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 preferred for assessment of this unit

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

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

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 in the workplace is preferred

Relevant guidelines, standards and procedures

Resources essential for assessment include:

Equipment for the application and removal of plaster cast

Plaster and other relevant materials

CSD as required

Infection control procedures

Workplace health and safety guidelines

Other organisation policies and procedures

Method of assessment

Observation of some applications in the work place (as is appropriate/possible)

Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge

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

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

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:

Fundamental anatomy and physiology

Infection control policy and procedures

Interpreting documentation relevant to application of plaster

OHS work practices and procedures

Organisation policies and procedures

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Complete all activities accurately and in a timely and safe manner

Complete work systematically with attention to detail without harm to client/personnel

Comply with enterprise requirements, OHS legislation, infection control, manual handling procedures and relevant health regulations

Demonstrate effective coordination of required processes

Use correct techniques for the application and removal of plaster (subject to organisation policies and procedures)

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:

Assemble, use and clean equipment according to manufacturer specifications

Assist with the application and removal of plaster casts safely and according to organisation and infection control policies and procedures

Inform client about the procedure and cast care

Maintain client comfort and safety throughout the procedures

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

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

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

Relevant personnel may include:

Medical and nursing staff

Other health professionals

Equipment may include:

Vice

Saw with vacuum

Spreaders

Scissors

Clients may include:

Inpatients

Outpatients

Application of plaster may occur in:

Theatre

Emergency department

Ward

Outpatients department

Multi purpose centre

Appropriate support may include:

Crutches

Wheelchairs

Other walking aids

Collars and slings

Plaster boots

Relevant guidelines may include:

Organisation policies and procedures

OHS policies and procedures

Manufacturer specifications