If you haven’t already, download the TAP Rigid removable boot referral form and print a copy.
If you are unable to download the form, don’t worry. The key sections of the form are clearly shown and explained below.
The referral form introduced in this topic provides an example of the most important information to have in a referral.
Question
Is this statement true or false?
It is safe to provide a rigid removable boot without a referral from a doctor.
If you selected false, you are correct.
It is not safe to provide a rigid removable boot without a referral from a doctor.
The doctor will assess whether this is the right product for the person.
If a rigid removable boot is not suitable for the person, it will not help their injury to heal and could make it worse.
Question
How quickly should a rigid removable boot be provided after receiving a referral?
Correct.
A person should be provided with a rigid removable boot immediately to support their injury.
Incorrect.
A person cannot wait a week. Without support and protection their injury may get worse.
Incorrect.
A person cannot wait a month. A month delay could make their injury significantly worse.
Discussion
Do you receive any other referrals at your service where a person should be seen on the same day?
How do you manage this?
Important information
The top of the referral form has important information for the referrer about when a rigid removable boot can and cannot be used.
The referrer uses this information to make sure the rigid removable boot is suitable.
Question
Look at the referral form and read the information for referring doctors.
Which of the following are reasons a person should not be referred for a rigid removable boot?
Correct.
A person should not be referred with an unstable fracture.
The rigid removable boot cannot give enough support to an unstable fracture.
There is also a risk the person could remove the rigid removable boot which will make an unstable fracture worse.
Incorrect.
A person can be referred for a rigid removable boot if they have a stable fracture in their ankle, foot or toe.
Correct.
A person should not be referred if both legs are injured. They will have walking difficulties and should be seen by rehabilitation service. A wheelchair may be needed for their safe mobility.
Incorrect.
A person can be referred for a rigid removable boot with a soft tissue injury.
Correct.
If a person’s injury should be supported in a different position to 90 degrees to heal well, they should be referred to a rehabilitation service so that modifications can be made to a rigid removable boot or an alternative product is provided.
Question
Is this statement true or false?
This referral form is not to be used for someone who has a diabetes related foot wound.
If you selected true, you are correct.
If the person has diabetic foot wounds, they should be referred to an offloading or wound care service.
Information about the referrer, person and their condition
It is important when receiving any referral that the information is complete.
Check that the information about the referrer, the person and their condition – including type and location of their injury or pain is complete.
Instructions for use
The last section on the referral form provides the referrer’s instructions for how the person should use their rigid removable boot while their injury heals.
This information includes:
Weight bearing
This is how much weight the person can put on the leg with the rigid removable boot.
Non weight bearing
The person should not put any weight on the leg with the rigid removable boot.
Semi weight bearing
The person may put some weight on the leg with the rigid removable boot.
Full weight bearing
The person can put full weight through both legs.
Wearing routine
Describes if the person may remove their rigid removable boot at any time, for example to wash themselves or to sleep.
Remember Jess?
Jess was given permission to remove her rigid removable boot when washing herself but not for sleeping.
Length of use
Instructs how long the person needs to wear the rigid removable boot.
Remember Wei?
Wei had a soft tissue injury after playing basketball.
The doctor has asked Wei to wear her rigid removable boot for at least six weeks while her injury heals.
You will learn more about instructions for use in Lesson three.
Review
When the doctor would like to see the person again for review of their injury.
Question
The doctor has completed Mario’s referral form. Look at the form and answer the questions below.
1. Which leg does Mario need the boot for?
If you selected right, you are correct.
On the referral form, the doctor has ticked that the injury is on the right ankle.
2. Weight bearing: How much weight can Mario put through the rigid removable boot?
If you selected c, you are correct.
3. Wearing routine: Can Mario take the boot off at all?
If you selected a, you are correct.
Mario can remove it for washing himself and sleeping.
4. Length of use: There is no review date or length of use on Mario’s form. What will you do?
If you selected a, you are correct.
Contact the person who made the referral to find how long Mario needs to use the rigid removable boot.
b and c are not correct.
Mario may feel comfortable to remove the rigid removable boot but his injury may not be fully healed. Without a rigid removable boot, his injury may get worse.