Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Provide potential client with information about services and products

1.1

Outline services and products and provide general estimates of costs of services and products

1.2

Present possible subsidised funding options for services and products to client

1.3

Provide client with estimate of time required to conduct assessment and the general procedures associated with the assessment

1.4

Advise client on general and medical documentation and footwear and orthoses required for assessment

1.5

Negotiate and confirm suitable appointment time and location for assessment

1.6

Establish client's current walking condition and need for assistance in attending assessment

2

Interpret prescription or referral information

2.1

Review prescriptions and referrals to determine action to be taken

2.2

Contact health and medical professionals or agencies to clarify issues or to obtain further information

3

Obtain pertinent personal and medical information from client

3.1

Obtain general health status and personal information to establish client profile

3.2

Obtain detailed information regarding client medical history and present health status and condition

3.3

Record information 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

Determine degree of mobility and level of assistance and support required by client

4.2

Minimise client discomfort by providing walking aids or transport devices, as required

4.3

Use a friendly and empathic communication style to reassure client and reduce anxiety or stress

4.4

Note other physical characteristics of client that may have an affect on future plans of action

4.5

Maintain assessment environment to comply with professional and accepted community standards for client comfort and privacy

4.6

Consult other suitably qualified professionals, if necessary, to discuss concerns or issues arising from client's physical or emotional state

5

Identify client's needs and expectations

5.1

Identify client lifestyle and work needs

5.2

Identify client personal short and long-term goals

5.3

Discuss client expectations related to services and products to be provided, and reach agreement between client and service provider

5.4

Answer client questions about short and long-term improvement in condition honestly and frankly

5.5

Determine client’s general suitability for service and products and discuss options with client and medical and health professionals, as required

6

Conduct physical assessment of foot and lower limb

6.1

Carry out physical examination of foot and lower limb and compare prescription and referral information compared with findings, if appropriate

6.2

Identify presence and extent of medical conditions of foot and lower limb, including any skin conditions that may affect the provision of any medical grade footwear and orthoses

6.3

Assess range of motion of foot and lower limb, function of muscles and joints, status of joints, and other factors and abnormalities, which affect the functioning of the foot, against established norms

6.4

Record information accurately and completely

7

Carry out measurements on foot, footwear and orthoses

7.1

Select appropriate measurement techniques based on client’s presenting medical problem and work health and safety (WHS) practices

7.2

Take direct and representation measurements related to shape and size of foot

7.3

Perform gait analysis to obtain baseline data of client's walk pattern and comparison to average healthy parameters

7.4

Use supplementary measurement techniques to confirm primary findings or to provide additional data

7.5

Conduct trial fit using commercial or client footwear

7.6

Examine footwear and orthoses and take measurements, as necessary

7.7

Record measurements within prescribed levels of accuracy

7.8

Analyse data derived from measurements and record results in client file using established procedures

8

Work collaboratively with other health professionals

8.1

Recognise and acknowledge roles and functions of other service providers within accepted ethical standards

8.2

Consult health care professionals and other service providers, as appropriate, and in accordance with relevant legislation, for information, advice, assistance or cooperation

8.3

Advise clients fully on indications and reasons for referral

8.4

Document client consent to release relevant information to other professionals or service providers

8.5

Provide client information to other health professionals or service providers, in accordance with medico-legal requirements and ethics related to confidentiality

8.6

Communicate outcome of referral process to initiating practitioner and service provider, orally or in writing

9

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

9.1

Analyse all information provided by client, health professionals or agencies, and analyse and prioritise measurements to provide the basis for the plan of action

9.2

Formulate a plan of action and present options to the client, in consultation with carers, health professionals or agencies, where necessary

9.3

Allocate client sufficient time to consult with other parties to make an informed decision about proposed plan of action

9.4

Develop specifications that reflect the client needs, current medical condition and feasibility to produce footwear or orthoses

9.5

Reach agreement 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, provide client with a briefing to ensure complete understanding of processes, procedures and expected outcomes