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UniSA’s Teaching Innovation Unit Presents the Teaching & Learning Breakfast Series 2023

PRESENTER: Dr Helen Banwell (UniSA) 2022 AAUT Citation Winner

TOPIC: The use of 3D printed foot models for teaching scalpel skills to podiatry students

DATE: Thursday 13th July 2023

TIME: 8:00 – 9:00am (ACST)

DETAILS: Podiatrists are skilled in using scalpels to debride (or pare back) foot lesions, including the management of callus and corns that develop due to abnormal pressure or friction, and the thickened ‘non-viable’ tissue that develops over foot ulcers, impeding the healing response, due to the thicker skin physiology. With Australia’s ageing population and a 30% rise in diabetes-related foot disease, the demand for competent scalpel skills has never been higher, yet the teaching of these skills can be challenging. We will present the impact of using 3D-printed foot models and simulated lesions on the confidence and anxiety of 2nd year, and final-year students as they learn debridement of simple foot concerns (e.g. callus and corns) through to foot ulcer management in people with diabetes-related foot disease who are at high risk of amputation if mismanaged, and on other stakeholders (including placement providers, postgraduate students and benevolent societies using the technology to remotely train health workers in developing countries). This project was recently successful in gaining an Australian Award for University Teaching (AAUT) and has been adopted in 4 of the 8 Australian podiatry teaching institutions and 4 of the 10 UK-based degree providers.

µþ±õ°¿:ÌýDr Helen Banwell has been a lecturer in podiatry at UniSA since 1999, teaching paediatric theory and practice and introducing second-year podiatry students to clinical practice. Her research interests include the use of foot orthoses in children and adults with flat feet; assessment and management of gait and lower limb concerns in children; and the development of proforma's to direct podiatric practice. Recent research projects include gait changes and balance concerns in children with coordination difficulties, investigations of podiatric practice and, academic support for podiatry students (including the use of 3D foot models for teaching - for which she won the 2021 Winnovation award for science).Her engagement with the podiatry profession includes being an Executive committee member for the Australian Foot and Ankle Research Network (AFARNet), and an inaugural member of the Advocacy Committee for the Australian Podiatry Association (2018). She has also acted as a consultant podiatrist for Diabetes SA, Correctional Services SA and held positions on the Podiatry Board of South Australia (Academic Representative 2008 to nationalisation), the Prescription rights advocacy group (South Australia) and remains involved in the Paediatric Special Interest Group associated with the Australian Podiatry Association. She led the UniSA podiatry team that was awarded a 2022 AAUT citation for outstanding contributions to student learning.