Access to high-quality clinical resources is essential for developing your practical skills as a podiatry student.

Clinical guidelines and standards

The Royal College of Podiatry has 14 Standards of Practice which all members need to follow. They are:

• patient confidentiality

• patient consent

• guidelines for the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults

• guidelines on delegation and supervision

• guidelines on patient records

• clinical abbreviations

• single-use instruments within podiatry

• standards for the decontamination of reusable podiatry instruments

• infection control

• waste management

• management of sharps injury and exposure incidents

• domiciliary care

• clinical environment

• immunisation for podiatrists

These standards are based on HCPC regulations and government legislation. You must follow these standards as they relate to your insurance and the requirements of HCPC registration.

We provide members with clinical guidance you should follow in areas including:

• practice guidance for podiatrists when using ultrasound imaging (USI) as part of their scope of practice 

• principles for podiatrists using ultrasound imaging (USI)/point of care ultrasound (POCUS)

• nail surgery guidelines

• national wound care strategy guidance

• guidelines for the assessment, diagnosis and management of peripheral arterial disease 

• guidelines for the management of foot health for people with rheumatoid arthritis

• guidelines for the prevention and management of foot problems for people with diabetes 

• guidelines for the provision of heel casts for the treatment of heel ulcers 

• RCA standards of care for people with MSK foot problems 

• making visual and audio recordings of patients 

• patient's recording podiatrists in healthcare settings

• shared care: concurrent and subsequent treatment 

• conflict of Interest 

• adults with incapacity in Scotland 

• social media guidance 

• Faculty of Podiatric Surgery governance overview

We also have professional guidelines, employment policies and guidance for members on the regulation of medical devices. Read all our members-only guidelines.

Practice-based learning resources

The practice-based learning framework for podiatry students is a valuable resource that outlines:

• the competencies needed for clinical practice

• how to develop skills across different domains

• frameworks for assessment during placements

• approaches to critical reflection on practice

The framework covers 4 domains of practice:

1. Clinical practice.

2. Facilitating learning.

3. Research, development and innovation.

4. Leadership and management.

It is particularly helpful for understanding how your pre-registration training aligns with career progression after you qualify.