The application of knowledge and skills described in this competency unit may relate to functions such as assisting in podiatry surgery and/or the preparation/modification/repair of orthotic devices and footwear
These functions are to be performed in accordance with the directions of a podiatrist or podiatric surgeon
Work performed requires a range of well developed skills where some discretion and judgment is required and individuals will take responsibility for their own outputs
Allied Health Assistants operate within the scope of their defined roles and responsibilities and under supervision of an Allied Health Professional
For training and assessment pathways, experience in workplace application of the skills and knowledge identified in this competency unit should be provided as required to support allied health professions
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to assist with procedures performed by the podiatrist
Procedures may include surgical procedures of the skin and nails; preparation, modification and repair of orthotic devices and footwear
You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)
Prerequisites
Pre-requisite units
This unit must be assessed after successful achievement of pre-requisite units:
HLTAP301B Recognise healthy body systems in a health care context
HLTCSD305C Assist with client movement
HLTAH301B Assist with an allied health program
HLTIN302B Process reusable instruments and equipment in health work
Employability Skills
This unit contains Employability Skills
Evidence Required
List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
Evidence of understanding and application of infection control and OH&S standards and protocols is essential
Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated for a minimum of seven different procedures (including surgical assistance, basic assessment and orthotic/footwear preparation and modification)
Consistent adherence to supervisory requirements
Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
Context of and specific resources for assessment:
Assessment must be completed in the workplace
Relevant guidelines, standards and procedures
Supervision from a podiatrist
Resources essential for assessment include:
Clients
Equipment
Documentation
Method of assessment
Observation in the work place
Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge, along with structured objective clinical assessment and self reflective tasks such as journaling
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice.
Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a supported and controlled clinical setting. If successful, a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision.
Submission Requirements
List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here
Assessment task 1: [title] Due date:
(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)
Assessment Tasks
Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.
Essential knowledge:
The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role
This includes knowledge of:
Podiatry procedures, including orthotic manufacture/modification; assessment; and podiatric surgery
Conditions treated by a podiatrist
Basic anatomy and physiology of the skin and nails
Structure and function of the skin and integuments
Common pathological conditions of the skin and nails
Disease processes relevant to the client group/s
Identification and purpose of podiatry surgical instruments
First aid, emergency and evacuation protocols of the site
Basic biomechanics of the lower limb
Principles and guidelines of orthotic devices
Principles of footwear selection and fitting
Relevant organisation policies and procedures
Client care plans, goals and limitations of podiatry intervention
Medical terminology
Roles, responsibilities and limitations of self and other allied health team members and nursing, medical and other personnel
OHS policy and procedures
Privacy and confidentiality requirements
Infection control protocols
Supervisory and reporting protocols
Record keeping requirements
Essential skills:
It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:
Undertake activity analysis - breaking activities down into component parts
Identify variations in podiatry conditions
Establish and maintain sterile field
Use hygiene practices such as (surgical) handwashing
Modify orthotic devices
Modify shoes
Construct and maintain the environment for safe modification of orthotic devices and footwear
Communicate effectively with clients
Provide legible, logical and appropriate documentation
In addition, the candidate must be able to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role
This includes the ability to:
Use observation and reporting skills
Work under supervision
Communicate effectively with supervisors and co-workers
Work effectively with non-compliant clients
Operate within OHS and infection control requirements
Use personal protective equipment
Work safely and effectively with electrical equipment and machinery
Work safely with potentially hazardous materials
Safely and appropriately dispose of hazardous materials
Provide a safe and effective response in first aid, emergency and evacuation conditions
Apply time management and personal organisation skills and establish priorities
Maintain accurate records
Safely and appropriately use materials including animal derived leathers, synthetics, solvents and adhesives
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Supervision refers to:
Instructing, advising, and monitoring another person in order to ensure safe and effective performance in carrying out the duties of their position
The nature of supervision is flexible and may be conducted by various means including:
in person
through use of electronic communications media such as telephone or video conferencing, where necessary
Frequency of supervision will be determined by factors such as:
the task maturity of the person in that position or clinical placement
the need to review and assess client conditions and progress in order to establish or alter treatment plans in case of students and assistants
the need to correct and develop non clinical aspects such as time management, organisation requirements, communication skills, and other factors supporting the provision of clinical care and working within a team
A person under supervision does not require direct (immediate) and continuous personal interaction, but the method and frequency will be determined by factors outlined above
Clients may include:
Infants
Children
Adolescents
Adults
Elderly people
Settings may include
Hospitals
Community health services
Private practice
Client homes
Aged care residential care settings
Surgical podiatry procedures may include
Debridement of onychocryptosis under local anaesthesia
Partial or total nail avulsion with phenolisation
Curettage
Conservative sharp debridement of wounds
Equipment may include:
Personal protective equipment such as eyewear, gloves, masks, surgical gowns, footwear protection, surgical headwear
Surgical drapes and those materials used to comply with infection control guidelines and protocols
Syringes and needles (disposable and reusable syringes, suture material and needles
Electrical devices for curettage and haemostasis
Casting /orthoses/footwear equipment including:
bench grinder
solvent and adhesive materials
synthetic and natural orthotic and footwear materials
plaster/ plaster bandage
cleaning and disinfecting equipment
brannock device
Clinical standards, guidelines, policies and procedures may include:
Clinical standards (state and national)
Infection Control Guidelines for Podiatrists, Australasian Podiatry Council, September 2005
Clinical Guidelines for Orthotic Therapy Provided by Podiatrists
Relevant Australian Standards
Australian New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 4815 - 2001 (Office-based health care facilities not involved in complex patient procedures and processes - Cleaning, disinfecting and sterilising reusable medical and surgical instruments and equipment, and maintenance of the associated environment)
Australian Standard AS 4187 - 1998 (Cleaning, disinfecting and sterilising reusable medical and surgical instruments and equipment and maintenance of associated environments in a health care facilities)
Australian Standard AS 2182 - 1998 (Sterilisers - steam-bench top)
Industry professional bodies:
Australasian Podiatry Council
Australian Podiatry Association (State)
Industry standards (state and national)
Podiatrists Registration Board (State)
Organisation policy directives
Privacy Act
Medical Records Act
Information may include:
Podiatry care plan
Client treatment plan
Supervising podiatrists instructions
Client record
Checklists
Case notes
Other forms according to procedures of the organisation
Material Safety Data Sheets
Manufacturers' instructions and guidelines
Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.
Observation Checklist
Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice
Yes
No
Comments/feedback
Obtain information from the podiatrist and the client's record (including the Podiatry Care Plan) relevant to the procedure to be undertaken
Determine client availability according to organisation protocols
Conform to all infection control guidelines and requirements specified by the National Infection Control Guidelines for Podiatrists and the protocols of the organisation
Ensure the environment in which the procedure is to be performed conforms to OH&S standards and protocols
Gather necessary equipment, instruments and materials
Prepare the environment for surgery, including cleansing and disinfecting of surfaces, equipment and materials
Ensure all instruments, dressings and related materials have undergone sterilisation according to the guidelines and protocols stated above
Ensure work flow and set up for work flow by additional persons in the environment comply with the guidelines and protocols
Determine procedural requirements from the client's record and the treating podiatrist
Provide the physical environment required to meet procedural requirements in a manner that is safe for the client as directed by the podiatrist
Follow the directions of the podiatrist to provide assistance during the procedure
Follow all infection control and OH&S protocols to ensure the procedure conforms to organisation, state, national and legislated requirements
As required, assist with care and supervision of the patient during procedure
Follow directions for instrument handling, equipment handling material handling and any additional assistance required from the podiatrist
Safely and correctly use equipment and instrumentation to collect assessment information
Follow organisation guidelines and protocols for the safe and appropriate handling and disposal of hazardous and sharps materials
Provide documentation assistance and support as directed by the podiatrist
Determine requirements from the client's record and treating podiatrist
Seek assistance and clarification as required
Gather equipment and materials required for templating and foot measurement
Provide the physical environment required to meet procedural requirements in a manner that is safe for the client and operator
Assist with templating and foot measurement according to podiatrist's instruction
Work with podiatrist and client, within organisation guidelines, to determine appropriate follow up and further appointments
Determine procedural requirements from the client's record and the treating podiatrist
Seek assistance or clarification to procedural directions as required
Provide the physical environment required to meet procedural requirements in a manner that is safe
Assist with modifications according to the care plan and prescriptions from supervising podiatrist
Present modified orthoses or footwear to podiatrist for assessment
Interpret and respond to instructions from podiatrist regarding further procedural or modification requirements
Provide instructions and assistance to client as directed by the podiatrist
Work with podiatrist and client, within organisation guidelines, to determine appropriate follow up and further appointments
Use machinery and equipment for modifications in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines, OHS requirements and organisation protocols
Under the guidance of podiatrist use appropriate devices and procedures to measure for fit
Confirm measurements with supervising podiatrist
Under the guidance of supervising podiatrist support and educate client in the selection of footwear and fit
Seek assistance or clarification to procedural directions as required
Work with podiatrist and client, within organisation guidelines, to determine appropriate follow up and further appointments
Clean equipment according to manufacturers and organisation requirements
Prepare equipment and instruments for sterilisation according to organisation protocols
Store equipment according to manufacturers requirements and organisation protocols
Report equipment faults to appropriate person
Ensure consultation environment is maintained according to guidelines and organisation protocols
Use accepted protocols to document information in line with organisation requirements
Use appropriate terminology to document client information
Provide podiatry assistance according to the instruction of treating podiatrist
Provide client progress feedback to the treating podiatrist
Seek assistance when client presents with needs or signs outside limits of own authority or competence
Report client difficulties and concerns to the treating podiatrist
Implement variations to the podiatry care according to the advice of the treating podiatrist
Forms
Assessment Cover Sheet
HLTAH405B - Assist with podiatric procedures
Assessment task 1: [title]
Student name:
Student ID:
I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.
Student signature:
Result: Competent Not yet competent
Feedback to student
Assessor name:
Signature:
Date:
Assessment Record Sheet
HLTAH405B - Assist with podiatric procedures
Student name:
Student ID:
Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent
(add lines for each task)
Feedback to student:
Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent