Short Lower Limb Orthoses - AFOLaajuus (5 cr)

Objective

The student utilises and deepens their prior learning in neurological musculoskeletal diseases and the restrictions on functioning that they cause. The student learns about the needs for orthoses caused by various diseases and injuries and their impact mechanisms.

The student can justify their choice of orthosis in a user-oriented and evidence-based manner. The student differentiates between an individually fitted and a custom-made orthosis and can apply their knowledge of these when dealing with clients. The student learns to conduct individual evaluations of the need for an orthosis and measurements for an orthosis, and is able to manufacture an ankle-foot orthosis. The student strengthens their manual skills and competence in the work stages and methods related to manufacturing an orthosis. The student understands the importance of multidisciplinary work in a process and is able to work as part of a team. The student can apply their knowledge of materials in the manufacturing of orthoses and the selection of components. They are able to consider and follow environmentally sustainable methods and ways of working in the orthosis manufacturing process.

The student gains experience in fitting a product and guides and teaches the client to use it. The student compares the relation between the client’s initial functional capacity and the end product using a professional perspective. The student strengthens their skills in interacting with clients and in planning user-oriented orthotic solutions.

Content

• The most common diseases and reductions in functional capacity that result in a need for an orthosis
• Planning and implementation of a user-oriented orthotic solution
• Examining and interviewing the client
• Individually fitted ankle-foot orthoses
• Custom-made ankle-foot orthoses
• Standard knee orthoses
• The most common materials and components and their selection
• Biomechanical examination of the client and measurements for an orthosis
• Manufacturing process and techniques
• Fitting and evaluation of an orthosis and teaching the client how to use it
• Cost structure of an orthotic solution
• Evidence-based knowledge

The course deals with the principles of sustainability, which are applied in the selection of materials, taking into consideration their recyclability, durability and ethical production, as well as in the utilisation of innovations and technology, while promoting social responsibility in health care.

Qualifications

Credits from courses:
Anatomy and Physiology 1
Anatomy and Physiology 2
Basic Medical Studies in the Rehabilitation Sector
Transtibial prosthesis TT

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE BASE
- Student can search for knowledge resourcefully utilizing sources of the field and uses the knowledge base of the field
- Student is familiar with the knowledge base and core components of the profession

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND ACTIONS
- Student has adequate professional skills to work in the profession
- Student can work in a client-oriented way
- Student solves professional tasks and problems

ETHICS, COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT
- Student works safely and in accordance with the ethical principles of the field
- Student displays competence benefitting groups or projects
- Student is able to evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses and development needs

Assessment criteria, good (3)

PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE BASE
- Student searches for knowledge and justifies the use of sources
- Student uses the professional knowledge base consistently
- Student justifies actions by means of evidencebased knowledge

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND ACTIONS
- Student applies professional skills to different situations
- Student can act responsibly and in a clientoriented way
- Student can work in various tasks in diverse operating environments

ETHICS, COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT
- Student justifies professional activities according to the ethical principles of the field and evaluates the safety of these activities
- Student can work in work groups and projects in a goal-oriented way
- Student develops oneself

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE BASE
- Student applies the professional knowledge base fluently and in a versatile way
- Student evaluates and uses evidence-based knowledge

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND ACTIONS
- Student applies professional skills in different situations and can evaluate the results of these actions
- Student can act responsibly and in a clientoriented way
- Student applies alternative solutions to professional decision-making

ETHICS, COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT
- Student evaluates professional activities and safety according to the ethical principles of the field
- Student can work in different groups and projects with persons with diverse cultural backgrounds
- Student develops the work community and oneself

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

PASS: Same as satisfactory (see above)

Failed

PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE BASE
- Student does not know or know how to use the concepts of the profession adequately
- Student uses the professional knowledge base one-sidedly

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND ACTIONS
- Student does not have the required professional knowledge or skills, and the level of professional competence proves inadequate
- Student does not reach the level of client

ETHICS, COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT
- Student does not consider safety or ethical principles of the field sufficiently
- Student does not show adequate readiness to develop oneself or to participate

Further information

Evaluation: Intermediate level