Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to deliver and monitor a therapeutic program that has been developed by a physiotherapist to address the requirements of individual clients.
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 for delivery of a client-specific physiotherapy program | 1.1 Obtain information from the physiotherapist about the client-specific program 1.2 Determine client availability according to organisation protocols 1.3 Gather the equipment to deliver the client-specific program, in line with client needs and specifications of the physiotherapist |
2. Deliver physiotherapy program based on treatment plan | 2.1 Confirm client’s understanding of program based on treatment plan prepared by the physiotherapist 2.2 Obtain consent from the client before commencing the program 2.3 Follow the instructions of the physiotherapist when assisting with the positioning of client and equipment where treatment involves machines 2.4 Guide the client to complete the program as directed by physiotherapist 2.5 Recognise when client becomes distressed, in pain or communicates their desire to slow down, and change activity or stop and follow stepping down procedures outlined in treatment plan or notify physiotherapist 2.6 Provide feedback to the client to reinforce client understanding and correct application of the program 2.7 Work with client to plan any follow up sessions and dates |
3. Assist with programs for clients with varying abilities to participate | 3.1 Monitor 24-hour posture management and identify any adjustment requirements according to directives form the physiotherapist 3.2 Assist physiotherapist to complete active and passive movement requirements 3.3 Monitor respiratory care requirements and conduct necessary action within the prescribed treatment plan and scope of role and responsibilities as defined by the organisation 3.4 Monitor limb oedema management, conduct necessary actions within prescribed treatment plan and scope of role and responsibilities as defined by the organisation, and report any recommendations to the physiotherapist in a timely manner 3.5 Correctly position client according to client’s condition, modesty and treatment or program activities and according to the directive of the physiotherapist 3.6 Talk to client about treatment or program activities and where possible seek feedback about comfort and understanding during the session 3.7 Create a treatment or program environment that encourages clients to ask questions about progress and activities 3.8 Take appropriate and prompt action in response to any indicators of adverse reaction to the program or treatment and report to physiotherapist |
4. Comply with supervisory requirements | 4.1 Provide client progress feedback to the treating physiotherapist 4.2 Report client difficulties and concerns to the treating physiotherapist before proceeding with treatment 4.3 Implement variations to the program according to the advice of the physiotherapist 4.4 Identify and manage client adherence issues, including subjective and objective reporting of client response to the program, and report to the physiotherapist in a timely manner 4.5 Report any client misunderstanding or confusion to the physiotherapist in a timely manner 4.6 Identify and note any difficulties the client experiences with the program, including biomechanical and musculo-skeletal issues, and report to physiotherapist in a timely manner 4.7 Seek assistance when client presents with needs or signs outside limits of own authority, skills and/or knowledge |
5. Clean and store equipment | 5.1 Clean equipment according to manufacturer’s recommendations, infection control requirements and organisation protocols 5.2 Store equipment according to manufacturer’s requirements and organisation protocols 5.3 Check and maintain equipment according to organisation protocols 5.4 Report equipment faults to appropriate person 5.5 Label or tag equipment faults, where possible remove from use if unsafe or not working and inform staff in line with organisation procedures |
6. Document client information | 6.1 Use accepted protocols to document information relating to the program in line with organisation requirements 6.2 Use appropriate terminology to document client response, outcomes and identified problems related to the therapeutic program 6.3 Sign and designate role when completing medical records according to organisation policy and procedure |
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 in the delivery of therapeutic practices for physiotherapy programs for at least 3 clients receiving different treatments, 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 knowledge of:
principles of biomechanics, including:
mass
force
speed
acceleration
work
energy
power
strength
momentum
force arm
resistance arm
axis of rotation
cam
pulley
basic musculo-skeletal anatomy, including:
joint types and function
major bones
major muscles
major joints
anatomical terminology, including:
flexion
extension
rotation
abduction
adduction
circumduction
inversion
eversion
pronation
supination
horizontal flexion
horizontal extension
therapeutic exercise principles
basic anatomy and physiology of the skin and the principles of pressure area care
principles of 24-hour posture management
record keeping practices and procedures in relation to diagnostic and therapeutic programs/treatments
equipment and materials used in different programs and treatments
monitoring requirements for different programs and treatments
basic reaction to pain within the body
signs of adverse reaction to different programs and treatment
concepts and procedures for stepping down treatment or intervention when client becomes distressed, in pain or wishes to stop
individualised plans, goals and limitations of therapy
organisation policy and procedures in relation to:
infection control as it relates to the allied health assistant’s role in implementing physiotherapy
work health and safety:
manual handling including identification and control of manual task risk factors
other specific organisation policies or procedures, including supervisory and reporting protocols
medical terminology required to work effectively
roles, responsibilities and limitations of self and other allied health team members and nursing, medical and other personnel
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 a physiotherapist.
The following conditions must be met for this unit:
use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including individualised plan and equipment outlined in the plan
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.