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

Awareness of foam polymer characteristics

Awareness of problems related to interface pressure measurement

Awareness of the biomechanics of pressure management

Awareness of the clinical management of pressure sores

Awareness of workplace procedures including

appropriate practices to ensure efficient use of resources

codes of practice

health fundspolicies

recordingdocumentation processestechniques

regulatory requirements

relevant OHS standardslegislation

Awareness of the range and characteristics of commercially available support services and how they can be used to meet specified client requirements

Awareness of relative clinical practical and other advantagesdisadvantages of commercially available support surfaces

Awareness of terminology related to pressure management

Awareness of the effect of the clients soft tissue management on their health status

Awareness of the musculoskeletal system

Basic awareness of aetiology of pressure sores

Organisation policies in relation to the scope of the role of the assistive technology technician

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Advise on technical aspects of support surfaces andor support surface materials including cushion covers to meet client requirements

Communicate effectively with clients and others in order to provide clear and precise information about the proper use maintenance and function of the seating system andor its modifications

Evaluate problem solve and address a variety of typical pressure management problems

Identify problems and bring them to the attention of the appropriate person

Maintain accurate records

Maintain use and follow manufactures calibration procedures for interface pressure management tools

Make support surface repairs modifications and adjustments

Measure interface pressure using single and multi sensor systems

Mount the support surface andor components to a mobility device or seating system

Select appropriate materials and techniques for construction of support surfaces

Use design skills in the appropriate selection of materials for seating system manufacture repair andor modification

Use hand tools and machinery to undertake adjustments and modifications as required

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

Apply procedures and processes including reporting requirements

Communicate with work colleagues associates and clients including

teamwork

client confidentiality

interpersonal skills

Manage time and workload

Use literacy skills required to fulfil job role in a safe manner

Use numeracy skills required to fulfil job role

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

Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace

Where for reasons of safety space or access to equipment and resources assessment takes place away from the workplace the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

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 andor Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment should replicate workplace conditions as far as possible

Simulations may be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

Where for reasons of safety access to equipment and resources and space assessment takes place away from the workplace simulations should be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

Resources essential for assessment include

access to appropriate workplace where assessment can take place

access to relevant health professionals

Method of assessment

Observation in the work place

Written assignmentsprojects

Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice

Questioning

Role play simulation

Related units

This unit should be assessed in conjunction with the following related competency unit

HLTARTB Work effectively in the rehabilitation environment

HLTART401B Work effectively in the rehabilitation environment

Support surfacemay include:

Relevant health professionals include:

Equipment prescription or instructionsmay include:

Technical advice may include:

Assessment may include:

Manufacture may include:

Modification processes may include:

Support surfaces may include: