ORTO1000 Introduction to Prosthetics and Orthotics Course description

The module focuses on basic knowledge that is common to several programmes of professional study in the health sciences and on knowledge and skills that are specific to prosthetics and orthotics. Common basic knowledge includes topics such as communication in a modern multicultural society, how the Norwegian health service is organised, International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), evidence-based practice, literature searches, use of sources, professional ethics and relevant legislation. Topics specific to prosthetics and orthotics include terminology, basic clinical procedures, tools, machines, health, safety and the environment (HSE) in clinics and workshops, and an introduction to materials and basic production processes.

The student must have been admitted to the study programme.

After completing the module, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• is capable of describing the development, work areas and professional practice in the prosthetics and orthotics field
• is capable of describing different perspectives on health, disease and disability
• is capable of describing relevant user groups
• is capable of describing the roles and responsibilities of the different healthcare professions
• is familiar with important political guidelines and relevant legislation
• is familiar with the way the Norwegian health service is organised
• is capable of describing the basic properties of materials used to make prostheses and orthoses
• is capable of describing basic production processes
• is familiar with the criteria for cheating and plagiarism in student work

Skills

The student is capable of

• applying ICF's terminology and classification systems
• planning and carrying out simple clinical and technical tasks
• using healthcare, prosthetics and orthotics terminology both orally and in writing
• discussing different forms of communication

General competence

The student is capable of

• discussing the concepts of empathy, respect and human rights
• identifying and describing professional ethical dilemmas with a focus on duty of confidentiality and consent in healthcare practice
• discussing challenges relating to language and culture
• discussing the concept of professionalism
• cooperating with fellow students and lecturers
• using the PICO (Problem Intervention Comparison Outcome) method and conducting literature searches
• searching for quality-assured sources, applying guidelines for source referencing and preparing lists of references

The work and teaching methods used vary between seminars, skills training, lectures, digital resources, student cooperation and self-study. Part of the module is taught jointly with students from other health sciences programmes.

The students will carry out four or five days of observational practice in prosthetic and orthotic companies and other relevant practical training arenas.

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

• minimum attendance of 80% at seminars and skills training

Exam content: The learning outcomes

Exam form: Individual written portfolio exam, four assignments with a total scope of 7,500-8,000 words. Weighting: all assignments count equally, but the overall grade will be an F if an F is awarded for one of the assignments.

Resit exam

The student must rework the part(s) for which an F was awarded.

All

Grade scale A-F

One external and one internal examiner will assess a minimum of 20% of the exam papers. The remaining papers will be assessed by two internal examiners.