Orthotics & Biomechanical Assessment Policy

What's inside

This policy is fully drafted and structured, ready to brand and complete for your service. It covers:

• 1. Purpose
• 2. Scope
• 3. Policy statement
• 4. Definitions
• 5. The biomechanical assessment
• 6. Prescribing and ordering
• 7. Consent, cost and expectations
• 8. The at-risk foot
• 9. Issue, fitting and review
• 10. Complaints, remakes and refunds
• 11. Roles and responsibilities
• 12. Training and competence
• 13. Records, monitoring and audit
• 14. Version control and review
• 15. Common failure modes
• 16. Appendix A - Biomechanical assessment record
• 17. Appendix B - Device issue and review log
• 18. Related documents
• 19. Disclaimer

CQC fundamental standard

Legislation & standards it maps to

• Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 - in particular Regulation 9 (Person-centred care), Regulation 11 (Need for consent), Regulation 12 (Safe care and treatment) and Regulation 17 (Good governance)
• Consumer Rights Act 2015 - goods supplied to be of satisfactory quality and fit for purpose, and services carried out with reasonable care and skill
• Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 - claims made about outcomes
• Medical Devices Regulations 2002 (SI 2002/618, as amended) - custom-made devices
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guideline NG19, Diabetic foot problems: prevention and management

Who it applies to

All podiatrists carrying out biomechanical assessment or supplying orthoses, reception staff quoting for them, and the clinical lead of [Organisation Name]

Glossary

Plain-English explanations of the technical terms and legislation used in this document.

Accommodative orthosis

An insole designed to cushion and spread pressure rather than change how the foot moves.

Biomechanical assessment

A structured examination of how the legs and feet are built and how they move.

Break-in period

The first few weeks of gradually longer wear while the foot gets used to a new device.

Casting

Taking an impression of the foot, in plaster or foam, so a device can be made to fit it.

Custom-made device

An insole or brace made specifically for one named patient to a written specification.

Functional orthosis

An insole designed to change how the foot moves during walking.

Gait

The way a person walks.

Insensate

Without feeling. An insensate foot will not report pain if a device is damaging it.

Orthosis / orthoses

An insole or similar device worn in the shoe to support or redistribute load.

Posting

A wedge built into a device to tilt the foot in a particular direction.

Prefabricated device

An off-the-shelf insole, which may then be modified.

Remake

Making a replacement device when the first one was not satisfactory.

Shell

The main rigid or semi-rigid body of a custom insole.

How it works

1. Buy securely with Stripe - instant, no VAT, no account needed.
2. Download your editable Word file from the link we email you straight away.
3. Complete the placeholders for your service, then have it approved before use.
4. Add the optional updates subscription and we keep it current as guidance changes.