podiatric diseases
Field of information which distinguishes different kinds of podiatric diseases and disorders regarding foot problems, injuries and maladies, and how to treat them by using conservative and surgical options.
Podiatry assistants help the podiatrist by carrying out supportive tasks such as assisting in diagnosing and treating the disorders, diseases and deformities of the feet, advising people on foot care techniques and the importance of foot care for promoting better mobility and general well-being. They also perform small tasks such as cutting toe nails, applying plasters and general clerical duties.
Competences and skills
57 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 12 competences
Occupation specific
1 competenceSector-specific
8 competencesadministrative tasks in a medical environment
The medical administrative tasks such as registration of patients, appointment systems, record keeping of patients information and repeated precribing.
chiropody
Medical practice dealing with disorders of the feet.
clinical coding
The matching of clinical statements with standard codes of illnesses and treatments through use of a classification system.
dermatology
Dermatology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
foot problems
Conditions and disorders affecting the health and well being of feet such as fungal infections, ingrown nails, verrucas, smelly feet, flat feet and bunions.
health records management
The procedures and importance of record keeping in a healthcare system such as hospitals or clinics, the information systems used to keep and process records and how to achieve maximum accuracy of records.
orthopaedic conditions
The physiology, pathophysiology, pathology, and natural history of common orthopaedic conditions and injuries.
podiatric surgery
The surgical specialty used to treat conditions and deformities of the feet such as tendon, heel and hammer toe surgery.
Cross-sector
3 competencesorthopaedic treatment alternatives
The appropriate available non-operative and operative treatment alternatives for common orthopaedic conditions and injuries, the benefits and limitations of each type of treatment as well as any potential side effects or complications of the treatment.
orthopaedics
Orthopaedics is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
types of orthopedic supplies
Various types of orthopaedic supplies such as braces and arm supports, used for physical therapy or physical rehabilitation.
Essential skills and competences 17 competences
Occupation specific
1 competencetreat patients' nails
Use a nail drill to reduce thickening toenails and remove debris from their sulci by inserting nail packs.
Sector-specific
7 competencesadvise on healthcare users' informed consent
Ensure patients/clients are fully informed about the risks and benefits of proposed treatments so they can give informed consent, engaging patients/clients in the process of their care and treatment.
collect healthcare user data under supervision
Collect qualitative and quantitative data related to the healthcare user's physical, psychological, emotional and social status and functional ability within set parameters, monitoring healthcare user's responses and status during the performance of assigned measures/tests and taking appropriate action, including reporting the findings to the physiotherapist.
comply with quality standards related to healthcare practice
Apply quality standards related to risk management, safety procedures, patients feedback, screening and medical devices in daily practice, as they are recognized by the national professional associations and authorities.
ensure safety of healthcare users
Make sure that healthcare users are being treated professionally, effectively and safe from harm, adapting techniques and procedures according to the person's needs, abilities or the prevailing conditions.
perform clinical coding procedures
Match and record correctly the specific illnesses and treatments of a patient by using a clinical codes classification system.
recommend orthotic devices
Suggest patients to use tailor-made insoles, padding and arch supports to relieve feet pain.
shape nails
Shape nails by cutting and smoothening the ends of the nails, with the use of files, scissors or emery boards.
Cross-sector
9 competencescommunicate in healthcare
Communicate effectively with patients, families and other caregivers, health care professionals, and community partners.
develop a collaborative therapeutic relationship
Develop a mutually collaborative therapeutic relationship during treatment, fostering and gaining healthcare users' trust and cooperation.
follow clinical guidelines
Follow agreed protocols and guidelines in support of healthcare practice which are provided by healthcare institutions, professional associations, or authorities and also scientific organisations.
maintain medical devices
Ensure all medical devices and appliances are properly stored and taken care of so they maintain their functionality and appearance.
promote foot health
Provide information and guidance on means to keep one's feet healthy by wearing appropriate footwear or avoiding unhealthy practices such as fungal infections.
provide footwear advice to patients
Inform patients on the types of footwear available and suitable for their feet conditions or disorders to increase foot well being.
provide medication information
Provide patients with information about their medication, possible side effects, and contra-indications.
record treated patient's information
Record information accurately relating to the progress of the patient during therapy sessions.
respond to changing situations in health care
Cope with pressure and respond appropriately and in time to unexpected and rapidly changing situations in healthcare.
Optional knowledge 8 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
2 competencesmicrobiology-bacteriology
Microbiology-Bacteriology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
surgical asepsis
The way to keep equipment and surfaces sterile to prevent infections during medical care.
Cross-sector
6 competenceshealth care system
The structure and function of health care services.
human anatomy
The dynamic relationship of human structure and function and the muscosceletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, integumentary and nervous systems; normal and altered anatomy and physiology throughout the human lifespan.
kinetics
The study of movement and its causes.
medical terminology
The meaning of medical terms and abbreviations, of medical prescriptions and various medical specialties and when to use it correctly.
pharmacology
Pharmacology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
sterilization techniques
The methods and techniques used to destroy or remove microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria that can contaminate medical instruments or any type of material in a health care setting.
Optional skills and competences 20 competences
Occupation specific
2 competencesapply foot casts
Order, and cover patients' legs, ankles and feet with foot casts and walking braces. These protect and support the lower leg and foot following fractures or injuries and reduce injury healing time.
apply wound dressings
Select and apply the appropriate wound dressings, such as liquid or spray occlusive materials, absorbent material or immobilising dressing, according to the surgical procedure undertaken.
Sector-specific
11 competencesanalyse X-ray imagery
Analyse X-ray imagery in order to locate the sources of patients` difficulties and interpret the findings.
carry out wound care
Cleanse, irrigate, probe, debride, pack and dress wounds.
conduct podiatry consultation
Asses the condition of the patient`s feet by cutting his/hers toenails, removing any hard skin and checking for corns, calluses or verrucas and decide on a diagnosis.
contribute to quality physiotherapy services
Participate in activities that promote quality, particularly in the acquisition and evaluation of equipment, resources, safe storage and supply management.
monitor basic patients signs
Monitor and analyse basic patient vital signs as vital signs of heart, respiration, and blood pressure. Take action by reporting them to the nurse.
monitor stock level
Evaluate how much stock is used and determine what should be ordered.
obtain healthcare user's medical status information
Gather healthcare user information through various sources such as questioning the healthcare user, caregiver, or healthcare professional to obtain information on the patient`s health and social status, and interpreting records made by other health care professionals when appropriate.
place orders for orthopedic products
Order specialised orthopaedic materials and supplies for the store; maintain the company stock.
recommend orthopedic goods to customers depending on their condition
Recommend and provide advice on orthopaedic goods and pieces of equipment such as braces, slings or elbow supports. Provide individual advice depending on customer's specific condition and needs.
treat nails
Wrap nails to repair them or make them stronger and more resilient. Soften, trim or push back nail cuticles and provide treatment to people who bite their nails.
work in multidisciplinary health teams
Participate in the delivery of multidisciplinary health care, and understand the rules and competences of other healthcare related professions.
Cross-sector
7 competencesadminister appointments
Accept, schedule and cancel appointments.
discuss the medical history of the healthcare user
Ask the healthcare user about his medical condition and physical well-being and the desired results to be achieved through the suggested therapy and follow the prescribed treatment.
process medical insurance claims
Contact the patient`s health insurance company and submit the appropriate forms with information on the patient and treatment.
provide health education
Provide evidence based strategies to promote healthy living, disease prevention and management.
send samples to laboratory
Forward collected samples to the concerned laboratory, following strict procedures related to the labeling and tracking of the information on the samples.
use foreign languages in patient care
Communicate in foreign languages with healthcare users, their carers, or services providers. Use foreign languages to faciliate patient care according to the needs of the patient.
work in a multicultural environment in health care
Interact, relate and communicate with individuals from a variety of different cultures, when working in a healthcare environment.