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

HLTAH406B Mapping and Delivery Guide
Assist with podiatry assessment and exercise

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency HLTAH406B - Assist with podiatry assessment and exercise
Description This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to assist a podiatrist with the delivery and monitoring of specific client exercise and rehabilitation programs and in the completion of client foot health assessments
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 delivering and monitoring exercise and rehabilitation programs that have been developed and are being monitored by a podiatrist, and the provision of assistance during podiatric assessment proceduresThis could take place in a range of health settingsWork 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 program
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 delivery of podiatry exercise program or assessment procedures
  • Interpret client care plan prepared by supervising podiatrist and implement relevant exercise program or assessment procedure
  • Determine client availability according to organisation protocols
  • Gather necessary equipment
       
Element: 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 compliance issues
  • Work with the client to establish any necessary action
  • Work with client to determine and plan any follow up requirements and dates
  • Seek assistance when client presents with needs or signs outside limits of own authority
  • Report client difficulties to the supervising professional
       
Element: Assist with podiatry assessments
  • Determine client assessment requirements from the treating podiatrist and podiatry care 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 compliance issues.
  • Seek assistance when client presents with needs or signs outside limits of own authority
  • Report client difficulties to the supervising professional
       
Element: Clean and store equipment
  • Clean equipment according to manufacturers and organisation requirements
  • Store equipment according to manufacturers requirements and organisation protocols
  • Report equipment faults to appropriate person
       
Element: Document client information
  • Use accepted protocols to document information in line with organisation requirements
  • Use appropriate terminology to document symptomatic expression of identified problems
       
Element: Comply with supervisory requirements
  • Provide podiatry assistance according to the instruction of treating podiatrist
  • Provide client progress feedback to the treating podiatrist
  • 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

Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated for a minimum of seven different client specific podiatry foot exercise and rehabilitation/podiatry assessment sessions

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated for a minimum of seven balance and fall monitoring sessions

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

Questioning

Clinical case studies


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:

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 equipment used in podiatry exercise and rehabilitation programs

Safe and effective use of equipment and instrumentation used in podiatry assessment procedures

Relevant organisation policies and procedures

Disease processes relevant to the client group/s

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:

Implement podiatric exercise and rehabilitation practices

Undertake activity analysis - breaking activities down into component parts

Construct the environment for safe implementation of exercise and rehabilitation programs and assessment procedures

Demonstrate observation and recording skills

Work with OHS and infection control requirements

Work safely with electronic equipment and instrumentation

Demonstrate safe and accurate use of podiatry assessment equipment and instrumentation

Communicate effectively with clients

Provide legible, logical and appropriate documentation

Demonstrate safe and effective implementation of procedures under supervision

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 for therapeutic, assessment and monitoring support

Communicate effectively with supervisors and co-workers

Work effectively with non-compliant clients

Demonstrate time management, personal organisation skills and establishing priorities

Maintain accurate records

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

Therapeutic modality may include:

Heat and cold

Stretching and strengthening

Guided exercise (chair based, warm water, exercise equipment, etc)

Soft tissue massage

Exercise and rehabilitation activities may include but are not limited to:

Stretching programs

Strengthening programs

Improving range and quality of motion in joints

Improving proprioception and sensory feedback through guided and supported activity

Use of physical and mechanical aids and equipment

Supervised use of electronic therapeutic equipment (such as ultrasound, TENS)

Advice and support in selection of appropriate footwear

Assessment activities may include but are not limited to:

Assisting with collection of data such as:
segmental blood pressure measurement (ankle-brachial index, digital brachial index)

Doppler ultrasound

Cutaneous sensory testing (monofilament, calibrated vibration, sharp/blunt)

Gait assessment through image analysis

Gait assessment through electronic data collection

Recording information provided by podiatrist during patient assessment

Equipment may include but is not limited to:

Weights and resistance equipment

Ambulation and mobilisation aids and equipment

Measurement devices (goniometers)

Stethoscope

Sphygmomanometer

Doppler Ultrasound equipment

Monofilament

Calibrated tuning fork/vibration equipment

Treadmill

Image capture equipment (still and video cameras)

Computer hardware and assessment software

Therapeutic ultrasound equipment

TENS

Wax Bath

Heat/cold equipment

Client difficulties may include but are not limited to:

Musculoskeletal disorders

Peripheral vascular disease

Neuropathy (central and peripheral nervous system)

Clinical standards, guidelines, policies and procedures may include:

Clinical standards (state and national)

Infection Control Guidelines for Podiatrists, Australasian Podiatry Council, September 2005

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

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)

Client compliance refers to:

Ability to follow instructions or suggestions

Willingness to follow instructions or suggestions

Information may include:

Podiatry care plan

Supervising podiatrists instructions

Client record

Checklists

Case notes

Other forms according to procedures of the organisation

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
Interpret client care plan prepared by supervising podiatrist and implement relevant exercise program or assessment procedure 
Determine client availability according to organisation protocols 
Gather necessary equipment 
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 compliance issues 
Work with the client to establish any necessary action 
Work with client to determine and plan any follow up requirements and dates 
Seek assistance when client presents with needs or signs outside limits of own authority 
Report client difficulties to the supervising professional 
Determine client assessment requirements from the treating podiatrist and podiatry care 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 compliance issues. 
Seek assistance when client presents with needs or signs outside limits of own authority 
Report client difficulties to the supervising professional 
Clean equipment according to manufacturers and organisation requirements 
Store equipment according to manufacturers requirements and organisation protocols 
Report equipment faults to appropriate person 
Use accepted protocols to document information in line with organisation requirements 
Use appropriate terminology to document symptomatic expression of identified problems 
Provide podiatry assistance according to the instruction of treating podiatrist 
Provide client progress feedback to the treating podiatrist 
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

HLTAH406B - Assist with podiatry assessment and exercise
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

HLTAH406B - Assist with podiatry assessment and exercise

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: