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:

Assessment should replicate workplace conditions as far as possible

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 orthoses

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:

Anthropometrics and basic anatomy and physiology in relation to the full range of orthotics

Basic cardio vascular systems in relation to orthotics

Biomechanical requirements for orthoses design, fabrication and client use

Common pathologies and biomechanical deficits affecting the spine, upper and lower limbs requiring orthotic intervention

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

Orthotic components, materials and fabrication techniques

Other practitioners in the field and in major related fields, including their roles, capabilities and limitations

Relevant work health and safety (WHS) standards/legislation, regulatory requirements, health fund reimbursement policies and codes of practice.

Safety and environmental aspects of relevant organisation activities

Skin integrity and impact of pressure on skin

Use of and physical allowance directed to management of the limbs including stockings, bandages and orthotic devices.

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 procedures and processes including reporting requirements

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

Communicate effectively with the client to obtain clear and precise information

Communicate with people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds

Conduct fittings in accordance with organisation policy

Fabricate at least each of the following orthoses: foot (inner sole), ankle/foot, knee/ankle/foot, spinal, and arm/elbow to meet client requirements

Interpret general orthotic technical information from information sheets and technical drawings to determine clinician and client requirements

Maintain accurate job records

Operate appropriate hand tools and machinery safely

Prepare and use casts/moulds for orthotic fabrication

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

Recognise, report and manage errors and risk within work role

Select appropriate materials and techniques for the fabrication of spinal, upper and lower extremity orthoses

Select appropriate materials for the construction of a range of orthoses

Take anatomical measurements

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

Undertake modifications and repairs

Use correctly and safely hand tools and machinery to fabricate orthoses

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, WHS and organisation policy and procedure manuals

documenting client information

literacy in English or a community language depending on the language used in pamphlets or workplace manuals

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Essential skills (contd):

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

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 problem solving skills in the development of an orthotic to meet a range of client needs

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.

Spinal, upper and lower extremity orthoses includes:

Cervical, thoraco-lumbar-sacral, lumbar sacral flexion-extension control

Spinal/shoulder and arm brace

Orthoses for a brachial plexus lesion

Arm/elbow braces

Wrist braces

Static and dynamic wrist-hand braces

Finger braces

Foot (inner sole)

Ankle-foot

Knee

Knee/ankle/foot

Hip

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

Orthotist

Specialist or general medical practitioner

A physiotherapist or other allied health professional

Design may include:

Selection of materials: thermoplastic foam, high temperature thermoplastic, cork, metal, soft collars, textiles (leather, cotton, synthetic), copper, steels, titanium, aluminium, graphite, polypropylene, plastics, polymeric materials, composites, etc.

Criteria used for spinal orthoses: cervical spine, thoracic-lumbar spine, lumbar-sacral spine

Component selection i.e.: modular, commercially manufactured orthoses, corsets, postings, arch support, ankle stirrups and joints, knee joints, hip joints, uprights, shoulder girdles and joints, elbow joints, wrist joints, hand and finger controls, control mechanisms, pins, pegs, dowels, straps, body jackets, cervical rings, girdles, etc.

Type of construction with emphasis on: suspension, motion control, components/materials, alignment methods, practical considerations, finishing

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

Cosmetic and hygiene considerations

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 orthoses

Safe use of equipment

Client records

Job records

Work health and safety (WHS)

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