 |
|
 Find related Learning & skills initiatives training courses. See all courses.  Northwest Learning Centre Strategy Unions and Employers helping to build Working Communities The learning revolution continues...  |
Impact of photography course funded through the Festival of LearningThe Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists (SCP) As part of the Festival of Learning, the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists (SCP) ran a digital photography course, in conjunction with Lewisham College, for staff in October 2009. In every day clinical practice podiatrists are increasingly required to take digital photographs of different foot problems for inclusion in patient clinical records. The photographs are mainly used for monitoring progress of a particular condition or treatment regime and can be called for evidence in any complaint. Few podiatrists have had any formal training in digital photography and rely on their experience in taking holiday 'snaps' to photograph clinical conditions, not always achieving the accuracy required. The course was run onsite at the SCP offices in London with use of computers provided by the mobile learning center and 10 members of staff took advantage of the course. The course entailed:
Cameras have been used for a considerable time in specialist clinics, such as hospital diabetes clinics, where they are used to monitor the progress of ulcers among other things. In the past, hospital podiatry departments used to make use of medical illustration but it is very time consuming for the patient and for the podiatrist having to wait for the photographer to come to the department. It is far more effective for the camera to be accessible at all times and more and more, cameras are being used in community podiatry clinics for a variety of work related purposes. Staff members became more aware of the potential of the cameras, how best to utilise the camera to its full potential. In terms of the logistics, patients were asked if they are comfortable having their problem photographed and if they agree they sign a consent form. Staff members The rationale for bidding for funding is that very few podiatrists have been taught how to use them properly and they usually learn informally through playing around with the camera or taking holiday snap shots. By providing professional training, staff became aware of the full functionality of the camera and how to make use of the associated computer software. The course was highly successful and added direct value to work conducted by staff. Some of the tangible benefits are:
ULF Project Manager, Liz Salem, who wrote and submitted the Union Learning Fund* (ULF) bid with assistance from other ULF colleagues, said: 'Photographs can say more than written records and as clinical photography is becoming more and more a part of everyday podiatric practice it is important that podiatrists know how to get the best out of the camera to ensure photographs that stand up to scrutiny.' The course will be evaluated and areas of further learning and support will be identified. Depending upon identified needs the Society and the ULF team will consider providing additional more advanced training and will encourage the development of a support network to share best practice. Union-led informal learning event are a practical way to encourage learning in the workplace. The SCP will also be looking to repeat the beginner's course for ULRs who will hopefully cascade their learning onto others. Case studies and projects (700 words) issued 2 Sep 2010 |
|
unionlearn Telephone 020 7079 6920 |
|
