Elements and Performance Criteria
- Prepare for hydrotherapy program
- Confirm program requirements against the prescribed information provided by the health professional
- Confer with allied health professional if requirements outlined in the exercise program are not clear, do not take into account client needs and abilities or are beyond scope of role and responsibilities as defined by the organisation
- Determine the clients' availability, according to the organisation's protocols
- Gather necessary equipment for the hydrotherapy program
- Prepare the setting for the hydrotherapy program
- Ensure adequate staff are present to meet organisation's staff : client ratio requirements
- Obtain informed consent from the clients before commencing the hydrotherapy program
- Conduct the hydrotherapy program
- Explain the purpose, rationale and requirements of each part of the hydrotherapy program to the clients
- Assist client(s) in and out of the pool safely and efficiently according to organisation manual handling policy and treatment goals
- Guide the clients to complete the program according to prescribed treatment plan
- Demonstrate components of hydrotherapy to client where necessary
- Provide the clients with sufficient time, opportunity and encouragement to practice existing and newly developed skills
- Observe client movement through water and provide feedback to reinforce understanding and the correct application of the exercise program
- Monitor the clients during and after the program according to the prescribed treatment plan
- Identify and manage client compliance issues.
- Identify the need for adjustment to the hydrotherapy program and report to the treating physiotherapist in a timely manner
- Take appropriate and prompt action in response to any indicators of adverse reaction to the hydrotherapy according to relevant protocols and guidelines
- Respond to an aquatic emergency
- Support the person(s) in difficulty as quickly as possible
- Remove other clients, staff and other individuals from danger
- Assess the factors involving a water rescue and the type of rescue required and equipment needs determined
- Identify hazards and take appropriate action to prevent further injury/harm to the casualty
- Perform water rescue
- Observe and describe the condition of the casualty
- Assess vital signs and symptoms of shock according to accepted first aid procedures
- Identify and explain ant first aid or treatment appropriate to the casualty's condition and provide in line with approved first aid techniques and standards
- Where necessary contact emergency services as soon as possible
- Record and report the incident according to, legislative, regulatory and organisation requirements
- Notify appropriate personnel and statutory authorities of the incident
- Assist client after hydrotherapy session
- Clean and store equipment
- Report and document information
- Report suggested adjustments to hydrotherapy program, together with rationale, to the responsible allied health professional
- Provide client progress feedback to the treating allied health professional
- Report client difficulties and concerns to the treating allied health professional
- Implement variations to the hydrotherapy program according to the advice of the treating allied health professional
- Document information about the hydrotherapy program according to the organisation's protocols
- Use appropriate terminology to document symptomatic expression of identified problems related to the therapeutic program
- Comply with supervisory requirements
- Assist with exercise program according to the instruction of treating allied health professional
- Provide client progress feedback to the treating allied health professional
- Report client difficulties and concerns to the treating allied health professional
- Implement variations to the exercise program according to the advice of the treating allied health professional