HLTCT406D
Modify orthopaedic devices

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to modify orthopaedic devices. Simple modifications, which do not alter the intent of the orthopaedic device, may be performed at the technician's discretion

Application

Work is performed at the request of, and in consultation with, medical staff or with own discretion and requires a range of well developed skills where some discretion and judgement is required and individuals take responsibility for the quality of their outputs

Modification of orthopaedic devices may occur in various locations within the hospital environment e.g. operating theatres, emergency department, wards, out of care departments

All activities are carried out in accordance with organisation policies, procedures and infection control guidelines


Prerequisites

Not Applicable


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare to modify orthopaedic devices

1.1 Assemble and check equipment for modifying orthopaedic devices to ensure that it is in clean and in working order

1.2 Receive request for modification of orthopaedic device and if in doubt confirm request with relevant personnel

1.3 Assess client's condition and identify precautions or potential complications associated with the modification of orthopaedic device

1.4 Explain procedure to client and obtain client consent/agreement

1.5 Provide the client with opportunities to ask questions and discuss areas of concern

1.6 Meet the comfort and safety needs of the client and applicator

1.7 Review condition of the wound and pin site and refer to relevant personnel as required

2. Modify orthopaedic device

2.1 Appropriately position the area to which the orthopaedic device is to be modified

2.2 Identify client's specific needs in relation to the modification of orthopaedic device

2.3 Meet the comfort and safety needs of the client and applicator

2.4 Modify the orthopaedic device according to instructions and to meet the client's needs

2.5 Achieve correct moulding to maintain soft tissue or fracture position in accordance with pattern or condition of injury

2.6 Complete documentation

3. Undertake post modification procedures

3.1 Clean client at completion of procedure

3.2 Ensure the neurovascular status of limb is within normal limits

3.3 Check the fit and functionality of orthopaedic device

3.4 Provide client and carer with written and verbal advice for the care of the limb and orthopaedic device

3.5 Fit client with sling, heel/overshoes and ambulation aids, as required

3.6 Instruct client on the correct use of the ambulation aids , as required and ensure client is safe in the use of these aids

3.7 Arrange appropriate support for the client

4. Clean working environment

4.1 Dispose of waste in accordance with waste management policies

4.2 Clean equipment accordance with manufacturer's specifications and stored safely

4.3 Clean work surfaces in accordance with infection control guidelines

Required Skills

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:

Anatomical positioning for modification and modification of orthopaedic device

Anatomy and physiology relevant to orthopaedic device modification and modification

Awareness and resolution of complications e.g. pressure sores, foreign objects in orthopaedic devices

Confidentiality requirements of client information

Interpretation of documentation relating to modification of orthopaedic devices

Knowledge of current standards and best practice relevant to orthopaedic device modification

Medical terminology relevant to orthopaedic device modification and modification

Organisation policy and procedures, including Infection control and WHS

Precautions and complications of modification of orthopaedic devices

Purpose of modification of orthopaedic device

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Apply current standards and best practice to meet duty of care to client

Communicate effectively with clients in relation to the procedure and manage clients' anxiety level

Comply with policies and procedures including those of WHS and infection control

Demonstrate all steps that must be taken in the correct and safe usage of equipment

Recognise boundaries of responsibilities and refer problems to supervisor or other appropriate health professional

Select appropriate material and use correct techniques for modification of orthopaedic devices

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:

Apply current standards and best practice relevant to orthopaedic device modification

Apply general problem solving skills to modify orthopaedic device for individual client needs

Communicate with people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds

Correctly and safely modify an orthopaedic device

Deal with conflict

Solve problems including an ability to use available resources

Take into account opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues

Use numeracy skills ranging from the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations, recording stock levels and statistical information

Use oral communication skills 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

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

Use effective verbal and non verbal communication skills with a range of internal and external persons

Use reading and writing skills required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation to a level of skill required for

reading and documenting clinical information

understanding policy and procedure manuals

Work with others and display empathy with client and carers

Evidence Required

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

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

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

Relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols

Method of assessment:

Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting (laboratory). If successful, a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision

Observation of work activities when modifying orthopaedic devices

Observation of simulation and/or role play when modifying orthopaedic devises

Discussion of physical and/or behavioural contingency scenarios involving duty of care

Authenticated transcripts of relevant education/training courses

Recognition of relevant life/work experience

Questioning, written assessments/projects, e-learning can be used to assess knowledge

Authenticated reports of experience in modifying orthopaedic devices (Documentation associated with performance reviews, supervisor/coordinator evaluations of work performance)

Training records associated with first aid, work health and safety training, orientation/induction training, safe manual handing, universal infection control procedures

Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice

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

Related units:

This unit can be assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other health services units of competency is encouraged

This unit should be assessed in conjunction with:

HLTAP401B Confirm physical health status

HLTCT405D Apply orthopaedic devices

HLTCT407D Remove orthopaedic devices


Range Statement

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.

Types of orthopaedic devices may include:

Brace

Splint

Equipment may include:

Allen keys

Benders

Bracing equipment

Drill and drill bits

Hacksaw

Heat gun

Saw with vacuum

Scissors

Shears

Spanners

Spreaders

Vice

Relevant personnel may include:

Medical practitioners

Other health professionals

Clients may include:

Adolescents

Adults

Children

Elderly

In care clients and out of care clients

Infants

Assessment of client's condition may include:

Allergies

Mechanism of injury

Relevant medical history

Skin condition e.g. oedema, blisters, pressure areas, broken skin, fragile skin

Precautions may include:

Areas of broken skin

Conditions that result in a significant functional disability that may limit a person's ability to manage a cast/splint

Conditions that result in fragile skin

Complications may include:

Compromising related injury

Fracture blisters

Loss of movement/function

Malalignment of bone

Neurovascular complications e.g. pressure areas

Orthopaedic device migration (due to loss of tissue bulk)

Pressure areas

Reduced range of movement/function of joint

Secondary infection

Wound breakdown

Clients specific needs may include:

Age

Functional requirements or restrictions

Mobilisation difficulties or restrictions

Phobias

Physical anomalies

Religious and cultural beliefs

Modifications of orthopaedic device may include:

Addition

Completion

Converting

Give more/less range of movement

Reinforcing/strengthening

Reline

Repad

Tightening

Trimming

Documentation may include:

Appliance hire documentation

Appointment forms and books

Cast check forms

Client records

Work log books

Advice given to client may include:

Limb care

Mobilisation exercises/routines

Oedema control

Orthopaedic device care

Appropriate support may include:

Arrangement of educational material

Instructions for seeking advice if required

Organisation of walking aids e.g. crutches, wheelchairs

Review client's social needs in relation to their ability to self care with a orthopaedic device


Sectors

Not Applicable


Employability Skills

This unit contains Employability Skills


Licensing Information

Not Applicable