessment Task 2:AFO Tuning Report | |
| Goal: | The report will provide an opportunity to reinforce skills developed in the first half of the semester in evaluation and fabrication skills and place them within the context of a project looking at the efficacy of AFO management and improving outcomes through AFO tuning concepts, using assessment, fabrication, and design concepts in an applied project. |
| Product: | Report |
| Format: | The report will discuss the results of and implications of design and alignment using real-world applications in P&O completed during lab. The report will require you to discuss, using principles, methods and critique of primary literature, how these elements work together to improve P&O intervention and the implications on future clinical practice and efficacy of AFO management. |
| Criteria: |
|
| All - Assessment Task 3:Final Exam | |
| Goal: | The purpose of the final exam is to ensure you understand the theoretical knowledge and terminology related to orthotic care and musculoskeletal disorders presented in online. |
| Product: | Examination - Centrally Scheduled |
| Format: | A 120-minute examination which will consist of a variety of multiple choice, T/F, and fill-in-the-blank questions, short answers and long answer questions. |
| Criteria: |
|
Directed study hours
A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.
What resources do I need to undertake this course?
Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.
Prescribed text(s) or course reader
Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.
| Required? | Author | Year | Title | Edition | Publisher |
| Required | Kevin C. Chui,Sheng-Che Yen,Milagros Jorge,Michelle M. Lusardi | 2019 | Orthotics and Prosthetics in Rehabilitation | n/a | Saunders |
Specific requirements
You will be required to wear Program polo (available from UniSC Marketing), Student name tag, Student ID, approved pants, and closed toe shoes during client and/or professional encounters.
How are risks managed in this course?
What administrative information is relevant to this course?
Assessment: Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation. It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline. This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.
Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person. You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.
In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin. This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.
Assessment: Additional Requirements
Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying: The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4% The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct.
Assessment: Submission penalties
Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: - 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. - 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. - A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.
SafeUniSC
UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.
The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.
Study help
For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.
If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.
Wellbeing Services
Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.
To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.
AccessAbility Services
Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.
To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.
Links to relevant University policy and procedures
For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:
- Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
- Review of Assessment and Final Grades
- Supplementary Assessment
- Central Examinations
- Deferred Examinations
- Student Conduct
- Students with a Disability
For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching
Student Charter
UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.
General Enquiries
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In person:
- UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
- UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
- UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
- UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
- UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
- UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
- Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
- Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au