Course Description
Casts are a treatment method for musculoskeletal disorders and fractures that enclose, support and protect the injured limb during the healing process. Types of casts and casting techniques vary depending on the location and severity of the injury.
Proper casting technique is extremely important to ensure that the fractured bone heals quickly and thoroughly without complication.
Consequences of poor casting can include:
- Malunion
- Pain and discomfort
- Pressure points/ulceration
- Incorrect cast for the fracture type
- Non optimal limb positioning
In this fracture management course, you will learn the history and theory of fracture management and cast application, as well as the different types of injuries and casts that you may encounter in your clinical practice. You will also receive practical training from qualified professionals in the proper techniques for cast application and removal.
This course has been reviewed and endorsed by the Australian Orthopaedic Association (AOA). The AOA is the peak professional body for orthopaedic surgery in Australia.
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for postgraduate healthcare professionals working in health facilities such as emergency departments, primary care, casting clinics, specialist rooms and in rural and remote settings. Applicants may hold a medical, nursing or allied health qualification. The course is also applicable to medical students and general practitioners with minimal fracture management experience, or those who want to refresh their skills.
Course prerequisites
Applicants must hold a health qualification or be working towards in order to enroll in this course. Examples include:
- Nursing
- MBBS
- Physiotherapy
- Allied health
- Aboriginal health worker Cert 1V or above
- Military medic
- Medical student
Course structure
Learn and enhance your casting skills through this methodical skills-based fracture management course. Modules covered in the course include:
- Emergency management – initial mobilisation, pain relief, managing shock
- Primary care – assessment & treatment plan
- Investigations – x-ray, ultrasound, Computed Tomography (CT) & Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Diagnosis, management and referral
- Splinting, casting, immobilisation, management of problems and complications
- Post cast application management
- Patient education – cast management, Plaster of Paris (POP) check
- Follow-up care – appointments
- Cast removal & aftercare
Course structure involves distance-based online learning combined with a one-day face-to-face clinical skills workshop.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Understand common fractures;
- Appropriately manage uncomplicated fractures and referral of complex fractures for specialist care;
- Apply splints and full casts appropriate to the presenting problem, and;
- Provide appropriate follow-up care.
Upon successful completion of all course components, students will be awarded a certificate of Fracture Management: Immobilisation, Splinting, Casting confirming their achievement.