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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Prepare for hydrotherapy program
  2. Conduct the hydrotherapy program
  3. Respond to an aquatic emergency
  4. Assist client after hydrotherapy session
  5. Clean and store equipment
  6. Report and document information
  7. Comply with supervisory requirements

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

A working understanding of the benefits of physiological effects and benefits of active functional exercise

Principles of biomechanics including

mass

force

speed

acceleration

work

energy

power

strength

momentum

force arm

resistance arm

axis of rotation

cam

pulley

Basic musculoskeletal anatomy including

joint types and function

major bones

major muscles

major joints

Basic anatomy and physiology

Anatomical terminology including

flexion

extension

rotation

abduction

adduction

circumduction

inversion

eversion

pronation

supination

horizontal flexion

horizontal extension

Therapeutic exercise principles

continued

Essential knowledge contd

Principles of exercise program design including

FITT formula frequency intensity time type

Program phases preparation conditioning recovery adaptation

Program types sets and reps circuit single set to failure matrix

Principles and effects of movement in water as related to hydrotherapy

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

A working understanding of the signs of adverse reaction to different programs and treatment

Relevant National and StateTerritory legislation guidelines and reporting requirements including Australian Physiotherapy Association APA Guidelines

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

A working knowledge of factors that facilitate an effective and collaborative working relationship

A working knowledge of record keeping practices and procedures in relation to diagnostic and therapeutic programstreatments

OHS policies and procedures that relate to the allied health assistants role in implementing physiotherapy mobility and movement programs

Infection control policies and procedures that relate to the allied health assistants role in implementing physiotherapy mobility and movement programs

Supervisory and reporting protocols of the organisation

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Undertake activity analysis breaking activities down into component parts

Conduct a hydrotherapy program

Respond to aquatic emergencies

Assist clients with personal care needs

Apply appropriate procedures to move and position clients in a safe manner

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

Work under direct and indirect supervision

Communicate effectively with clients in a therapeutictreatment relationship

Communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers

Work effectively with noncompliant clients

Time management personal organisation skills and establishing priorities

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

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

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

Resources essential for assessment include

Clients with hydrotherapy requirements

Equipment

Documentation

Supervisory allied health professional

Aquatic emergency protocols procedures and equipment

Method of assessment

Observation of some applications in the work place as is appropriatepossible

Written assignmentsprojects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge

Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice


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 and

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:

Adults

Children and young people

Older people

People with communication difficulties

Information may include::

Client care plan

Hydrotherapy session plan

Client treatment plan

Allied health professional instructions

Client record

Checklists

Case notes

Other forms according to procedures of the organisation

Principles of movement in water must include:

Buoyancy

Flotation

Hydrostatic pressure

Propulsion

Lift

Drag

Turbulence

Acceleration

Resistance

Balance and stability

Factors effecting the movement of the body in water may include:

Alignment

Long and short axis

Smooth tapered shapes

Balance

Head alignment and movement

Balance of limbs in movement

Effects of rotation

Core power

Hip rotation to create torque/twisting forces

Client needs and abilities may include:

Co-morbidity

Cultural needs

Cardiac risk stratification

Joint or muscle weakness

Orthopaedic conditions

Client compliance refers to:

Ability to follow instructions or suggestions

Willingness to follow instructions or suggestions

Adverse reaction to exercise may include:

Severe shortness of breath

Dizziness

Pain

Muscle cramp

Indicators of a person in difficulty may include but is not limited to:

Calling for help

Vertical body position

Diagonal body position

Minimal or non-supportive leg action

Vigorous arm action

Head tilted up and back, face turned to safety or help

submerged

Rescue equipment may include:

reaching aids

ropes

flotation aids

rescue tube

oxygen resuscitation equipment

Water rescue may include but is not limited to:

non-contact tow

contact tow

vice grip

extended arm rollover