Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

HLTAH405B Mapping and Delivery Guide
Assist with podiatric procedures

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency HLTAH405B - Assist with podiatric procedures
Description This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to assist with procedures performed by the podiatristProcedures may include surgical procedures of the skin and nails; preparation, modification and repair of orthotic devices and footwear
Employability Skills This unit contains Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application The application of knowledge and skills described in this competency unit may relate to functions such as assisting in podiatry surgery and/or the preparation/modification/repair of orthotic devices and footwearThese functions are to be performed in accordance with the directions of a podiatrist or podiatric surgeonWork performed requires a range of well developed skills where some discretion and judgment is required and individuals will take responsibility for their own outputsAllied Health Assistants operate within the scope of their defined roles and responsibilities and under supervision of an Allied Health ProfessionalFor training and assessment pathways, experience in workplace application of the skills and knowledge identified in this competency unit should be provided as required to support allied health professions
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Pre-requisite unitsThis unit must be assessed after successful achievement of pre-requisite units:HLTAP301B Recognise healthy body systems in a health care contextHLTCSD305C Assist with client movementHLTAH301B Assist with an allied health programHLTIN302B Process reusable instruments and equipment in health work
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Prepare for the surgical podiatry procedure
  • Obtain information from the podiatrist and the client's record (including the Podiatry Care Plan) relevant to the procedure to be undertaken
  • Determine client availability according to organisation protocols
  • Conform to all infection control guidelines and requirements specified by the National Infection Control Guidelines for Podiatrists and the protocols of the organisation
  • Ensure the environment in which the procedure is to be performed conforms to OH&S standards and protocols
  • Gather necessary equipment, instruments and materials
  • Prepare the environment for surgery, including cleansing and disinfecting of surfaces, equipment and materials
  • Ensure all instruments, dressings and related materials have undergone sterilisation according to the guidelines and protocols stated above
  • Ensure work flow and set up for work flow by additional persons in the environment comply with the guidelines and protocols
       
Element: Assist with the surgical podiatry procedure
  • Determine procedural requirements from the client's record and the treating podiatrist
  • Provide the physical environment required to meet procedural requirements in a manner that is safe for the client as directed by the podiatrist
  • Follow the directions of the podiatrist to provide assistance during the procedure
  • Follow all infection control and OH&S protocols to ensure the procedure conforms to organisation, state, national and legislated requirements
  • As required, assist with care and supervision of the patient during procedure
  • Follow directions for instrument handling, equipment handling material handling and any additional assistance required from the podiatrist
  • Safely and correctly use equipment and instrumentation to collect assessment information
  • Follow organisation guidelines and protocols for the safe and appropriate handling and disposal of hazardous and sharps materials
  • Provide documentation assistance and support as directed by the podiatrist
       
Element: Assist with templating for manufacture of orthotic devices
  • Determine requirements from the client's record and treating podiatrist
  • Seek assistance and clarification as required
  • Gather equipment and materials required for templating and foot measurement
  • Provide the physical environment required to meet procedural requirements in a manner that is safe for the client and operator
  • Assist with templating and foot measurement according to podiatrist's instruction
  • Work with podiatrist and client, within organisation guidelines, to determine appropriate follow up and further appointments
       
Element: Assist with modification to orthoses and footwear
  • Determine procedural requirements from the client's record and the treating podiatrist
  • Seek assistance or clarification to procedural directions as required
  • Provide the physical environment required to meet procedural requirements in a manner that is safe
  • Assist with modifications according to the care plan and prescriptions from supervising podiatrist
  • Present modified orthoses or footwear to podiatrist for assessment
  • Interpret and respond to instructions from podiatrist regarding further procedural or modification requirements
  • Provide instructions and assistance to client as directed by the podiatrist
  • Work with podiatrist and client, within organisation guidelines, to determine appropriate follow up and further appointments
  • Use machinery and equipment for modifications in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines, OHS requirements and organisation protocols
       
Element: Assist with support and advice to clients in the selection of footwear
  • Under the guidance of podiatrist use appropriate devices and procedures to measure for fit
  • Confirm measurements with supervising podiatrist
  • Under the guidance of supervising podiatrist support and educate client in the selection of footwear and fit
  • Seek assistance or clarification to procedural directions as required
  • Work with podiatrist and client, within organisation guidelines, to determine appropriate follow up and further appointments
       
Element: Clean, sterilise and store equipment
  • Clean equipment according to manufacturers and organisation requirements
  • Prepare equipment and instruments for sterilisation according to organisation protocols
  • Store equipment according to manufacturers requirements and organisation protocols
  • Report equipment faults to appropriate person
  • Ensure consultation environment is maintained according to guidelines and organisation protocols
       
Element: Document client information
  • Use accepted protocols to document information in line with organisation requirements
  • Use appropriate terminology to document client information
       
Element: Comply with supervisory requirements
  • Provide podiatry assistance according to the instruction of treating podiatrist
  • Provide client progress feedback to the treating podiatrist
  • Seek assistance when client presents with needs or signs outside limits of own authority or competence
  • Report client difficulties and concerns to the treating podiatrist
  • Implement variations to the podiatry care according to the advice of the treating podiatrist
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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 OH&S 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 orthotic/footwear 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 and/or 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 assignments/projects 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.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

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 manufacture/modification; 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 group/s

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

Modify shoes

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 co-workers

Work effectively with non-compliant 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

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

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Obtain information from the podiatrist and the client's record (including the Podiatry Care Plan) relevant to the procedure to be undertaken 
Determine client availability according to organisation protocols 
Conform to all infection control guidelines and requirements specified by the National Infection Control Guidelines for Podiatrists and the protocols of the organisation 
Ensure the environment in which the procedure is to be performed conforms to OH&S standards and protocols 
Gather necessary equipment, instruments and materials 
Prepare the environment for surgery, including cleansing and disinfecting of surfaces, equipment and materials 
Ensure all instruments, dressings and related materials have undergone sterilisation according to the guidelines and protocols stated above 
Ensure work flow and set up for work flow by additional persons in the environment comply with the guidelines and protocols 
Determine procedural requirements from the client's record and the treating podiatrist 
Provide the physical environment required to meet procedural requirements in a manner that is safe for the client as directed by the podiatrist 
Follow the directions of the podiatrist to provide assistance during the procedure 
Follow all infection control and OH&S protocols to ensure the procedure conforms to organisation, state, national and legislated requirements 
As required, assist with care and supervision of the patient during procedure 
Follow directions for instrument handling, equipment handling material handling and any additional assistance required from the podiatrist 
Safely and correctly use equipment and instrumentation to collect assessment information 
Follow organisation guidelines and protocols for the safe and appropriate handling and disposal of hazardous and sharps materials 
Provide documentation assistance and support as directed by the podiatrist 
Determine requirements from the client's record and treating podiatrist 
Seek assistance and clarification as required 
Gather equipment and materials required for templating and foot measurement 
Provide the physical environment required to meet procedural requirements in a manner that is safe for the client and operator 
Assist with templating and foot measurement according to podiatrist's instruction 
Work with podiatrist and client, within organisation guidelines, to determine appropriate follow up and further appointments 
Determine procedural requirements from the client's record and the treating podiatrist 
Seek assistance or clarification to procedural directions as required 
Provide the physical environment required to meet procedural requirements in a manner that is safe 
Assist with modifications according to the care plan and prescriptions from supervising podiatrist 
Present modified orthoses or footwear to podiatrist for assessment 
Interpret and respond to instructions from podiatrist regarding further procedural or modification requirements 
Provide instructions and assistance to client as directed by the podiatrist 
Work with podiatrist and client, within organisation guidelines, to determine appropriate follow up and further appointments 
Use machinery and equipment for modifications in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines, OHS requirements and organisation protocols 
Under the guidance of podiatrist use appropriate devices and procedures to measure for fit 
Confirm measurements with supervising podiatrist 
Under the guidance of supervising podiatrist support and educate client in the selection of footwear and fit 
Seek assistance or clarification to procedural directions as required 
Work with podiatrist and client, within organisation guidelines, to determine appropriate follow up and further appointments 
Clean equipment according to manufacturers and organisation requirements 
Prepare equipment and instruments for sterilisation according to organisation protocols 
Store equipment according to manufacturers requirements and organisation protocols 
Report equipment faults to appropriate person 
Ensure consultation environment is maintained according to guidelines and organisation protocols 
Use accepted protocols to document information in line with organisation requirements 
Use appropriate terminology to document client information 
Provide podiatry assistance according to the instruction of treating podiatrist 
Provide client progress feedback to the treating podiatrist 
Seek assistance when client presents with needs or signs outside limits of own authority or competence 
Report client difficulties and concerns to the treating podiatrist 
Implement variations to the podiatry care according to the advice of the treating podiatrist 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

HLTAH405B - Assist with podiatric procedures
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

HLTAH405B - Assist with podiatric procedures

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: