Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assist in the preparation, application and removal of casting.
This unit applies to allied health assistants and should be performed under the direction and supervision (direct, indirect or remote) of an allied health professional.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements define the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare to apply cast | 1.1 Confirm requirements for applying casting with relevant personnel 1.2 Assemble equipment for applying cast and check to ensure it is in working order 1.3 Explain procedures to client and answer any questions 1.4 Take appropriate action to ensure client comfort and safety 1.5 Follow infection control guidelines throughout the procedure |
2. Apply and remove cast | 2.1 Assist with the application and removal of cast according to instructions and organisation policies and procedures 2.2 Use safe work practices, and personal protective equipment (PPE) when required, to apply or remove cast 2.3 Seek clarification/feedback from supervisor 2.4 Take appropriate action to ensure client comfort and safety is maintained |
3. Undertake post-application procedures | 3.1 Provide advice and information to client regarding care of cast 3.2 Clean client according to organisation policies and procedures 3.3 Arrange appropriate support for client at completion of procedures |
4. Comply with supervisory requirements | 4.1 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 4.2 Report any client misunderstanding or confusion to the allied health professional in a timely manner 4.3 Seek assistance when client presents with needs or signs outside limits of own authority, skills and/or knowledge 4.4 Report client difficulties to the supervising allied health professional 4.5 Participate in supervision processes with the treating allied health professional in accordance with organisation protocol |
5. Clean and store equipment relevant to role and therapy program | 5.1 Clean equipment and work surfaces according to manufacturer’s recommendations, infection control requirements and organisation protocols as directed by the allied health professional 5.2 Store equipment according to manufacturer’s recommendations and the organisation’s protocols 5.3 Check and maintain equipment according to organisation protocols and allied health professionals guidelines 5.4 Label or tag equipment faults, where possible remove from use if unsafe or not working and inform staff in line with organisation procedures 5.5 Dispose of waste according to relevant guidelines |
6. Report and document information | 6.1 Provide feedback on client progress to the treating allied health professional 6.2 Report client difficulties and concerns to the treating allied health professional in a timely manner 6.3 Document client information according to the organisation’s protocols 6.4 Use appropriate terminology to document client response, outcomes and any identified problems |
Evidence of Performance
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
Evidence of Knowledge
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
Assessment Conditions
All aspects of the performance evidence must have been demonstrated using simulation prior to being demonstrated in a therapeutic workplace under the direction and supervision (direct, indirect, remote) as determined by the allied health professional.
The following conditions must be met for this unit:
use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including casting and other relevant equipment
modelling of industry operating conditions and contingencies, including provision of services to real people
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015 /AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The Foundation Skills describe those required skills (such as language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills) that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.