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I know there are many clinics especially down south now using podiatry assistants. My question is who can take on this role and what are there boundaries as I am thinking one would be great in our clinic. If you use one in your clinc any advise will help me make my decision. Thanks

 

I work with Podiatry Clinical Assistants(PCA) in a variety of Community clinics. In our area their role is nail cutting of patients that have been fully assessed first by the Podiatrist. Some patients may have some compromised neurological status but only require nail cutting and monitoring. If they require any other podiatric intervention they are referred back to the Podiatrist. Once every 2 years, or earlier if the Podiatrist has instructed as part of the patients long- term treatment plan, they will see the Podiatrist and , provided there is no change they are returned to the PCA s list for nail care. They are fully competent at use of the Doppler and monofilament testing and recognise the need for prompt referral back to the Podiatrist if their are any changes or need for scalpel work. They are also competent at reinforcing footwear advice,use of emollients and general footcare advice.

 

Hi , can anyone tell me if a podiatrist clinic are likely to sponsor a pca to work alone side them in their clinic

 

We are exploring this model currently for a paper we are putting together - there is a definite possibility of a full time "Podiatric Nursing Assistant" or "Footcare Hygenist" in Podiatry practice. Although their requirement for formal education is almost non existent there is a large number of high quality courses currently running. Their duties can be quite extensive.... From general duties, instrument sterilization, stock control, reception/admin duties, patient management and advice (nail cutting, wound care, casts, digital scanning and imaging and other clinical duties under the Podiatrists instruction) I would imagine they would free up an inordinate amount of time for the busy Podiatrist.