ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Provide potential client with information about services and products

1.1 Services and products provided are outlined and general estimates of costs of services and products are provided

1.2 Possible subsidised funding options for services or products are presented to client

1.3 Client is provided with estimate of time required to conduct assessment and the general procedures associated with the assessment

1.4 Client is advised on general and medical documentation and footwear and orthoses required for assessment

1.5 Suitable appointment time and location for assessment are negotiated and confirmed

1.6 Client's current walking condition and need for assistance in attending assessment are discussed

2 Interpret prescription or referral information

2.1 Prescriptions and referrals are reviewed to determine action to be taken

2.2 Health, medical professionals or agencies are contacted to clarify issues or to obtain further information

3 Obtain pertinent personal and medical information from client

3.1 General health status and personal information is obtained to establish client profile

3.2 Detailed information is obtained regarding client medical history and present health status and condition

3.3 Information is recorded accurately and completely to assist in determining possible plans of action

4 Observe general physical and emotional state of client and implement supportive actions

4.1 Degree of mobility and level of assistance and support required by client are noted

4.2 Client discomfort is minimised by providing walking aids or transport devices, as required

4.3 A friendly and empathic communication style is used to reassure client and reduce anxiety or stress

4.4 Other physical characteristics of client that may have an affect on future plans of action are noted

4.5 The assessment environment complies with professional and accepted community standards for client comfort and privacy and OHS practices

4.6 Other suitably qualified professionals are consulted with, if necessary to discuss concerns or issues arising from client physical or emotional state

5 Identify client's needs and expectations

5.1 Client lifestyle and work needs are identified

5.2 Client personal short- and long-term goals are identified

5.3 Client expectations related to services and products to be provided are discussed and agreement reached between client and service provider

5.4 Client questions about short- and long-term improvement in condition are answered honestly and frankly

5.5 Client general suitability for service and products are determined and options discussed with client and medical or health professionals, as required

6 Conduct physical assessment of foot and lower limb

6.1 Physical examination of foot and lower limb is carried out and prescription and referral information compared with findings, if appropriate

6.2 Presence and extent of medical conditions of foot and lower limb are identified, including types and grades of any skin conditions that may affect the provision of medical grade footwear and orthoses

6.3 Range of motion of foot and lower limb, function of muscles and joints, status of joints, and other factors and abnormalities that affect the functioning of the foot are assessed against established norms

6.4 Information is recorded accurately and completely

7 Carry out measurements on foot, footwear and orthoses

7.1 Appropriate measurement techniques are selected based on client's presenting medical problem

7.2 Direct and representation measurements are taken related to shape and size of foot

7.3 Gait analysis is performed to obtain baseline data of client's walk pattern, including any deviation from norms and lower back and pelvic consequences of client's gait

7.4 Supplementary measurement techniques are used to confirm primary findings or to provide additional data

7.5 Trial fit is conducted using commercial or client's footwear

7.6 Footwear and orthoses are examined and measurements taken, as necessary

7.7 Measurements are recorded within prescribed levels of accuracy

7.8 Data derived from measurements is analysed and results recorded in client file using established procedures

8 Work collaboratively with other health professionals

8.1 Roles and functions of other service providers are recognised and acknowledged within accepted ethical standards

8.2 Health care professionals and other service providers are consulted, as appropriate, and in accordance with relevant legislation, for information, advice, assistance or cooperation

8.3 Clients are fully advised as to indications and reasons for referral

8.4 Client consent to release relevant information to other professionals or service providers is documented

8.5 Client information is provided to other health professionals or service providers, in accordance with medico-legal requirements and ethics related to confidentiality

8.6 Outcome of referral process is communicated to initiating practitioner or service provider, verbally or in writing

9 Develop a management plan and seek approval of client and other parties to implement plan

9.1 All information provided by client, health professionals or agencies and measurements are analysed and prioritised to provide the basis for a plan of action

9.2 Plan of action is formulated and options are presented to the client, in consultation with carers, health professionals or agencies, where necessary

9.3 Client is allocated sufficient time to consult with other parties to make an informed decision about proposed plan of action

9.4 Specifications are developed that reflect client needs, and current medical condition, and feasibility to produce footwear or orthoses

9.5 Agreement is reached with client, and other parties if necessary, regarding costs, timelines and payment schedules to implement plan of action

9.6 Prior to commencement of any stage of the plan of action, client is provided with a briefing to ensure complete understanding of processes, procedures and expected outcomes