Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to develop a graduate competent in the knowledge, attitudes, insight and skills required for the orthotic and prosthetic professions. The qualifying graduate will be able to competently apply and integrate theoretical principles, evidence-based techniques, practical experience, clinical procedures and appropriate skills.

The qualification will produce a well-rounded graduate who will be capable of practicing as a clinician, developing and managing a clinic or a laboratory or providing services as a private practitioner. The graduate will be a team player capable of working in multidisciplinary teams and moving the profession forward.

Rationale

This Bachelor of Science: Health Sciences: Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics (BSc: MOP) will provide much needed human resources in the profession of Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics. The need for medical orthotists and prosthetists was identified by the Provincial Department of Health and who approached the Institution to provide this qualification to try to alleviate the huge demand for orthotic and prosthetic services in the Province and beyond. This, together with the fact that, at present, there is only one other training provider for this qualification in the country, are the primary reasons for this qualification.

Best practice within the BSc: MOP is reflected in the purpose, which is a multidisciplinary approach that facilitates skills to work synergistically to make significant contributions to knowledge in our increasingly complex health promotion and health care environment.

It is assumed that the student has appropriate and relevant knowledge and skills in

• Communications at NQF Level 4.
• Mathematics at NQF Level 4.
• Biology at NQF Level 4.
• Physical Sciences at NQF Level 4.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Students will be admitted into the Bachelor of Science: Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics (BSc: MOP) with credit given to prior learning which will be assessed as per the institutional policy.

Access to the Qualification

The minimum entrance requirement for the BSc: MOP is a

- National Senior Certificate (NSC) with endorsement for Degree entry with the following subjects

> English.

> Life Sciences.

> Physical Sciences.

> Mathematics.

• Senior Certificate with Matriculation exemption.
• Admission requirements based on work experience, age and maturity; admission via recognition of prior learning granted through an internal process will apply.

All the modules, totalling 512 credits, are compulsory.

Modules at NQF Level 5

• Physics, 12 credits.
• Mathematics, 8 credits.
• Materials Science, 12 credits.
• General Education I, 8 credits.
• Principles of Orthotics and Prosthetics I, 28 credits.
• Clinical Practice I, 24 credits.

Modules at NQF Level 6

• Anatomy I, 20 credits
• Computer and Graphical Communication, 12 credits.
• Electronics, 8 credits.
• Anatomy II, 12 credits.
• Physiology, 16 credits.
• Biomechanics I, 16 credits.
• General Education II, 8 credits.
• Principles of Orthotics and Prosthetics II, 28 credits.
• Clinical Practice II, 32 credits.
• Clinical Studies I, 16 credits.

Modules at NQF Level 7

• Biomechanics II, 12 credits.
• Ethics and Medical Law, 8 credits.
• Research Methodology and Statistics, 16 credits.
• Psychology, 8 credits.
• Pharmacology, 12 credits.
• Principles of Orthotics and Prosthetics III, 32 credits.
• Clinical Practice III, 24 credits.
• Clinical Studies II, 24 credits.

Modules at NQF Level 8

• Biomechanics III, 12 credits.
• Clinical Practice IVA (orthotics), 32 credits.
• Clinical Practice IVB (prosthetics), 32 credits.
• Clinic, Laboratory and Business Management, 16 credits.
• Research Project, 16 credits.
• Advanced Clinical Practice, 8 credits.

1. Demonstrate effective communication and apply the principles of medical ethics, professional behaviour and the legal framework to the context within which medical orthotic and prosthetic practitioners operate while maintaining personal health, wellness and safety.
2. Independently assess, prescribe, practice, supervise, evaluate and facilitate the provision of medical orthotic and prosthetic care to the community, utilising specialised strategies and technologies.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the management, structure and function of orthotic and prosthetic service systems in South Africa and provide operational and clinical supervision within an orthotic and prosthetic environment.
4. Become a reflective practitioner and lifelong learner within the medical orthotic and prosthetic profession and changing health care environments.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

• Organising and managing self and own activities responsibly and effectively is demonstrated in the provision of optimal clinical care to patients.
• Information is collected, analysed, organised and critically evaluated for the assessment and treatment of patients.
• Effective communicating using visual and language skills orally or in writing is demonstrated through the successful treatment or handover of patients for other services.
• Understanding the world as a set of related systems is indicated in the cultural sensitivity applied when dealing with patients, colleagues and communities.
• Team work is demonstrated in the effective working with others as a team and in the context of providing services effectively or moving knowledge forward.
• Identifying and solving problems are demonstrated in the critical and creative thinking used in patient care and operational matters.
• Utilising science and technology is clearly indicated in the effective use of technology whilst simultaneously showing protection of the environment and others.
• The need for continuous professional development and lifelong learning is demonstrated by the awareness of the transformative nature of the health care system.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Professional carriage, behaviour and attitudes are demonstrated in all academic and clinical settings.
• Optimal expertise and critical knowledge in fundamental and core modules are demonstrated.
• Intellectual and clinical independence while ensuring safety of self and others is demonstrated.
• Awareness of the consequences of own decisions and actions is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Knowledge and understanding of human and basic sciences underpinning medical orthotic and prosthetic care is demonstrated.
• Techniques, processes, systems or technologies are applied and transferred in original, creative and innovative ways appropriate to specialised and complex contexts within the health sciences environment and new methods are developed, where appropriate.
• Specialist knowledge and theory are applied in critically reflexive, creative and novel ways to address complex practical and theoretical problems within the Health Sciences environment.
• Competence in all applications is consistently demonstrated.
• In-service education and training is provided in medical orthotic and prosthetic care.
• Independent, specialised orthotic and prosthetic services are provided to all appropriate sectors of the community.
• Management, education and research skills are applied during independent practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Understanding of the position of medical orthotics and prosthetics within the South African Health care system is shown.
• Understanding of the management, structure and function of medical orthotic and prosthetic service systems in South Africa is demonstrated.
• Operational and clinical supervision within a medical orthotic and prosthetic environment is provided.
• Skills and a capacity for quality assurance in a medical orthotic and prosthetic environment are demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Research skills are developed and research in medical orthotics and prosthetics in a multidisciplinary health care environment is conducted.
• Knowledge of and engagement in an area at the forefront of the field are demonstrated.
• New research initiatives are conceptualised and new knowledge or practice in medical orthotics and prosthetics is created.
• Research leadership and management of research and research development are demonstrated in an ethical and accountable manner in Health Sciences.

Integrated Assessment

Student assessment includes both formative and summative assessment.

Formative assessment is continuous and focuses on ensuring adequate levels of competencies in critical knowledge, behaviours and skills.

The clinical assessment of competencies allows for an integrated approach not only to learning but also assessment. Assessment in the multidisciplinary training centre also allows an integrated approach to patient care and will be assessed as such.

Summative assessment is made from written examinations, clinical skills' assessments and the production of a research project.