Podiatrists' Reflections on Content and Delivery of Their Pre-Registration Podiatry Programme at a Regional University in New South Wales, Australia: A Survey of Graduates.

INTRODUCTION

Understanding podiatrists' perceptions of their undergraduate education is important to ensure that educational content and delivery meets the needs of the current workforce to inform future planning. This study aims to explore podiatrists' perceptions of their undergraduate podiatry training at the University of Newcastle, Australia, and their preferences regarding educational content and delivery.

METHODS

We conducted an online survey of podiatry graduates from the University of Newcastle, Australia. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact test to compare responses between groups. Qualitative responses were analysed using inductive content analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 114 podiatrists responded. Nail avulsions, business management and modifying orthoses were perceived as being given insufficient time and focus in undergraduate training, with a higher proportion of private (71%) compared to public (33%) podiatrists reporting business management as lacking (p = 0.02). There was strong support for embedding endorsed scheduled medicines training within the programme (80%) and for delivering theoretical content face-to-face rather than online. Inductive content analysis revealed four areas to be emphasised in future curricula: modern technologies, biomechanics, wound care and routine podiatric care. Potential strategies to reduce examination stress included mock assessments, changed assessment weighting, reduced exam structure rigidity and reducing assessor bias.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides insights into Australian podiatrists' preferences for pre-registration curricula. Topics to emphasise in future curricula at the University of Newcastle, Australia, include greater manual skills and business training, modern technologies, biomechanics and routine podiatric care. Our results suggest exercising caution when substituting face-to-face with online learning. These findings provide valuable guidance for future curricula in a context of declining student numbers and increasing healthcare demands.