Overview of the role

Podiatrists are healthcare professionals that have been trained to diagnose and treat foot and lower limb conditions. Podiatrists provide assessment, evaluation, and foot care for a wide range of patients, which range from low risk to long-term acute conditions. They can minimise the impact and consequence of long tern conditions:

  • Prevent and delay onset of deterioration of chronic conditions
  • Maintain and maximise mobility
  • Help to reduce the number of falls
  • Enable independence leading to improved quality of life and reduced social exclusion
  • Reduce the need for secondary, surgical or pharmacological intervention
  • Reduce hospital admissions and unnecessary hospital referrals
  • Support patients living with long term conditions
  • Keep people mobile and in work

Many patients fall into high risk categories such as those with diabetes, rheumatism, cerebral palsy, peripheral arterial disease, and peripheral nerve damage.

 

Example tasksĀ that role is trained to deliver:

  • Specialise in the LTCs and mobility
  • Use of PGDs
  • Clinical Teaching and Research/Audit
  • Health Promotion
  • Swabs (routine)
  • Urinalysis
  • Can take a lead on wound care including Doppler, Dressings Leg Ulcers – Compressions (per leg), Tissue Viability, Dressings (simple), Suture Removal (up to 20), Application of Steris trips & Application of Tissue Adhesive

 

Funding

From April 2020, this role will be reimbursed at 100% on the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme for PCNs.

Training/Development

Awaiting further guidance.

Must have a BSc to work as a podiatrist in all settings.

 

Further Information:

Click the link to find out more about the role, including job descriptions, case studies and more: Podiatrist and Chiropodist