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Elements and Performance Criteria

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

Podiatry procedures including orthotic manufacturemodification assessment and podiatric surgery

Conditions treated by a podiatrist

Basic anatomy and physiology of the skin and nails

Structure and function of the skin and integuments

Common pathological conditions of the skin and nails

Disease processes relevant to the client groups

Identification and purpose of podiatry surgical instruments

First aid emergency and evacuation protocols of the site

Basic biomechanics of the lower limb

Principles and guidelines of orthotic devices

Principles of footwear selection and fitting

Relevant organisation policies and procedures

Client care plans goals and limitations of podiatry intervention

Medical terminology

Roles responsibilities and limitations of self and other allied health team members and nursing medical and other personnel

OHS policy and procedures

Privacy and confidentiality requirements

Infection control protocols

Supervisory and reporting protocols

Record keeping requirements

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Undertake activity analysis breaking activities down into component parts

Identify variations in podiatry conditions

Establish and maintain sterile field

Use hygiene practices such as surgical handwashing

Modify orthotic devices

Construct and maintain the environment for safe modification of orthotic devices and footwear

Communicate effectively with clients

Provide legible logical and appropriate documentation

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

Use observation and reporting skills

Work under supervision

Communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers

Work effectively with noncompliant clients

Operate within OHS and infection control requirements

Use personal protective equipment

Work safely and effectively with electrical equipment and machinery

Work safely with potentially hazardous materials

Safely and appropriately dispose of hazardous materials

Provide a safe and effective response in first aid emergency and evacuation conditions

Apply time management and personal organisation skills and establish priorities

Maintain accurate records

Safely and appropriately use materials including animal derived leathers synthetics solvents and adhesives

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 Evidence of understanding and application of infection control and OHampS standards and protocols is essential Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit Consistency of performance should be demonstrated for a minimum of seven different procedures including surgical assistance basic assessment and orthoticfootwear preparation and modification Consistent adherence to supervisory requirements

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 must be completed in the workplace Relevant guidelines standards and procedures Supervision from a podiatrist Resources essential for assessment include Clients Equipment Documentation

Method of assessment	Observation in the work place Written assignmentsprojects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge along with structured objective clinical assessment and self reflective tasks such as journaling Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a supported and controlled clinical setting If successful a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision

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.

Supervision refers to:	Instructing, advising, and monitoring another person in order to ensure safe and effective performance in carrying out the duties of their position The nature of supervision is flexible and may be conducted by various means including: in person through use of electronic communications media such as telephone or video conferencing, where necessary Frequency of supervision will be determined by factors such as: the task maturity of the person in that position or clinical placement the need to review and assess client conditions and progress in order to establish or alter treatment plans in case of students and assistants the need to correct and develop non clinical aspects such as time management, organisation requirements, communication skills, and other factors supporting the provision of clinical care and working within a team A person under supervision does not require direct (immediate) and continuous personal interaction, but the method and frequency will be determined by factors outlined above

Clients may include:	Infants Children Adolescents Adults Elderly people

Settings may include	Hospitals Community health services Private practice Client homes Aged care residential care settings

Surgical podiatry procedures may include	Debridement of onychocryptosis under local anaesthesia Partial or total nail avulsion with phenolisation Curettage Conservative sharp debridement of wounds

Equipment may include:	Personal protective equipment such as eyewear, gloves, masks, surgical gowns, footwear protection, surgical headwear Surgical drapes and those materials used to comply with infection control guidelines and protocols Podiatry surgery instruments, including: scalpel handles and blades root elevators black's files/files nail clippers thwaites nippers digital torniquets rasp curette excavator spatula forceps (fine, blunt, locking, straight, spencer wells, cheatles, rampley) bailey toe spreader burrs scissors Syringes and needles (disposable and reusable syringes, suture material and needles Electrical devices for curettage and haemostasis Casting /orthoses/footwear equipment including: bench grinder solvent and adhesive materials synthetic and natural orthotic and footwear materials plaster/ plaster bandage cleaning and disinfecting equipment brannock device

Clinical standards, guidelines, policies and procedures may include:	Clinical standards (state and national) Infection Control Guidelines for Podiatrists, Australasian Podiatry Council, September 2005 Clinical Guidelines for Orthotic Therapy Provided by Podiatrists Relevant Australian Standards Australian New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 4815 - 2001 (Office-based health care facilities not involved in complex patient procedures and processes - Cleaning, disinfecting and sterilising reusable medical and surgical instruments and equipment, and maintenance of the associated environment) Australian Standard AS 4187 - 1998 (Cleaning, disinfecting and sterilising reusable medical and surgical instruments and equipment and maintenance of associated environments in a health care facilities) Australian Standard AS 2182 - 1998 (Sterilisers - steam-bench top) Industry professional bodies: Australasian Podiatry Council Australian Podiatry Association (State) Industry standards (state and national) Podiatrists Registration Board (State) Organisation policy directives Privacy Act Medical Records Act

Information may include:	Podiatry care plan Client treatment plan Supervising podiatrists instructions Client record Checklists Case notes Other forms according to procedures of the organisation Material Safety Data Sheets Manufacturers' instructions and guidelines