HLTCT407D
Remove orthopaedic devices

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to remove orthopaedic devices. Orthopaedic devices include both braces and splints that can be either prefabricated and/or customised

Application

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

Removal of orthopaedic devices may occur in various locations within the hospital environment e.g. operating theatres, emergency department, wards, client 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 remove orthopaedic devices

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

1.2 Receive request to remove 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 removal 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. Remove orthopaedic device

2.1 Identify client's specific needs in relation to the removal of orthopaedic device

2.2 Remove the orthopaedic device according to instructions and to meet the client's needs

2.3 Meet the comfort and safety needs of the client

2.4 Assess the client's condition and identify the need for referral for immediate review by medical practitioner

2.5 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 Provide verbal advice to client and carer for the care of the limb until next appointment with medical specialist

3.4 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 removal of orthopaedic device

Anatomy and physiology relevant to orthopaedic device application and removal

Confidentiality requirements of client information

Current standards and best practice relevant to orthopaedic device application and removal

Interpretation of documentation relating to removal of orthopaedic devices

Medical terminology relevant to orthopaedic device application and removal

Organisation policy and procedures, including Infection control and WHS

Precautions and complications related to application and removal of orthopaedic devices

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 professionals

Select appropriate material and use correct techniques for removal 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 application and removal

Communicate with people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds

Correctly and safely remove a orthopaedic device

Deal with conflict

Solve problems including the 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 the 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 removing orthopaedic devices

Observation of simulation and/or role play when removing 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 removing orthopaedic devices (Documentation associated with performance reviews, supervisor/co-ordinator 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 should be assessed in conjunction with:

HLTCT405C Apply orthopaedic devices

HLTCT406D Modify 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

Arm/knee/buttock block

Benders

Bracing equipment

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:

Timeframe of cast/splint application too short

Unstable fracture

Complications may include:

Breaking skin integrity

Burning feeling in skin

Clients specific needs may include:

Age

Functional requirements or restrictions

Mobilisation difficulties or restrictions

Physical anomalies

Religious and cultural beliefs

Need to refer clients for immediate review by a medical practitioner may include:

Intense localised pain

Neurovascular status outside normal limits

Non union/instability of fracture

Wound breakdown/deterioration

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

Weight bearing status until consultation with medical specialist

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