AC99 - IYOP Partner Organisations

	IYOP Partner Organisations Australian Coalition '99

Australian Podiatry Council.

41 Derby Street

COLLINGWOOD VIC 3066

The Australian Podiatry Council is the national professional body with which state podiatry associations are affiliated, representing approximately 80% of practicing podiatrists. The Australian Podiatry Council is responsible for preparation of national policies and clinical guidelines for the podiatry profession, as well as public health and public relations activities. They also provide professional representation, scientific journal publication and research support. Podiatrists are the primary source of foot care for the community. Podiatrists help to maintain mobility and independence by alleviating painful foot conditions, particularly for those aged over 65, for whom an estimated 85% require a range of podiatric services.

ARE FOOT PROBLEMS MORE PREVALENT IN OLDER PEOPLE ?
? Structural foot changes develop with time. They lead to corns, callous and are usually associated with joint degeneration. The change in foot shape can affect shoe fitting and comfort or precipitate foot ulceration in the presence of vascular and neurological disease.
? The presence of various systemic disorders such as arthritis and a range of medications may directly affect foot health.
? Some older people are unable to look after their feet and provide simple care due to poor vision and limited mobility. Nails commonly become thickened or deformed over time, adding to difficulties with self care.
? Diabetes Mellitus affects at least 11% of persons over the age of 65 in Australia and this figure is expected to double in the next 10-15 years.
Foot complications account for the greatest number of bed days of all diabetes related admissions to hospital. Diabetes Australia recommends an annual foot assessment for all people with diabetes; also that a podiatrist care for people with any form of foot disorder.

THE ROLE OF PODIATRY IN RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE FACILITIES
Maintaining Mobility and Independence

WHAT CAN PODIATRISTS DO TO HELP ?

Podiatry deals with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of medical and surgical conditions of the feet and lower limbs.

Treatment of the effects on the feet of common conditions, including bone and joint disorders, as well as neurological and circulatory disease

Management of skin and nail disorders, corns, calluses and ingrown toenails, foot infections and ulcerations.

The need for podiatric intervention is not necessarily based on general health, but will be influenced by it. There is no doubt that limited mobility and flexibility increases the need for assistance with foot care. Where limited mobility is the result of painful foot pathology, podiatric input is invaluable.

Podiatrists offer a safe and effective support service - alleviating foot pain, collaborating with staff (eg; physiotherapy, nursing) in specific treatment programs and at times, identifying other health and welfare requirements.

HIGH STANDARDS OF CLINICAL CARE
Podiatrists bring a range of knowledge and expertise into the facility that extends beyond basic foot hygiene:

Skilled use of sterilised instruments and appropriate infection control procedures

Selection and application of pharmacological agents and specialist wound dressings

A variety of physical therapies and

The use of prescription foot orthoses (in-shoe devices) and the fitting and modification of footwear to provide long term solutions in the treatment and prevention of corns, callous and ulceration.

Health care programs aimed at identifying individuals at risk for potential problems should include foot pathology. An important part of the podiatrist's role is the training and support of other carers in the provision of basic foot hygiene, prevention of foot pathology and identification of those who might benefit from podiatric intervention. Strategies should ensure that staff at all levels are providing care at an appropriate level of skill.

Improved support, protection and pain relief for a population with an increased likelihood of falls, poor stability in gait and limited mobility.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REGISTRATION
In all states of Australia and the Australian Capital Territory, podiatry is a registered health profession and is defined by the various registration acts. (Until 1977, Australian podiatrists were known as chiropodists. The official name change to podiatry reflected the upgrading of education levels and an expansion in the scope of practice by the profession.)
To become a podiatrist, a practitioner must complete an undergraduate course in podiatry and be registered to practise in the appropriate state. Post-graduate education, including Graduate Diploma, Masters and PhD level, is available to podiatrists in some Australian Universities. In some states, additional qualifications are legislatively recognised, allowing prescription and supply of a range of S4 medications.
The Australian Podiatry Association is the only professional representative organisation and more than 80% of practising podiatrists are members. The national professional body is the Australian Podiatry Council, with which each state association is affiliated. The Association maintains clinical guidelines in a number of areas, including infection control (based on current NH&MRC recommendations), occupational health and safety, clinical records and documentation.

ACCESSING PODIATRY SERVICES
The Australian Podiatry Association is listed in the White Pages in each state and also in the Yellow Pages under Podiatry. The Association can provide further information regarding any of the issues raised in this document and advise of availability of local podiatrists.
Podiatry services do not attract a Medicare rebate, however some people covered by the Veterans Affairs program are entitled to subsidised podiatry services and most private health insurance companies offer their members a range of podiatry service rebates within their "Extras" tables.

Plans for 1999

Phone : 03 9416 3111
Fax : 03 9416 3188

Email : apodc@ozemail.com.au Website : www.apodc.com.au

Contact : Ms. Alison Petchell
Project Officer

Phone :	03 9416 3111
Fax :	03 9416 3188
Email :	apodc@ozemail.com.au Website :	www.apodc.com.au
Contact :	Ms. Alison Petchell Project Officer