Scope of Practice
The Australian Podiatry Association is the largest and oldest peak body for podiatrists in Australia. We support our members with opportunities to develop their professional career, uphold standards and make connections, and access opportunities.
Background
The Australian Podiatry Association considers there is a need to provide a clearer definition of the scope of practice for podiatrists, for the benefit of health consumers, other health professionals, and statutory authorities. This document aims to framework the scope of practice within the bounds of law and legislation while recognising that advancing the podiatry profession benefits the consumer, podiatrists, the profession and to encourage efficiencies within the health system.
The scope of practice is purposely written in general terms and does not provide specific treatment modalities as this risks defining practice too narrowly.
Governance
Podiatry’s scope of practice is governed by the Podiatry Board of Australia and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency’s (Ahpra) regulatory documents and legislation, namely; the National Registration Act (Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act, 2009, 2010); Competency Standards and the Podiatry Board of Australia’s Podiatry Accreditation Committee. Underpinning the scope of practice is a requirement for podiatrists to practice within their scope of professional competence, aligned with legislated boundaries.
The title of Podiatry, Podiatrist and Podiatric Surgeons are protected. Podiatrists and Podiatric Surgeons are required to have an appropriate qualification and be registered with Ahpra.
Definition
Podiatry, or podiatric medicine, is defined as the assessment, diagnosis and management, by medical, pharmacological, surgical, electrical, mechanical, rehabilitation or manual methods, of systemic or localised conditions affecting the foot and related lower extremities and structures.
This includes but is not limited to the analysis of gait, posture, muscular function, vascular, neurological or dermatological and other factors, including appropriate health promotion, education, and conducting relevant and necessary diagnostic investigations.
Practice areas
Many podiatrists choose to enter general podiatry practice and consult across a wide range of conditions. Some clinicians will develop special interest areas, or acquire a specialist qualification in podiatric surgery.
Some of the common practice areas that podiatrists will work in include;
- Orthopaedics and rheumatology
- Sports and exercise medicine and rehabilitation
- Paediatrics
- Diabetology and high risk foot
- Gerontology & Aged Care
- Dermatology
- Vascular medicine
Practice settings
Podiatrists work in a diverse range of health care settings. These vary from independent or group private practice, through to public health settings such as community health centres and public hospitals, aged care facilities, indigenous health clinics, and many other locations.
Anatomical considerations
Although the clinical focus of most podiatric consultations is the human foot and lower extremity, there are many common conditions affecting the knee, hip and spine which can be affected by the abnormal function of the foot and related movement patterns. Examples of these include lower back pain due to leg length inequality, patella-femoral joint pain, and ilio-tibial band syndrome.
Podiatrists are educated to assess, diagnose and treat conditions that are accepted to have a direct clinical relationship with abnormal foot and lower extremity function.
Uniquely qualified
Podiatrists are registered health professionals who are uniquely qualified to care for foot and lower extremity conditions. Podiatrists are required to hold a Bachelor Degree from a recognised University or equivalent.
Primary qualifications in podiatry focus on the assessment and diagnosis of pathological conditions of the lower extremity that are due to local or systemic causes. Podiatrists have the expertise, knowledge and understanding of foot and ankle, posture, motion and function to ensure the provision of appropriate assessment and recommendations to clients/patients.
Graduate podiatrists are educated and examined in areas such as; anatomy, physiology, human biomechanics (adults and paediatrics), rheumatology, pharmacology, general medicine with particular focus on systemic conditions affecting the foot and lower limb, surgery, dermatology, radiology and pathology.
Qualified podiatrists may:
- undertake thorough assessments, including medical and other histories and perform physical examinations
- perform minor surgery and wound care
- prescribe and administer medications if they hold the Podiatry Board of Australia’s endorsement for scheduled medicine
- set fractures and treat sports-related injuries
- prescribe and fit orthotics, insoles, and custom-made shoes
- assess, diagnose and monitor common foot and lower limb concerns in children (e.g. flat feet, intoeing)
- order and perform physical therapy
- request and interpret x-rays and other imaging studies
Postgraduate education and specialist qualifications
Podiatrists can undertake further postgraduate education and training to obtain specialist qualifications in podiatric surgery. The procedures undertaken by specialist podiatric surgeons include bone and joint reconstructive procedures, repair of tendon and ligament disorders, and management of disorders affecting nerves and other soft tissues.
Podiatrists work collaboratively within the health care system with other health professionals, including general medical practitioners, specialist physicians and surgeons, physiotherapists, diabetes educators, nurses and many others.
Currently the only recognised specialty in podiatry is podiatric surgery. Qualified podiatrists who successfully undertake the required postgraduate education and training in this field undertake advanced reconstructive foot and ankle procedures, typically in hospital or day surgery operating theatres alongside specialist anaesthetists.
The Association supports additional qualifications in the areas of Sports and Paediatrics via the APodA career framework certification.
