ORTO3200 Materials, Design and Innovation Course description

The module provides in-depth study of materials used in prostheses and orthoses, their mechanical properties and mechanical design of prostheses and orthoses. The link between design and structural requirements is an important aspect. The module also covers clinical and production planning and quality improvement, health economics and ethics, as well as universal design, environmentally friendly methods and sustainable development. Other topics include development trends in materials and structural technology, and methods that can be used in innovation and fresh thinking.

The table below shows the subjects covered by the module, with credits specified:

• Ethics (0,5 credits)
• State and municipal studies, health and social policy (0,5 credits)
• Materials technology (9;credits)
• Innovation, production and quality assurance (5 credits)
• Total credits: 15 credits)

The student must have passed the second year of the 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

• has knowledge of the mechanical properties of materials and their effects
• has knowledge of new and traditional construction methods
• has knowledge of quality improvement and health economy in both a clinical and a production-related context
• is familiar with the International Standard Organisation's (ISOs) standards for testing of prosthetic and orthotic components
• has knowledge of some other areas of assistive technology

Skills

The student is capable of

• discussing and reflecting on the design process
• calculating and analysing compression, tension, torsion, bending and shear stress in materials and discussing their bearing on the design of prostheses and orthoses
• calculating and analysing the stiffness and elasticity of materials
• calculating the effect of forces and moments of force on mechanical structures
• discussing how mechanical principles influence the design and structure of prostheses and orthoses
• discussing design and universal design
• discussing quality assurance and quality control of enterprises
• discussing design and material choices in relation to sustainability, the environment, health economics and other available resources

General competence

The student is capable of

• discussing possibilities for innovation in prosthetics and orthotics practice
• reflecting on how prosthetics and orthotics contribute to public health in a national and international perspective
• reflecting on experience gained through practical training
• reflecting on interprofessional cooperation in innovation projects

The work and teaching methods used vary between seminars, skills training, lectures, group work and self-study.

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

• minimum attendance of 80 % at seminars and group work

Exam content: The learning outcomes

Exam form: Individual portfolio exam, up to 5,000 words, four assignments in the portfolio

Assessment: A grade is awarded for each of the assignments. All assignments count equally.

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 table below shows the subjects covered by the moduls, with credits specified:

• Prosthetic and orthotic practice (4,5 credits)
• Rehabilitation and habilitation (2,5 credits)
• Theory of science and research methods (1,5 credits)
• Ethics (1 credits)
• Profession, psychology, interaction and communication (3 credits)
• State and muncipal studies, health and social policy (0,5 credits)
• Materials technology and design (2 credits)
• Total credits: 15

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