What is the AIISPQ? Why choosing a member of the AIISPQ to take care of your feet ? What are the different cares that these specialists can administer and how important is taking care of our feet? Learn more in this article.
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About the AIISPQ
The Association of Nurses in Podiatric Care of Quebec (AIISPQ) is a non-profit organization that voluntarily brings together nurses who are members of the Order of nurses of Quebec (OIIQ), and have a background in podiatric care. It currently has more than 580 members.
It facilitates the sharing of knowledge within the community, through training, activities, meetings and documentation.
The professional practice of the AIISPQ members (also members of the OIIQ) is governed by several laws and regulations including the code of ethics of nurses. The OIIQ in its role of coaching the profession ensures that members adhere strictly to the legal framework of their practice.
Why choose a member of the AIISPQ to take care of your feet ?
The podiatry nurse differs from beauticians, pedicurists and foot hygienists because this specialist provides health care from a therapeutic perspective not for aesthetic purpose. It is therefore possible to consult a nurse because of an ingrown toenail, mycosis of the nail, horns and calluses, crevice, fissure and other problems in the course of his profession.
To be a member of the Association, several elements must be mastered. In addition, members must be part of the Order of Nurses of Quebec (OIIQ) and have a minimum of 160 hours of training in podiatric care from a training school recognized by the Association.
Nurses authorized by the AIISPQ must ensure excellence of care and a safe approach. They therefore use scalpel blades and sterile disposable gouge blades. All instruments are disinfected and sterilized using an autoclave sterilizer. They must wear a lab coat, a mask, gloves and goggles at all times.
What to expect during a consultation
A foot care session requires approximately 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the condition of the patient's feet. At the beginning of a consultation, a foot health check (therapeutic nursing plan) will be done in order to verify the client's needs. In addition, the nurse will make recommendations to the patient to reduce any potential risk of injury (evaluation of the patient's shoe), as well as a detection program for people at risk: diabetic, neuropathy and deformity.
Then the specialist will perform nail cleaning, thinning, nail cutting and filing. It is also possible, if necessary, to correct the curvature of the nail, that is to say, to bring the nail to a normal curvature to avoid ingrown nails.
Using a scalpel or a gouge, the specialist can treat the horn and calluses.
Finally, the treatment ends with a foot massage.
Foot care nurses can treat the following problems:
- Durillons and partridge's eye
- Callosities and horns
- Crevice
- Ingrown nails
- Deformed nails
- Wound
- Excessive transpiration problem
- Hallux valgus
How important is taking care of your feet?
Podiatric care is for anyone who wants to take care of their feet, specially seniors and people with diabetes. The feet support the weight of the body every day. They are also the first way to travel from one place to another, hence the importance of taking care of them.
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, three out of four people, including several seniors, develop serious foot problems over time. In fact, as you get older, certain problems, including arthritis, decreased mobility, thinning and weakening of the skin can damage the feet and cause pain. It can be difficult to take care of your feet and this can lead to various problems if foot hygiene is not appropriate. Seniors who have foot pain can significantly reduce their mobility. Regular monitoring with a podiatric nurse can avoid these problems.
People with diabetes are at greater risk of foot problems due to poor blood circulation, which slows the healing of wounds. They may also suffer from lack of sensitivity in the feet, that is to say, the risk of injury increases since the diabetic can hurt himself without realizing it. Thus, regular monitoring with a professional is essential to monitor the condition of the patient's feet. This can help to prevent foot problems, slow down the evolution of a condition and promote favorable conditions for great foot health.
Did you know that many private seniors' residences offer foot care services? Here is a complete list.
The nurse in podiatric care considers that the customer is at the heart of his actions and his professional decisions. The specialist ensures the update of his professional skills in order to offer services that take into account the scientific and technical evolution in the field of podiatry.
For any questions regarding foot care, go to the Association of Nurses in Podiatric Care of Quebec website. You will be able to get the complet list of certified nurses for the pratice of podiatric care.
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