Application
Work is performed at the request of, and in consultation with, medical staff but requires a range of well developed skills where some discretion and judgement is required and individuals take responsibility for the quality of their outputs Cast removal may occur in various locations within the hospital environment eg. operating theatres, emergency department, wards, and outclient departments All activities are carried out in accordance with organisation policies, procedures and infection control guidelines |
Prerequisites
Not Applicable
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Prepare to remove cast | 1.1 Assemble equipment for removing cast and check to ensure that it is clean and in working order 1.2 Receive request for removal of cast and if in doubt confirm with relevant personal 1.3 Assess client's condition and identify precautions or potential complications of cast removal 1.4 Explain procedure to client and obtain client consent/agreement 1.5 Provide opportunities for the client to ask questions and discuss areas of concern 1.6 Meet the comfort and safety needs of the client and applicator |
2. Remove cast | 2.1 Identify the client's specific needs in relation to removal of cast 2.2 Meet the comfort and safety needs of the client and applicator 2.3 Meet the client's needs by removing the cast according to instructions 2.4 Assess the client's condition and identify the need for referral by medical practioners if applicable 2.5 Complete documentation |
3. Undertake post removal procedures | 3.1 Observe that the Neurovascular status of limb is within normal limits 3.2 Check integrity of skin 3.3 Clean client at completion of procedure 3.4 Provide verbal advice to client and carer for the care of the limb, until next appointment with medical specialist, 3.5 Arrange appropriate support for client |
4. Clean working environment | 4.1 Dispose of waste in accordance with waste management policies 4.2 Clean equipment in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and stored safely 4.3 Clean work surfaces in accordance with infection control guidelines |
Required Skills
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: Anatomical positioning relevant to removal of casts Anatomy and physiology relevant to cast application and removal Confidentiality requirements of client information Current standards and best practice relevant to cast application and removal Interpretation of documentation relating to removal of casts Medical terminology relevant to cast application and removal Organisation policy and procedures, including Infection control and WHS Precautions and complications related to cast application and removal |
Essential skills: It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to Comply with policies and procedures including those of WHS and infection control Select appropriate material and use correct techniques for removal of casts Apply current standards and best practice to meet duty of care to client Communicate effectively with client's in relation to the procedure and manage clients' anxiety level Demonstrate all steps that must be taken in the correct and safe usage of equipment Recognise boundaries of responsibilities and refer problems to supervisor or other appropriate health professional 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 current standards and best practice relevant to cast application and removal Communicate with people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds Correctly and safely remove a cast Deal with conflict Solve problems including an ability to use available resources Take into account opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues Use numeracy skills ranging from the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations, recording stock levels and statistical information Use oral communication skills required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation, including skills in: asking questions providing clear information listening to and understanding workplace instructions clarifying workplace instructions when necessary competence in English or a community language, depending on client group and organisation requirements Use effective verbal and non verbal communication skills with a range of internal and external persons Use reading and writing skills required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation to a level of skill required for reading and documenting clinical information understanding policy and procedure manuals Work with others and display empathy with client and carers |
Evidence Required
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 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 Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace |
Context of and specific resources for assessment: | Relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols |
Method of assessment: | Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting (laboratory). If successful, a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision Observation of work activities when removing casts Observation of simulation and/or role play when removing casts Discussion of physical and/or behavioural contingency scenarios involving duty of care Authenticated transcripts of relevant education/training courses Recognition of relevant life/work experience Questioning, written assessments/projects, e-learning can be used to assess knowledge Authenticated reports of experience in removing casts (documentation associated with performance reviews, supervisor/co-ordinator evaluations of work performance) Training records associated with first aid, occupational health and safety training, orientation/induction training, safe manual handing, universal infection control procedures Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice |
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 |
Related units: | Holistic assessment practice with other health services units of competency is encouraged This unit should be assessed in conjunction with: HLTAP401B Confirm physical health status HLTCT401D Apply casts HLTCT402D Modify casts |
Range Statement
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. | |
Types of casts may include: | Fully circumferential Hip spica Slab Split cast |
Equipment may include: | Benders Paster knife Plastic cutting strip Saw with vacuum Scissors Shears Spreaders |
Relevant personnel may include: | Medical staff Other health professionals |
Clients may include: | Adolescents Adults Children Elderly Infants |
Assessment of client's condition may include: | Allergies Interference/changes to padding Non union of fracture Oedematous extremity Presence of K wires/Steinmann pins/external fixatures Relevant medical history Skin condition eg oedema, blisters, pressure areas, broken skin, fragile skin Wound breakdown |
Contraindications may include: | Unstable fracture |
Complications may include: | Breaking skin integrity Burning feeling in skin |
Client's specific needs may include: | Age Functional requirements or restrictions Mobilisation difficulties or restrictions Physical anomalies Religious and cultural beliefs |
Need to refer clients for immediate review by a medical practitioner may include: | Evidence of infection Intense localised pain Neurovascular status outside normal limits Wound breakdown/deterioration |
Documentation may include: | Appliance hire documentation Appointment forms and books Cast check forms Client records Work log books |
Advice given to clients may include: | Limb care Mobilisation exercises/routines Oedema control Weight bearing status until consultation with medical specialist |
Appropriate support may include: | Arrangement of educational material Instructions for seeking advice if required Organisation of walking aids eg crutches, wheelchairs Review client's social situation in relation to their ability to self care |
Sectors
Not Applicable
Employability Skills
This unit contains Employability Skills |
Licensing Information
Not Applicable