Application

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide assistance to a Podiatrist. Work includes assistance with minor surgical procedures of the skin and nails and preparation, modification and repair of orthotic devices and footwear.
This unit applies to Allied Health Assistants and should be performed under the direct, indirect or remote supervision and delegation of Podiatrist.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Allied Health Assistant Framework, National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines, Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

What You'll Learn

Assessment Requirements

Performance Evidence

Evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit in the context of the job role, and:
• assist with a minimum of seven different procedures, including:
• minor surgical procedure assistance
• basic screening
• orthotic or footwear preparation and modification
• work safely and effectively with electrical equipment, machinery, hazardous and other materials including:
• animal derived leathers
• synthetics
• solvents
• adhesives
• perform the activities outlined in the performance criteria of this unit during a period of at least 120 hours of allied health assistance work. At least 60% of this work must be carried out in an allied health workplace. The remaining 40% may be carried out in a simulated environment, if an allied health workplace is unavailable.

Knowledge Evidence

Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit:
• podiatry procedures, including:
• orthotic manufacture or modification
• screening
• minor podiatry surgical procedures
• conditions treated by a Podiatrist
• basic anatomy and physiology of the skin and nails relevant for the role
• structure and function of the skin and integuments
• common pathological conditions of the skin and nails
• disease processes relevant to the person group/s
• identification and purpose of podiatry surgical instruments
• basic biomechanics of the lower limb
• principles and guidelines of orthotic devices
• principles of footwear selection and fitting
• treatment plans, foot care or podiatry plans
• goals and limitations of podiatry intervention
• medical terminology in relation to podiatric procedures
• organisational policies and procedures relating to:
• confidentiality:
• privacy
• disclosure
• duty of care
• documentation:
• reporting
• recording data
• written communication to Podiatrist
• professional behaviour and presentation
• work health and safety (WHS)
• manual handling
• supervisory requirements and delegation
• NHMRC infection control guidelines
• scope of practice of the Allied Health Assistant and Podiatrist
• principles of empowering the older person
• principles of empowering people living with disability or serious mental illness
• changes related to ageing
• concepts of holistic health and wellbeing
• social determinants of health
• concepts of the medical model, the biopsychosocial models and the human rights-based approach of allied health interventions
• principles of choice and control
• concept of reablement
• manufacturer instructions
• allied health settings:
• hospital
• community health
• mental health
• disability sector
• aged care sectors
• private practice.

Assessment Conditions

Skills may be demonstrated in the workplace, or in a simulated environment, as per the conditions outlined in the performance evidence.
Assessment must ensure access to:
• suitable facilities, equipment and resources that reflect real working conditions and model industry operating conditions and contingencies
• manufacturer instructions
• individualised plans and any relevant equipment outlined in the plan
• organisational policies and procedures
• opportunities for engagement with real people accessing allied health services.
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations requirements for assessors, and:
• be a Certificate IV qualified Allied Health Assistant with a minimum of three years of professional experience in allied health services; or
• a registered Podiatrist.

Foundation Skills

• {'skill': 'Foundation Skills', 'description': 'Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.'}

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