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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Elements define the essential outcomes
2. Prepare to apply cast
   • Confirm requirements for applying casting with relevant personnel
   • Assemble equipment for applying cast and check to ensure it is in working order
   • Explain procedures to client and answer any questions
   • Take appropriate action to ensure client comfort and safety
   • Follow infection control guidelines throughout the procedure
3. Apply and remove cast
   • Assist with the application and removal of cast according to instructions and organisation policies and procedures
   • Use safe work practices, and personal protective equipment (PPE) when required, to apply or remove cast
   • Seek clarification/feedback from supervisor
   • Take appropriate action to ensure client comfort and safety is maintained
4. Undertake post-application procedures
   • Provide advice and information to client regarding care of cast
   • Clean client according to organisation policies and procedures
   • Arrange appropriate support for client at completion of procedures
5. Comply with supervisory requirements
   • Identify and manage client adherence issues, including subjective and objective reporting of client response to the program, and report to the allied health professional in a timely manner
   • Report any client misunderstanding or confusion to the allied health professional in a timely manner
   • 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
   • Participate in supervision processes with the treating allied health professional in accordance with organisation protocol
6. Clean and store equipment relevant to role and therapy program
   • Clean equipment and work surfaces according to manufacturer’s recommendations, infection control requirements and organisation protocols as directed by the allied health professional
   • Store equipment according to manufacturer’s recommendations and the organisation’s protocols
   • Check and maintain equipment according to organisation protocols and allied health professionals guidelines
   • Label or tag equipment faults, where possible remove from use if unsafe or not working and inform staff in line with organisation procedures
   • Dispose of waste according to relevant guidelines
7. Report and document information
   • Provide feedback on client progress to the treating allied health professional
   • Report client difficulties and concerns to the treating allied health professional in a timely manner
   • Document client information according to the organisation’s protocols
   • Use appropriate terminology to document client response, outcomes and any identified problems

Performance Evidence

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:

assisted with the application and removal of casts safely and according to organisation and infection control policies and procedures on 3 different clients, 1 in a simulated environment and 2 in the workplace

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

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Knowledge Evidence

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 relevant knowledge of:

basic anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiorespiratory systems relevant to physiotherapy practice

organisation policy and procedures in relation to:

infection control

work health and safety:

manual handling, including identification and control of manual task risk factors

other specific organisation policies or procedures

interpreting documentation relevant to application of plaster

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