Postgraduate - UnitPGW1116 - Diabetic foot

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2012 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

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6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered, or view unit timetables.

Level	Postgraduate
Faculty	Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Offered	Parkville First semester 2012 (Off-campus)
Coordinator(s)	Ms Adriana Tiziani

Quota applies

This unit is quota restricted. Selection is on a first-in, first enrolled basis. For more information please contact the faculty at http://www.pharm.monash.edu.au/courses/pg-coursework/contact.html

Synopsis

This unit deals with the assessment and management of clients with diabetic foot disease. We explore the aetiology and clinical presentation of complications of diabetes mellitus that manifest in the lower limb and foot. Assessment of diabetic foot disorders will focus on pressure and foot mechanics, peripheral sensation and circulation. Clinical management and evaluation of diabetic foot wounds will cover wound dressings, antibiotics, debridement and orthopaedic reconstruction, along with other health related issues.

Outcomes

At the completion of this unit students will be able to:

Review the anatomy and unique weight bearing functions of the foot.
Review the pathophysiology, general clinical presentation and medical management of diabetes mellitus.
Describe the aetiology, pathophysiology and clinical presentation of lower limb and foot complications in diabetes mellitus.
Discuss issues associated with weight bearing functions of the foot and the role of mechanical factors in diabetic foot ulceration.
Identify and discuss the causes of foot ulceration in diabetes demonstrating an appreciation for the multi-factorial nature of this complication.
Describe the process of clinical assessment of the foot in diabetes and the diabetic foot wound.
Identify and discuss what constitutes the'high risk' foot in diabetes.
Detail the holistic management of diabetic foot wounds including local wound care, pressure reduction techniques, medical management, psychological/sociological aspects of the care plan and the role of the health care team.
Outline and describe the potential complications of diabetic foot wounds including infection and amputation.

Assessment

Two minor assignments: 30%
One major assignment: 50%
Participation in online tutorials: 20%

Chief examiner(s)

Ms Adriana Tiziani

Contact hours

Students are expected to allow 10-12 hours per week over the semester in study time.

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Woundcare, Diabetes

Prohibitions

VCW1116