Assistant Practitioner (Podiatry) Scope of Practice

Administrative Skills:
Information Management 
Communication Skills 
Health and Safety 
Equality 
Stock Management 
Record Keeping 
Caseload Management 
Assist in research data Collection

Clinical Skills: 

Patient Preparation 
Clinical environment preparation 
Pathological nails (low risk patients) 
Non-pathological callus (Footfile/Moores Disc) 
Wound management (low risk – treatment plan delegated by podiatrist) 
Physical therapies in accordance with a care plan 
Application of skin care products 
Application of emollients 
Assist in application of dressings/re-dressings 
Orthotics casting , manufacture and supply 
Assist in nail surgery 
Basic Life Support 

Miscellaneous duties: 

Health education 
Footwear advice 
Diabetic screening (according to an agreed proforma) 

Case Load:
Some pathological nails 
No, low or moderate medical need in combination with no/low podiatric need. 

Instruments:
Nail clippers, nail files, drill (including Moores Discs), skin dressers, monofilament and tuning fork. 


Delegation

When a podiatrist delegates a task, or temporarily transfers the care of a client or patient to an assistant practitioner, they are responsible for the outcome. 


Before delegation of a patient takes place the patient must be assessed by a podiatrist and must be re-assessed every 12 to 18 months. This will safeguard all parties involved i.e the podiatrist, the assistant practitioner, the employer and the patient 

The podiatrist must ensure that they have appropriately assessed the patient and that the assistant practitioner to whom they have delegated: 

  • Understands what is expected of them and has a clear written treatment plan with expected outcomes with target dates 
  • Has the knowledge, skills and recognised qualification or experience to carry out what you have asked them to do safely and effectively 
  • Is appropriately supervised 
  • Is aware of when and under what circumstances the patient should be referred back for a reassessment 
  • Is able to refer the patient back to you or another podiatrist without delay/immediately if they are uncertain or concerned in any way as to the patient’s changed health status or their response to the treatment being provided

If the assistant practitioner tells the podiatrist that they are unwilling or unable to carry out a particular task or to continue with the care of a particular patient, the podiatrist must not endanger the patient by forcing them to do so.  The podiatrist should explore the reasons and identify any training issues before making any decisions as to what to do. 

Supervision

Appropriate supervision does not necessarily mean that the assistant practitioner (podiatry) needs to be working in the same location. Providing work has been delegated according to their level of knowledge and skill, then it should be sufficient to be available for reference. However delegated work should annually be reviewed in line with the agreed treatment plan. 

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