ORI1000 Introduction to Prosthetics and Orthotics Course description

This course gives an introduction to basic knowledge for professional studys in the health sciences and focuses on knowledge and skills that can be linked specifically to prosthetics and orthotics. Common basic knowledge includes topics such as an understanding of health, how the Norwegian health service is organised and applicable legislation. Professionalism in health sciences and academic work is elucidated by way of a focus on communication in a modern multicultural society, ethics, value choices, literature searches, use of sources, cheating and plagiarism. The course introduces the students to the subject of rehabilitation and how to apply conceptual models, goals and outcome measures.

Prosthetics and orthotics topics include clinical procedures, interaction in clinics and technical skills training in fundamental production processes. This comprises specialist terminology, an introduction to the use of tools, machines and other technical installations and HSE (health, safety and the environment) in clinics and laboratories. Students will also receive an introduction to material technology with a focus on the choice of materials when designing orthopaedic appliances.

The student must have been admitted to the study programme.

After completing the course, the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• can describe the development of the field of prosthetics and orthotics, and its areas of application and professional practice
• can describe different perspectives on health, disease and disability
• can describe relevant user groups
• can describe the roles and responsibilities of the different healthcare professions
• is familiar with important policy guidelines and relevant legislation
• can describe the organisation of the Norwegian health services
• can describe the basic properties of materials used to make orthopaedic appliances
• can describe basic design and production processes

Skills

The student

• can apply WHO's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)
• can use knowledge about health, safety and the environment in clinical and technical processes
• can plan and carry out simple clinical and technical tasks
• can use healthcare, prosthetics and orthotics terminology both orally and in writing
• can discuss fundamental theory of communication and communication processes (health communication)

General competence

The student

• can discuss the concepts of empathy, respect and human rights
• can identify and describe professional ethical dilemmas with a focus on the duty of confidentiality and consent in healthcare practice
• can discuss challenges relating to language and cultural diversity
• can discuss the concept of professionalism
• can cooperate with fellow students and lecturers
• can use the PICO (Problem Intervention Comparison Outcome) method and conduct literature searches
• can use quality-assured sources, apply guidelines for source referencing and create reference lists in line with the criteria for academic writing

Work and teaching methods used in the course include self-study, group work, seminars, skills training and lectures. Student-active learning methods and digital tools are used in the teaching to promote communication and engagement. 

The students will have one day of observational practical training at an orthopaedic technology enterprise.

The following coursework requirements must be met before the student can take the exam:

• a minimum attendance of 80 % in seminars and skills training.

Portfolio assessment: Individual portfolio comprising three written assignments. Total scope: 6,000-7,000 words.

Weighting: One overall grade is awarded based on the portfolio. All three assignments in the portfolio count equally with respect to grading, but if an F is awarded for one of the assignments, the overall grade will also be an F. 

Resit exam: Students will be given one opportunity to submit a reworked version of the portfolio assignment(s) for which an F was awarded.

All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are complied with.

Grade scale A-F

All exams are assessed by two examiners. At least 20% of the exam papers will be assessed by an external examiner together with an internal examiner. The remaining papers will be assessed by two internal examiners. The external examiner's assessment should benefit all the students.

• 10 credits overlap with the course ORTO1000 Introduction to Prosthetics and Orthotics.