FUTURE FEET: Digital learning environment for foot health education and training
According to recent figures, 24 to 30% of the European population experiences foot problems. Therefore, there is an increasing need for digitally competent and scientifically trained podiatrists. The European Commission's statement on "enabling the digital transformation of health and care in the Digital Single Market (2018)" additionally invites knowledge institutions to review and futureproof healthcare systems and (para)medical education. Thus, there is a need for innovative solutions and methods that put accessibility and patient-centeredness of care first.
Barriers to futureproof podiatrists
To futureproof the healthcare profession of podiatry in the context of the above challenges, several obstacles exist:
- A first barrier includes the moderate digital literacy prevalent within the podiatry landscape. This creates a discrepancy between the needs of the person with care and support needs and the expectations and services offered by the podiatrist.
- A second barrier includes the risk of uncontrolled clinical practices that, on the one hand, result in wasted financial resources and, on the other hand, lead to the adoption of non-scientifically based treatments.
Digitally skilled and scientific podiatrists
To address these challenges, an international partnership was established with leading knowledge institutions. This partnership has the following objectives:
- Optimize the digital skills of podiatry students and practicing podiatrists.
- stimulate (scientific) knowledge transfer within European podiatry training institutions
Expected results
- A knowledge framework regarding the clinical application of podiatric sole therapy.
- A pedagogical curriculum covering:
- Digital communication within a healthcare profession
- Digital fabrication of podiatric sole therapy
- Digital entrepreneurial skills
- A professionalization course for teachers at a podiatry training program.
- A web platform that connects students, faculty and researchers.
Partners
Five project partners from four countries are working together on this project. The project partners are: Haute Ecole Leonard De Vinci (Belgium), Arteveldehogeschool (Belgium), University of Salford (United Kingdom), University of Malaga (Spain), Univeristeit Dokuz Eyul (Turkey).
Research realisations and publications
Article
A conceptual framework for contemporary professional foot care practice: ''the value based digital foot care framework''.
This model provides a contemporary view of the healthcare profession of a podiatrist.
Article
The biopsychosocial-digital continuum of foot orthosis practice and research: the valuator model.
This model outlines the therapeutic effectiveness of sole therapy within a value-driven biopsychosocial digital continuum.
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