Application

This unit of competency describes the performance outcomes skills and knowledge required to remove casts.
The unit applies to orthopaedic technologists who work in healthcare settings, including operating theatres, emergency departments, wards and out of care client departments.
Work is performed at the request of, and in consultation with, medical professionals. Some discretion and judgement are required, and individuals take responsibility for the quality of their outputs.
All activities are carried out in accordance with organisational policies, procedures and infection control guidelines.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with 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:
• remove one of each of the following casts:
• bivalve cast
• fully circumferential
• hip spica
• slab
• split cast.
The removal of each of the above must include:
• interpreting referrals, sourcing information, liaising with the healthcare team and following instructions within the healthcare setting
• reviewing, treating, advising and referring clients:
• paediatrics
• adults
• selecting, using and maintaining equipment:
• benders and cast breakers
• eye protection equipment
• hearing protection
• plaster cutting strip
• saw with vacuum
• scissors
• shears
• spreaders
• documenting clinical records.

Knowledge Evidence

Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit:
• procedures relevant to cast removal:
• client confidentiality and privacy
• client consent
• duty of care
• infection control
• inventory
• work health and safety
• role and responsibilities and boundaries of responsibilities relevant to cast removal
• anatomy and physiology relevant to cast removal
• methods for interpreting radiological findings and features of x-rays, CT scans and MRI scans relating to casts and the presenting condition
• conditions for referral of clients for immediate review by a medical practitioner:
• evidence of infection
• intense localised pain
• neurovascular status outside normal limits
• wound breakdown and deterioration
• individual client needs:
• developmental stage including paediatrics and adults
• in clients and out clients
• functional requirements and restrictions
• mobilisation difficulties and restrictions
• level of anxiety
• physical anomalies
• religious and cultural beliefs
• environment and climate
• pathology and assessment of client conditions:
• allergies
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
• mechanism of injury
• interference
• non-union fracture
• oedematous extremity
• wires, pins, external fixatures and surgical wounds
• medical history and co-morbidities
• skin condition including oedema, blisters, pressure areas, broken skin, fragile skin and wound breakdown
• contraindication types, characteristics and resolution:
• unstable fracture
• complication types, characteristics and resolution:
• breaking skin integrity
• burning feeling in skin
• cast modification equipment purpose, selection, safe use and maintenance:
• benders and cast breakers
• eye protection equipment
• hearing protection
• plaster cutting strip
• saw with vacuum
• scissors
• shears
• spreaders
• cast removal techniques:
• anatomical positioning
• fully circumferential
• hip spica
• slab
• split cast
• bivalve cast
• types of client advice:
• limb care and neurovascular warnings
• mobilisation exercises and routines
• oedema control
• fitness to drive
• weight bearing status
• safe use of aides
• clinical record requirements
• medical terminology relevant to cast removal.

Assessment Conditions

Skills must be demonstrated in a real workplace with real patients in a clinical environment with the addition of simulations and scenarios with real people where the full range of contexts and situations cannot be provided in the workplace.
Where simulation is used, it must reflect real working conditions in a clinical environment by modelling industry operating conditions and contingencies, as well as using suitable facilities, equipment and resources.
Assessment must ensure use of:
• procedures relevant to cast removal
• clients listed in the Performance Evidence
• equipment listed in the Performance Evidence
• aids listed in the Performance Evidence
• personal protective equipment (PPE)
• manufacturer’s instructions for all equipment and materials.
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations’ requirements for assessors; and have current clinical experience working as an Orthopaedic Technologist or Technician providing services to the general public.

Foundation Skills

• {'skill': 'Oral communication skills to:', 'description': 'ask open and closed questions and actively listen to determine and meet needs of client; communicate with people from diverse backgrounds; manage conflict.'}
• {'skill': 'Numeracy skills to:', 'description': 'read, use and discuss spatial and measurement information in referrals, x-rays, CT scans and MRI scans.'}
• {'skill': 'Teamwork skills to:', 'description': 'collaborate and cooperate with multidisciplinary teams and healthcare professionals.'}
• {'skill': 'Technology skills to:', 'description': 'access and record clinical records and referrals.'}

Related Units

• HLTHPS009 — Perform peripheral intravenous cannulation
  Same training package
• HLTARO003 — Perform aromatherapy health assessments
  Same training package
• HLTAHA038 — Support the use of orthoses or prostheses
  Same training package
• HLTAHA051 — Assist with podiatric procedures
  Same training package
• HLTOPD006 — Assist with optical appliance selection and maintenance
  Same training package
• HLTAADV001 — Support clients to access health services
  Same training package