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Online Course: Lower Extremity Amputation Prevention & Treatment of the Neuropathic Foot

NATIONAL HANSEN’S DISEASE PROGRAMS
1770 Physicians Park Drive
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Phone: 1-800-642-2477
E-mail: mtemplet@hrsa.gov

COURSE DESCRIPTION 

The well-known seminar entitled, “The Carville Approach to Management of the Neuropathic Foot” has been modified for online instruction. The material presented includes principles and protocols that are time tested and proven effective for prevention of amputation in the lower extremity due to neuropathy. These six modules provide the background theory as well as practical evaluation and treatment tools applicable for immediate implementation in the clinic. This course is recommended for health professionals working with patients having Diabetes or lower extremity neuropathy. This course will enable the health care provider to assess and treat the neuropathic foot and evaluate protocols (or treatment options). It is also designed to reduce injuries and amputations associated with lower extremity neuropathy.


AUDIENCE:

  • Doctors
  • Nurses
  • Orthotists
  • Pedorthists
  • Physical Therapists
  • Podiatrists


UPON COMPLETION, THE PARTICIPANT SHOULD:

  • Understand the characteristics of lower extremity diabetic neuropathy
  • Identify the etiology and mechanical process of ulceration
  • List the five elements of the LEAP program
  • Assign a patient into a risk category based on evaluation results
  • Formulate an appropriate management plan according to risk category
  • Describe orthotic and footwear appliances used to reduce foot pressure


LECTURE SERIES

  • The Insensitive Foot: Mechanisms of Injury
    James Foto, BSME, C.Ped.
  • Lower Extremity Amputation Prevention
    Denise Brasseaux, PT, C.Ped., CWS
  • Foot Screen
    Dane Hupp, PT, CP, BS EX PHYS
  • Conservative Management of Neuropathic Foot Injuries
    Denise Brasseaux, PT, C.Ped., CWS
  • Footwear for Injury Prevention
    Alicia Hoard, LOTR, C.Ped.
  • Management of Charcot Fractures
    Ronnie Matthews, M.D. & Dane Hupp, PT, CP, BS EX PHYS


COST: NO FEE
CREDIT: 6 Contact Hours


C.M.E. APPLIED FOR:

  • Louisiana State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners
  • C.E. Board for Certification in Pedorthics
  • Contact hours pending approval by the Louisiana State Nurses Association (LSNA), an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, Commission on Accreditation
  • American Academy of Family Physicians


COURSE REGISTRATION

INTERACTIVE ONLINE COURSE APPLICATION FORM (PDF - 110 KB).
Participants will be provided an online username and password and have 24 hour access to the course materials. The site contains PowerPoint Presentations, notes, a discussion area and post-tests. Once enrolled, all modules and post-tests must be completed within 2 weeks. Upon satisfactory completion of the course, participants will be mailed a certificate of completion.


SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

  • PC (Windows 2000, XP, VISTA)
  • Mac (10.2, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5)
  • 128 MB of RAM
  • 2 GB of free disk space
  • Ethernet or Wireless network card (for high-speed Internet connection) or 56K modem (for dial-up Internet connection)
  • T1, DSL, Cable, or Satellite high-speed connection (56K dial-up will work, but the online course system will run slowly)

COURSE INSTRUCTORS

James Foto, BSME, C.Ped. is the senior biomedical research engineer in the Paul W. Brand Biomechanics Laboratory at the National Hansen’s Disease Programs. His understanding of pathomechanics of ulceration stems from his knowledge of plantar pressure and in-shoe materials, on which he has also extensively lectured and published. He obtained his bachelors of science in mechanical engineering from Louisiana State University. He is a state registered professional engineer and a board certified pedorthist.


Denise Brasseaux, PT, CPed., CWS is chief of the Physical Therapy Department at the National Hansen’s Disease Programs. She received her BS degree in Physical Therapy from Louisiana State University Medical Center, New Orleans. She has worked at the National Hansen’s Disease Programs for over 18 years and has developed expertise in the area of neuropathic foot management which includes wound care and pedorthics.


Dane Hupp, B.S. Exercise Physiology, M.S.P.T., C.P. received his Bachelors degree in Exercise Physiology from Kansas State University and his Masters in Physical Therapy from the University of Kansas Medical School. After working in the field for 3 years, he attained his prosthetic certification from Northwestern University. He has 18 years experience working with diabetes and the insensitive foot and has been working at the National Hansen’s Disease Programs for the past 10 years.


Alicia Hoard, LOTR, CPed. is Chief of the Hand and Occupational Therapy Department at the National Hansen’s Disease Programs. She received her BS degree in Occupational Therapy from Western Michigan University and is pursuing a Masters degree from Texas Women’s University. She is involved in patient care, professional training, and clinical research. She has 18 years experience working with neuropathic limbs.


Ronnie Matthews, M.D. graduated from the Louisiana State University Medical Center in 1974 and has been the Orthopedic Consultant for the National Hansen’s Disease Programs for 27 years. He has extensive experience performing reconstructive surgery and managing the neuropathic hand and foot.