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

Application of body and externally powered control systems

Basic applied anthropometrics anatomy and physiology relevant to the fabrication of spinal upper and lower extremity prosthetics

Biomechanical requirements for prostheses design fabrication and client use

Impact of prostheses on skin

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

Prostheses construction standards and terminology

Prosthetic components materials and fabrication techniques

Recreational or sports prostheses

Relevant occupational health and safety standardslegislation regulatory requirements health fund reimbursement policies and industry codes of practice

Role and function of other practitioners in the field and in major related fields

Safety and environmental aspects of relevant organisation activities

Variations in amputation levels and styles and their relative advantages disadvantages and common pathologies

Workplace procedures recordingdocumentation processestechniques

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

Apply procedures and processes including reporting requirements

Assemble and align modular components for prostheses

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

to obtain clear and precise information

Communicate with people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds

Conduct fittings in accordance with organisation policy

Correctly and safely use hand tools and machinery to fabricate prosthesis

Fabricate at least a foot ankle below knee prostheses above knee prostheses and a shoulder arm partial hand and wrist prostheses to meet clients requirements

Fabricate liners and sockets

Fill a negative plaster cast

Interpret anatomical measurements and general prosthetic technical information from information sheets and technical drawings to determine clinician and client requirements

Maintain accurate job records

Operate hand tools and machinery safely

Perform limb tracings for cosmetic finishing

Read and interpret technical drawings anatomical measurements limb tracings and specifications

Recognise report and manage errors and risk within work role

Select appropriate materials and techniques for the fabrication of an upper and lower extremity prosthesis

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

Undertake prosthetic modifications and repairs

Use numeracy skills ranging from the ability to complete arithmetic calculations to measuring and fabricating prosthesis

continued

Essential skills contd

Use problem solving skills in the development of prostheses to meet a range of client needs

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 nonverbal communication with a range of internal and external persons

literacy in English or a community language depending on client group and organisation requirements

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 OHampS and organisation policy and procedure manuals and documenting client information

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

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 a prosthesis

Method of assessment may include

Observation of work activities

Observation of simulation

Written tasks

Relevant formal and informal educationtraining courses

Case studies and scenarios

Interviewsquestioning

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 andor 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

Upper and lower extremity prostheses may include:

Prescriptions or instructions may include:

Appropriate health professionals may include:

Design may include:

Organisation policy and procedures may relate to:

Effective communication may include:

Equipment may include:

Techniques may include: