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

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

Access to an appropriate workplace or simulated work environment where assessment can take place

Relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols

Materials and equipment normally found in the workplace to enable the design and fabrication of a prosthesis

Method of assessment may include:

Observation of work activities

Observation of simulation

Written tasks

Relevant formal and informal education/training courses

Case studies and scenarios

Interviews/questioning

Role plays

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:

This unit can be assessed independently

However holistic assessment practice with other health technician units of competency is encouraged

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:

Application of body and externally powered control systems

Basic applied anthropometrics, anatomy and physiology relevant to the fabrication of spinal, upper and lower extremity prosthetics

Biomechanical requirements for prostheses design, fabrication and client use

Impact of prostheses on skin

Organisation policy and procedure concerning the scope of the role of the prosthetic orthotic technician

Prostheses construction standards and terminology

Prosthetic components, materials and fabrication techniques

Recreational or sports prostheses

Relevant occupational health and safety standards/legislation, regulatory requirements, health fund reimbursement policies and industry codes of practice

Role and function of other practitioners in the field, and in major related fields

Safety and environmental aspects of relevant organisation activities

Variations in amputation levels and styles and their relative advantages, disadvantages and common pathologies

Workplace procedures; recording/documentation processes/techniques

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability 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 literacy in English or a community language depending on the language used in pamphlets or workplace manuals

Apply procedures and processes including reporting requirements

Assemble and align modular components for prostheses

Collect and analyse instructions and client information correctly

Communicate and work effectively with work colleagues, associates and clients encompassing teamwork, client confidentiality, and appropriate communication and interpersonal skills.

Communicate effectively:

with clients and health professionals

to obtain clear and precise information

Communicate with people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds

Conduct fittings in accordance with organisation policy

Correctly and safely use hand tools and machinery to fabricate prosthesis

Fabricate at least a foot, ankle, below knee prostheses, above knee prostheses and a shoulder, arm, partial hand and wrist prostheses to meet clients' requirements

Fabricate liners and sockets

Fill a negative plaster cast

Interpret anatomical measurements and general prosthetic technical information from information sheets and technical drawings to determine clinician and client requirements

Maintain accurate job records

Operate hand tools and machinery safely

Perform limb tracings for cosmetic finishing

Read and interpret technical drawings, anatomical measurements, limb tracings and specifications

Recognise, report and manage errors and risk within work role

Select appropriate materials and techniques for the fabrication of an upper and lower extremity prosthesis

Take into account opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues, including appropriate practices to ensure efficient use of resources

Undertake prosthetic modifications and repairs

Use numeracy skills ranging from the ability to complete arithmetic calculations, to measuring and fabricating prosthesis

continued ...

Essential skills (contd):

Use problem solving skills in the development of prostheses to meet a range of client needs

Use oral communication skills as 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

effective verbal and non-verbal communication with a range of internal and external persons

literacy in English or a community language, depending on client group and organisation requirements

Use reading and writing skills as required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation at a level of skill that includes reading and interpreting technical specifications, OH&S and organisation policy and procedure manuals, and documenting client information

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.

Upper and lower extremity prostheses may include:

Upper extremity prostheses (hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder)

Lower extremity (foot, ankle, knee, hip joints, pelvic band)

Harness systems: one that unlocks the elbow unit as well as operates the hand unit, one that is used for suspension, joints laminated into sockets

Body powered and externally powered control systems

Suspension systems

Modular systems

Occupational and recreational prostheses

Non-standard components

Shoe/toe filler

"Shoe horn" prosthesis

Part inner sole

Toe break

Custom partial hand

Functional attachments

Socket types

Wrist disarticulation

Prescriptions or instructions may include:

Referral from clinician i.e. type of prothesis required

Client clinical history

Client specifications and assessments

Work specifications and patterns

Design/construction drawings/sketches

Appropriate health professionals may include:

Prosthetist Orthotist

Specialist or General Medical Practitioner

Physiotherapist

Other Allied Health Professionals

Design may include:

Types of material: plastic, resin, silicon liner, pelite liner, thermoplastic foam, high temperature thermoplastic, cork, metal, soft collars, textiles(leather, cotton, synthetic), copper, steels, titanium, aluminium, graphite, polypropylene, plastics, polymeric materials, composites, etc.

Component selection i.e.: knee, foot, ankle, pylon, hip joints, pelvic band, hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder, partial feet, cosmetic covers, valves, modular systems, fabrication hardware, straps, control systems, external and body powered units, sockets, socket attachments, etc.

Type of Suspension: silicon liner, straps, PTB cuff, PTS, suction, hip joint (mechanical), shoulder belt

Selection of appropriate materials: Polymers, leather, appropriate textiles, plastic sheeting, appropriate padding, cosmetic stocking, fastening or closing devices, thermoplastic, thermo set, silicon, modified acrylic resin

Assessment of materials for proposed use, durability, function, manufacturing processes, adjustability, maintenance, safe handling procedures

Indications for use of specific materials

Organisation policy and procedures may relate to:

Role and supervision of the Prosthetic Orthotic Technician in relation to client contact, design and fitting of prostheses

Safe use of equipment

Client records

Job records

Occupational health and safety

Client confidentiality and privacy

Quality assurance

Effective communication may include:

Language may be English, sign language or community language depending on client group

Listening, asking open questions, providing encouragement, displaying empathy

Equipment may include:

General hand and portable power tools

Machinery - router, flat bed sewing machine, patcher, infra red heat lamps, pneumatic tools, vacuum pump, oven, lathe, drilling machine, milling machine, cut-off machines, grinders, etc

Vacuum formers

Pressure formers

Welding equipment

Soldering equipment

Marking out tools

Measuring tools and equipment

Techniques may include:

Incorporating sock adaptors

Different lay ups of fibreglass

Using correct resin

Manufacturing liners