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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. Assist with podiatry assessments
   • Provide podiatry assistance according to the instruction of treating podiatrist
   • Determine client assessment requirements from the treating podiatrist and podiatry treatment plan or records
   • Provide the physical environment required to meet assessments in a manner that is safe for the client and operators
   • Explain to the client the purpose, rationale and requirements of each part of the assessment activity
   • Determine the client’s understanding of the purpose, rationale and requirements of each part of the assessment activity
   • Assist podiatrist with assessment procedures, including handling equipment and recording data
   • Work with client and podiatrist to determine and plan any follow up requirements and dates
   • Identify and manage client adherence issues
3. Prepare for the delivery of podiatry exercise program or assessment procedure
   • Interpret client treatment plan prepared by supervising podiatrist and implement relevant exercise program or assessment procedure
   • Determine client availability according to organisation protocols
   • Gather necessary equipment
4. Deliver podiatry exercise or rehabilitation program
   • Explain to the client the purpose, rationale and requirements of each part of the exercise or rehabilitation program
   • Determine the client’s understanding of the purpose, rationale and requirements of the program
   • Assist client to follow instructions of the podiatrist, including those techniques used at home
   • Identify and note any difficulties the client experiences completing the exercise program
   • Provide feedback to the client
   • Identify and manage client adherence issues
   • Work with the client to establish any necessary action
   • Work with client to determine and plan any follow up requirements and dates
   • Recognise when client becomes distressed, in pain or communicates their desire to slow down, change activity or stop and follow stepping down procedures outlined in treatment plan or organisational guidelines
5. Comply with supervisory requirements
   • Seek assistance when client presents with needs or signs outside limits of own authority
   • Provide client progress feedback to the treating podiatrist
   • Report client difficulties and concerns to the treating podiatrist
   • Implement variations to the podiatry treatment according to the advice of the treating podiatrist
6. Clean and store equipment
   • Clean equipment according to manufacturer and organisation requirements
   • Store equipment according to manufacturer requirements and organisation protocols
   • Report equipment faults to appropriate person
7. Document client information
   • Use accepted protocols to document information in line with organisation requirements
   • Use appropriate terminology to document symptomatic expression of 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 3 different clients, 1 in a simulated environment and 2 in the workplace, in relation to specific podiatry foot assessment and exercise sessions

assisted with 3 balance and fall monitoring sessions, 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 knowledge of:

structure and function of the skin and integuments

basic biomechanics of the lower limb and gait cycle

basic anatomy and physiology of the foot

podiatry exercise and rehabilitation principles

safe and effective use of instrumentation used in podiatry assessment procedures and equipment used in podiatry exercise and rehabilitation programs

client treatment plans, goals and limitations of podiatry intervention

concepts and procedures for stepping down treatment or intervention when client becomes distressed, in pain or wishes to stop

medical terminology relevant to podiatry assessment and exercise

organisation policy and procedures in relation to:

infection control as it relates to the allied health assistant’s role in assisting with podiatry assessment and exercise

other specific organisation policies or procedures, including supervisory and reporting protocols

legal and ethical considerations relevant to allied health:

privacy, confidentiality and disclosure

duty of care

work role boundaries – responsibilities and limitation of self and other allied health team members and nursing, medical and other personnel

work health and safety (WHS):

manual handling including identification and control of manual task risk factors

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