SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
111160	Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
National First Degree(Min 480)	Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services		Curative Health
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	480	Not Applicable	NQF Level 08	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2019-08-16	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2034-06-30

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of the Bachelor of Health Science in Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics is to transform the learner into a competent orthotic and prosthetic professional with the required knowledge, attitudes, insights and skills that address African socio-economic and physical challenges in this regard. The learner will be able to competently apply and integrate theoretical principles, evidence-based techniques, practical experience, clinical procedures and appropriate skills in order to holistically rehabilitate orthotic and prosthetic patients. This will be done in a non-discriminatory, social accountable and ethical manner.

Disabled persons in the field of orthotics and prosthetics have individual needs that require specific treatment and care. Basic needs such as being mobile and self-dependent are addressed through the provision of assistive devices such as orthoses and prostheses. Psychological adaptation and coping skills are incorporated in the qualification to enable the learner to assist these patients. According to the draft Scope of Practice (Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) Scope of the Profession Management of Portfolios (MOP) (Draft 2014)), the learner will be capable of working as a member within a multi-disciplinary team and moving the profession forward in an environmentally responsible manner. This learner will also be able to adapt to and apply new research, innovations and technologies to the benefit of the patient and the profession, under the guidance and regulation of the HPCSA. For this purpose, learners will be expected to complete a research proposal and a research project. This will prepare learners adequately to further their studies in the Master of Health Sciences/Master of Applied Sciences qualification, or any other relevant or related qualification, on National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9.

The learner will also be empowered to establish and manage an independent practice including setting up the practice with the basic business skills learned.

Rationale:
This professional Bachelor of Health Science in Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics, Level 8 will provide nationally and internationally recognised practitioners in the field of Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics. The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and the Department of Health identified the need for a 4-year professional qualification in the field of Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics Management of Portfolios (MOP). This was due to the South African Government that provided a framework for a structured uniform national health care system. The national health plan and human resource development strategy were combined to create an effective and efficient system of co-operative governance and management of health care services.

The Department of Health is leading the implementation of a multi-professional team-based approach to health care delivery, where each member of the team has a defined role to ensure there is minimum duplication and overlapping of functions. This qualification is at the level of qualifications for other members of the multi-disciplinary rehabilitation team. The Orthotics and Prosthetics professional will work in a multi-disciplinary team alongside doctors, surgeons, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and nursing staff. Since the role of the Orthotics and Prosthetics professional is both clinical and technical in nature, the qualification's strong clinical and practical components are offered as increasingly complex and demanding modules through the four years of the qualification. The practical component addresses the manufacturing part of the assistive devices that the profession requires. The qualification contains 94 Credits for practicals (working in the laboratory) and 47 Credits for clinical exposure and learning through working with real-life patients. For this purpose a partnership with specific hospitals and private practices will ensure that the learners fully participate in focused clinical practice activities to prepare them for the world of work.

Furthermore, the Policy Framework and Strategy for Disability and Rehabilitation Services in South Africa (National Department of Health) states the important role that Orthotics and Prosthetics professionals can play in providing essential services to address disabilities in communities. Disability plays a role in entrenching and exacerbating the cycle of ill-health and poverty, and the Orthotics and Prosthetics practitioner can play a vital role in assisting to alleviate this problem. The Orthotics and Prosthetics professional plays a vital role in the whole health system, as well as the quality of life of the patient. The qualification would therefore prepare learners to competently apply and integrate theoretical principles, evidence-based techniques, practical experience, clinical procedures and appropriate skills in order to holistically rehabilitate orthotic and prosthetic patients.

Additional to the above-mentioned, the field of orthotics and prosthetics must be aligned with international standards which divides the field of Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics into the categories I, II and III. As such, Category I is a Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics practitioner qualified at degree level, with technologists qualified with a Diploma (Category II) and technicians qualified with a Certificate (Category III). The upgrading of learners from Category II to Category I will enhance the standard of the practitioner in alignment with the needs of the International Society of Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO). At the same time, the industry moves more towards clinical practice and central fabrication, which is the focus of this qualification.

This learner will be able to register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a practitioner in the category of independent practice.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or for admission. The specific relevant documentation will be requested from these learners, and these cases will be handled on an individual basis.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is given in order to prevent the repetition of offerings already obtained which correspond with the current offering being pursued. Learners may apply at the Office of the Registrar for RPL or for admission via the Senate's discretionary route. The specific relevant documentation will be requested from these learners, and these cases will be handled on an individual basis.

According to the minimum required modules not obtained by the learner, the learner will write basic examination/s in the missing module/s.

Entry Requirements.
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

National Senior Certificate, Level 4, granting access to Bachelor's Degree study.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling 530 Credits:

Compulsory Modules at Level 5,170 Credits:

Physics for Health Sciences, 12 Credits.

Chemistry for Health Sciences, 12 Credits.

Mathematics and Statistics, 12 Credits.

Human Anatomy I, 18 Credits.

Human Physiology, 18 Credits.

Communication for Academic Purposes, 10 Credits.

Computer Literacy, 10 Credits.

Life Skills, 2 Credits.

Research Principles I, 6 Credits.

Basic Principles of Engineering (Manufacturing), 14 Credits.

Basic Principles of Engineering (CAD), 14 Credits.

Principles of Orthotics and Prosthetics I, 12 Credits.

Pharmacology, 6 Credits.

Biomechanics, 18 Credits.

Medical Law, Bio-ethics and Human Rights, 6 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 6,138 Credits:

Human Anatomy II, 18 Credits.

Human Physiology II, 18 Credits.

Psycho-Social Science I, 12 Credits.

Research Principles II, 12 Credits.

Principles of Orthotics II, 14 Credits.

Principles of Prosthetics II, 14 Credits.

Orthotics and Prosthetics Practice I, 26 Credits.

Orthotics and Prosthetics Material Sciences, 12 Credits.

Psycho-Social Science II, 12 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 7,102 Credits:

Orthopaedic Pathology, 12 Credits.

Health Care Administration and Management I, 12 Credits.

Data Analysis, 12 Credits.

Principles of Orthotics III, 20 Credits.

Principles of Prosthetics III, 20 Credits.

Orthotics and Prosthetics II, 26 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 8,120 Credits:

Health Care Administration and Management II, 12 Credits.

Principles of Orthotics and Prosthetics IV, 36 Credits.

Orthotics and Prosthetics Practice III, 72 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate applied engagement as a forefront Clinician using the required techniques and skills to attend to patient care and treatment in the medical orthotics and prosthetics field.
2. Function as an independent registered practitioner engaging in all ethical aspects required within the field of Orthotics and Prosthetics.
3. Engage in good laboratory practice, and general laboratory management.
4. Apply entrepreneurial, management and supervisory skills within a medical orthotics and prosthetics environment.
5. Implement good communication and interpretation skills within the multi-disciplinary team.
6. Design, formulate and implement an evidence-based treatment plan for the rehabilitation process of the patient.
7. Manage and maintain Continuous Professional Development (CPD) in rehabilitation.
8. Apply research strategies applicable in the field of rehabilitation.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

A holistic approach is in assessing, evaluating, diagnosing, prescribing and measuring medical orthotics and prosthetics devices according to the desired rehabilitation outcome for the patient.

Applicable technology and skills are used to assess, measure, design, manufacture, fit, manage and maintain medical orthotics and prosthetics devices in line with Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) minimum standards.

Practice as a clinician in the field of medical orthotics and prosthetics referring to the Scope of Practice with acts pertaining to registration with the HPCSA.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Ethical and legal responsibilities pertaining to all healthcare professions and patients are recognised and applied during all interactions with patients, colleagues, and/or the community in specifically the field of medical orthotics and prosthetics.

Medical orthotics and prosthetics activities within the profession are performed in terms of ethical rules of the HPCSA, the Scope of the profession and the Batho Pele principles.

Medical orthotics and prosthetics patients are treated and rehabilitated through independent decision making and self-governance.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Occupational health and safety regulations are adhered to within the medical orthotics and prosthetics laboratory.

Patients are evaluated and assessed in compliance to the scope of practice as stipulated by the HPCSA.

Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics devices are measured, designed and manufactured in accordance with accepted national, international and Consumer Protection Act (CPA) standards.

Medical orthotics and Prosthetics devices are maintained in compliance to the scope of practice as stipulated by the HPCSA and as regulated by the CPA.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Personal initiative is exercised and revealed during the management process for the growth and implementation of each medical orthotics and prosthetics practice or as an employee within a practice.

The outcome and execution of resolutions within the medical orthotics and prosthetics environment facility is identified, analysed, solved and planned in such a manner that an effective operational environment for those employed is created.

Supervisory skills are demonstrated in the supervision towards technicians Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA's), orthopaedic footwear technicians Obstetrics (OB's), interns (OSIN's) and learners (OS's) as set out in the scope of practice drawn up by the HPCSA.

The Orthotics and Prosthetics centre is controlled and maintained according to sound legal and accepted financial, human resource and business management principles.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Oral and written reports are discussed and prepared for use by the multidisciplinary team demonstrating the understanding of patient care.

A referral system pertaining to the rehabilitation of medical orthotics and prosthetic patients is implemented within the multidisciplinary team context.

In the rehabilitation process of the patient, informed decisions are made, after considering the psychosocial and physical aspects of the patient.

Professional carriage, behaviour and attitudes in all academic and clinical settings are adhered to.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Knowledge and understanding of human and basic sciences underpinning medical orthotic and prosthetic care are displayed in the rehabilitation planning.

Ability to apply and transfer techniques, processes, systems and technologies in original, creative and innovative ways appropriate to specialised and complex contexts within the health sciences environment and develop new methods, where appropriate.

Application of specialist knowledge and theory in critically reflexive, creative and novel ways to address complex practical and theoretical problems within the Health Sciences environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Continuing Professional Development CPD training activities are attended in order to comply with the points system as determined by the CPD committee of the HPCSA.

Appropriate, relevant and current technological medical orthotics and prosthetics information are gathered, applied and interpreted during CPD activities to become a more informed and better practitioner.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Evidence based practice is implemented by utilising documentation (files, records, clinical notes) as pertaining to the field of rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation outcomes are enhanced by keeping up to date with new technologies and developments within the field of medical orthotics and prosthetics.

Research is conducted within a medical orthotics and prosthetics and in a multi-disciplinary healthcare environment.

Integrated Assessment:
In the assessment strategy as a whole, evidence must be demonstrated through a variety of options which can include case studies, problem solving assignments and strategies, portfolio of learning materials, projects, written and oral examinations, log books and practical exercises and demonstrations. Some strategies will be more suited to assess foundational competence while others are more suited to assess practical and reflexive competence.

The final integrated assessment needs to measure applied competence. It should assess whether learners are able to assess patient pathologies, formulate orthotics and prosthetics treatment and rehabilitation plans and measure, manufacture and fit orthoses and prostheses (foundational and practical competence). Learners should be able to evaluate effect, benefits and errors of all orthoses and prostheses, and adjust or recalculate devices until patient satisfaction and acceptance is obtained (reflexive competence).

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

This Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics, Level 8 is comparable to all international practitioner qualifications and similar Bachelor of Science qualifications that are offered at major universities globally.

Strathclyde University in Glasgow Scotland:
This institution offers a four (4) year Bachelor of Science in Medical Prosthetics and Orthotics as one of only two Universities in the United Kingdom (UK) that offer qualifications in Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics. This qualification is highly practical in nature and learners undertake clinical practice in each academic year. Prosthetics and Orthotics Science modules form a major element of the qualification and also of the practical sessions at the Centre or out on clinical placements. In the UK, learners of the Bachelor of Science in Medical Prosthetics and Orthotics are eligible to apply for state registration through the British Health Professions Council. State registration is required to use the title of Prosthetist/Orthotist. Learners can also become members of the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists.

Kilimanjaro Christian College in Tanzania:
This institution offers a four (4) year Bachelor of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics composed of a broad range of theoretical and other subjects including physical and clinical assessment and examination of patients with neuro-muscular and skeletal deficiencies. It also includes design of prosthetic and orthotic components as well as the prescription, fabrication, fitting and alignment of the full range of orthopaedic devices available. The clinical practice in the qualification includes the clinical examination and evaluation of individual patients in order to prescribe and deliver the appropriate prosthesis or orthosis to each individual.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Bachelor of Clinical Medical Practice, Level 8.

Vertical Articulation:

Master in Health Sciences, Level 9.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

NONE

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

1.	Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)