Assessor Resource

HLTAHA016
Support the fitting of assistive equipment

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work with clients, their carers and other members of a multi-disciplinary team where appropriate, to assist with fitting assistive equipment to meet individual client needs.

This unit applies to allied health assistants and should be performed under the direction and supervision (direct, indirect or remote) of an allied health professional.

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian / New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



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.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements define the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Prepare for fitting of assistive equipment

1.1 Confirm assistive equipment details and fitting requirements against the prescribed information provided by the allied health professional

1.2 Confirm with allied health professional specific client needs and abilities

1.3 Confer with allied health professional if fitting requirements are outside scope of role and responsibilities as defined by the organisation

1.4 Determine the clients’ availability, according to the organisation’s protocols

1.5 Gather assistive equipment and any equipment required for fitting

1.6 Prepare the setting for the fitting and instruction for use

1.7 Obtain consent from the clients before commencing the fitting

2. Fit assistive equipment

2.1 Provide client with the assistive equipment

2.2 Confirm the suitability of fit, size and that operation of equipment meets expected performance parameters and prescription and conforms to the manufacturer’s guidelines

2.3 Confirm the assistive equipment is in safe working order within the user environment

2.4 Obtain relevant measurements and data where adjustments are required

2.5 Restrict equipment functions for initial or trial periods to enable familiarity and ensure safety

2.6 Document and report the process and outcomes of fitting ensuring that arrangements for further action are implemented

2.7 Document maintenance periods and requirements for the assistive equipment

2.8 Identify any faults and complete necessary documentation

2.9 Confirm that client (and carer) have relevant documentation and understand any further action that needs to be taken

3. Support client to use assistive equipment

3.1 Explain and reinforce information about the use of the assistive equipment, in a manner, and at the level and pace, appropriate for the client

3.2 Confirm client understanding and answer any questions

3.3 Confirm that the assistive equipment is clean and in good working order for the client’s requirements before use

3.4 Label, remove from use and report defective assistive equipment to the appropriate person, and ensure an alternative is supplied as promptly as possible

3.5 Remove and minimise potential hazards in the immediate environment

3.6 Educate client and carers in the safe use, transportation and maintenance of the assistive equipment within the context of the users’ indoor and outdoor environments

3.7 Offer appropriate constructive feedback, encouragement and reinforcement

3.8 Provide safe physical support to enable the client to use the assistive equipment

3.9 Identify incorrect use and give verbal feedback and physical guidance

3.10 Monitor the effectiveness of the assistive equipment and report any problems to the appropriate person with minimum delay

3.11 Report any adverse effect, and major progress to the appropriate member of the care team

3.12 Recognise when client becomes distressed, in pain or communicates their desire to slow down, change activity or stop and follow stepping down procedures outlined in treatment plan or organisational guidelines

3.13 Agree relevant trial period and review periods to co-ordinate with client treatment plan

4. Complete basic assistive equipment construction and modification

4.1 Obtain equipment construction or modification specifications from allied health professional

4.2 Confirm requirements with allied health professional

4.3 Procure materials required for basic equipment construction and modifications

4.4 Complete construction and modifications according to specifications

4.5 Seek support from allied health professional if difficulty arises meeting the specifications

4.6 Check completed construction and modifications with allied health professional

4.7 Complete and file any required documentation, according to organisation protocols

5. Comply with supervisory requirements

5.1 Seek assistance when client presents with needs or signs outside limits of own authority, skills and/or knowledge

5.2 Report client difficulties to the supervising allied health professional for advice before continuing the program

5.3 Participate in supervision processes with the treating allied health professional in accordance with organisational protocol

6. Clean and store assistive equipment after use

6.1 Clean assistive equipment according to manufacturer’s recommendations, infection control requirements and organisation protocols

6.2 Store assistive equipment according to manufacturer’s recommendations and the organisation’s protocols

6.3 Report faults to the appropriate person and complete necessary documentation

7. Report and document information

7.1 Report suggested adjustments to assistive equipment, together with rationale, to the supervising allied health professional

7.2 Provide client progress feedback to the supervising allied health professional

7.3 Report client difficulties and concerns to the treating allied health professional

7.4 Implement variations to the assistive equipment according to the advice of the treating allied health professional

7.5 Document information about the client use of the assistive equipment according to the organisation’s protocols

The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:

fitted, tested and adjusted assistive equipment to 3 clients with different conditions and equipment requirements, 1 in a simulated environment and 2 in the workplace

educated 3 clients, 1 in a simulated environment and 2 in the workplace, in the use of a range of assistive equipment

performed the activities outlined in the performance criteria of this unit during a period of at least 120 hours of work

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:

how to evaluate the user environment and the importance and methods of making the environment safe for use of the assistive equipment

principles associated with fitting and using specific equipment, or where to access information relating to the range of assistive equipment, associated systems and purpose

how to fit, test and adjust assistive equipment to meet individual needs, including the range of measurements required to prepare a specification for modification or adjustment to the original prescription

the principles of movement, mobility, posture management and special seating, including an understanding of balance and gait

the range, associated systems and purpose of assistive equipment

the psychological effects of disability due to injury or disease and strategies used to cope with this

the signs of adverse reaction to different programs and treatment

factors that facilitate an effective and collaborative working relationship

organisation policy and procedures in relation to:

infection control as it relates to the allied health assistant’s role in assisting with fitting assistive equipment

other specific organisation policies or procedures, including supervisory and reporting protocols

legal and ethical considerations relevant to allied health:

duty of care

informed consent

privacy, confidentiality and disclosure

work role boundaries – responsibilities and limitations including other allied health team members and nursing, medical and other personnel

work health and safety (WHS):

manual handling including identification and control of manual task risk factors

All aspects of the performance evidence must have been demonstrated using simulation prior to being demonstrated in a therapeutic workplace under direction and supervision (direct, indirect, remote) as determined by the allied health professional qualified to fit specific equipment (physiotherapist, audiologist, occupational therapist).

The following conditions must be met for this unit:

use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including individualised plans and a range of assistive equipment

modelling of industry operating conditions and contingencies, including provision of services to real people

Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.


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.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements define the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Prepare for fitting of assistive equipment

1.1 Confirm assistive equipment details and fitting requirements against the prescribed information provided by the allied health professional

1.2 Confirm with allied health professional specific client needs and abilities

1.3 Confer with allied health professional if fitting requirements are outside scope of role and responsibilities as defined by the organisation

1.4 Determine the clients’ availability, according to the organisation’s protocols

1.5 Gather assistive equipment and any equipment required for fitting

1.6 Prepare the setting for the fitting and instruction for use

1.7 Obtain consent from the clients before commencing the fitting

2. Fit assistive equipment

2.1 Provide client with the assistive equipment

2.2 Confirm the suitability of fit, size and that operation of equipment meets expected performance parameters and prescription and conforms to the manufacturer’s guidelines

2.3 Confirm the assistive equipment is in safe working order within the user environment

2.4 Obtain relevant measurements and data where adjustments are required

2.5 Restrict equipment functions for initial or trial periods to enable familiarity and ensure safety

2.6 Document and report the process and outcomes of fitting ensuring that arrangements for further action are implemented

2.7 Document maintenance periods and requirements for the assistive equipment

2.8 Identify any faults and complete necessary documentation

2.9 Confirm that client (and carer) have relevant documentation and understand any further action that needs to be taken

3. Support client to use assistive equipment

3.1 Explain and reinforce information about the use of the assistive equipment, in a manner, and at the level and pace, appropriate for the client

3.2 Confirm client understanding and answer any questions

3.3 Confirm that the assistive equipment is clean and in good working order for the client’s requirements before use

3.4 Label, remove from use and report defective assistive equipment to the appropriate person, and ensure an alternative is supplied as promptly as possible

3.5 Remove and minimise potential hazards in the immediate environment

3.6 Educate client and carers in the safe use, transportation and maintenance of the assistive equipment within the context of the users’ indoor and outdoor environments

3.7 Offer appropriate constructive feedback, encouragement and reinforcement

3.8 Provide safe physical support to enable the client to use the assistive equipment

3.9 Identify incorrect use and give verbal feedback and physical guidance

3.10 Monitor the effectiveness of the assistive equipment and report any problems to the appropriate person with minimum delay

3.11 Report any adverse effect, and major progress to the appropriate member of the care team

3.12 Recognise when client becomes distressed, in pain or communicates their desire to slow down, change activity or stop and follow stepping down procedures outlined in treatment plan or organisational guidelines

3.13 Agree relevant trial period and review periods to co-ordinate with client treatment plan

4. Complete basic assistive equipment construction and modification

4.1 Obtain equipment construction or modification specifications from allied health professional

4.2 Confirm requirements with allied health professional

4.3 Procure materials required for basic equipment construction and modifications

4.4 Complete construction and modifications according to specifications

4.5 Seek support from allied health professional if difficulty arises meeting the specifications

4.6 Check completed construction and modifications with allied health professional

4.7 Complete and file any required documentation, according to organisation protocols

5. Comply with supervisory requirements

5.1 Seek assistance when client presents with needs or signs outside limits of own authority, skills and/or knowledge

5.2 Report client difficulties to the supervising allied health professional for advice before continuing the program

5.3 Participate in supervision processes with the treating allied health professional in accordance with organisational protocol

6. Clean and store assistive equipment after use

6.1 Clean assistive equipment according to manufacturer’s recommendations, infection control requirements and organisation protocols

6.2 Store assistive equipment according to manufacturer’s recommendations and the organisation’s protocols

6.3 Report faults to the appropriate person and complete necessary documentation

7. Report and document information

7.1 Report suggested adjustments to assistive equipment, together with rationale, to the supervising allied health professional

7.2 Provide client progress feedback to the supervising allied health professional

7.3 Report client difficulties and concerns to the treating allied health professional

7.4 Implement variations to the assistive equipment according to the advice of the treating allied health professional

7.5 Document information about the client use of the assistive equipment according to the organisation’s protocols

The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:

fitted, tested and adjusted assistive equipment to 3 clients with different conditions and equipment requirements, 1 in a simulated environment and 2 in the workplace

educated 3 clients, 1 in a simulated environment and 2 in the workplace, in the use of a range of assistive equipment

performed the activities outlined in the performance criteria of this unit during a period of at least 120 hours of work

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:

how to evaluate the user environment and the importance and methods of making the environment safe for use of the assistive equipment

principles associated with fitting and using specific equipment, or where to access information relating to the range of assistive equipment, associated systems and purpose

how to fit, test and adjust assistive equipment to meet individual needs, including the range of measurements required to prepare a specification for modification or adjustment to the original prescription

the principles of movement, mobility, posture management and special seating, including an understanding of balance and gait

the range, associated systems and purpose of assistive equipment

the psychological effects of disability due to injury or disease and strategies used to cope with this

the signs of adverse reaction to different programs and treatment

factors that facilitate an effective and collaborative working relationship

organisation policy and procedures in relation to:

infection control as it relates to the allied health assistant’s role in assisting with fitting assistive equipment

other specific organisation policies or procedures, including supervisory and reporting protocols

legal and ethical considerations relevant to allied health:

duty of care

informed consent

privacy, confidentiality and disclosure

work role boundaries – responsibilities and limitations including other allied health team members and nursing, medical and other personnel

work health and safety (WHS):

manual handling including identification and control of manual task risk factors

All aspects of the performance evidence must have been demonstrated using simulation prior to being demonstrated in a therapeutic workplace under direction and supervision (direct, indirect, remote) as determined by the allied health professional qualified to fit specific equipment (physiotherapist, audiologist, occupational therapist).

The following conditions must be met for this unit:

use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including individualised plans and a range of assistive equipment

modelling of industry operating conditions and contingencies, including provision of services to real people

Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.

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
 
Confirm assistive equipment details and fitting requirements against the prescribed information provided by the allied health professional 
Confirm with allied health professional specific client needs and abilities 
Confer with allied health professional if fitting requirements are outside scope of role and responsibilities as defined by the organisation 
Determine the clients’ availability, according to the organisation’s protocols 
Gather assistive equipment and any equipment required for fitting 
Prepare the setting for the fitting and instruction for use 
Obtain consent from the clients before commencing the fitting 
Provide client with the assistive equipment 
Confirm the suitability of fit, size and that operation of equipment meets expected performance parameters and prescription and conforms to the manufacturer’s guidelines 
Confirm the assistive equipment is in safe working order within the user environment 
Obtain relevant measurements and data where adjustments are required 
Restrict equipment functions for initial or trial periods to enable familiarity and ensure safety 
Document and report the process and outcomes of fitting ensuring that arrangements for further action are implemented 
Document maintenance periods and requirements for the assistive equipment 
Identify any faults and complete necessary documentation 
Confirm that client (and carer) have relevant documentation and understand any further action that needs to be taken 
Explain and reinforce information about the use of the assistive equipment, in a manner, and at the level and pace, appropriate for the client 
Confirm client understanding and answer any questions 
Confirm that the assistive equipment is clean and in good working order for the client’s requirements before use 
Label, remove from use and report defective assistive equipment to the appropriate person, and ensure an alternative is supplied as promptly as possible 
Remove and minimise potential hazards in the immediate environment 
Educate client and carers in the safe use, transportation and maintenance of the assistive equipment within the context of the users’ indoor and outdoor environments 
Offer appropriate constructive feedback, encouragement and reinforcement 
Provide safe physical support to enable the client to use the assistive equipment 
Identify incorrect use and give verbal feedback and physical guidance 
Monitor the effectiveness of the assistive equipment and report any problems to the appropriate person with minimum delay 
Report any adverse effect, and major progress to the appropriate member of the care team 
Recognise when client becomes distressed, in pain or communicates their desire to slow down, change activity or stop and follow stepping down procedures outlined in treatment plan or organisational guidelines 
Agree relevant trial period and review periods to co-ordinate with client treatment plan 
Obtain equipment construction or modification specifications from allied health professional 
Confirm requirements with allied health professional 
Procure materials required for basic equipment construction and modifications 
Complete construction and modifications according to specifications 
Seek support from allied health professional if difficulty arises meeting the specifications 
Check completed construction and modifications with allied health professional 
Complete and file any required documentation, according to organisation protocols 
Seek assistance when client presents with needs or signs outside limits of own authority, skills and/or knowledge 
Report client difficulties to the supervising allied health professional for advice before continuing the program 
Participate in supervision processes with the treating allied health professional in accordance with organisational protocol 
Clean assistive equipment according to manufacturer’s recommendations, infection control requirements and organisation protocols 
Store assistive equipment according to manufacturer’s recommendations and the organisation’s protocols 
Report faults to the appropriate person and complete necessary documentation 
Report suggested adjustments to assistive equipment, together with rationale, to the supervising allied health professional 
Provide client progress feedback to the supervising allied health professional 
Report client difficulties and concerns to the treating allied health professional 
Implement variations to the assistive equipment according to the advice of the treating allied health professional 
Document information about the client use of the assistive equipment according to the organisation’s protocols 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

HLTAHA016 - Support the fitting of assistive equipment
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

HLTAHA016 - Support the fitting of assistive equipment

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

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: