Unit of competency details

HLT07 Version 4

HLT07 Version 5

Comments

HLTAH402B Assist with physiotherapy treatments and interventions

HLTAH402C Assist with physiotherapy treatments and interventions

ISC upgrade changes to remove references to old OHS legislation and replace with references to new WHS legislation. No change to competency outcome.

Descriptor 

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to support a range of physiotherapy treatments, including respiratory support

Application 

The application of knowledge and skills described in this competency unit may relate to functions that assist with treatment and interventions developed by a physiotherapist. This could take place in a range of health settings

Work performed requires a range of well developed skills where some discretion and judgment is required and individuals will take responsibility for their own outputs

Allied Health Assistants operate within the scope of their defined roles and responsibilities and under supervision of a physiotherapist

Application of electrotherapeutic treatment with electrotherapy appliances is restricted to physiotherapists

For training and assessment pathways, experience in workplace application of the skills and knowledge identified in this competency unit should be provided as required to support allied health professions

Pre-requisite units 

This unit must be assessed after successful achievement of pre-requisite units:

• HLTAP301B Recognise healthy body systems in a health care context
• HLTCSD305D Assist with client movement
• HLTAH301C Assist with an allied health program

Employability Skills 

This unit contains Employability Skills

Elements define the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

The Performance Criteria specify the level of performance required to demonstrate achievement of the Element. Terms in italics are elaborated in the Range Statement.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare for the delivery of a treatment program

1.1 Obtain information about the treatment or intervention from the physiotherapist

1.2 Determine client availability according to organisation protocols

1.3 Determine availability of treatment space, if required

1.4 Gather the equipment to deliver the treatment program, in line with client needs and specifications of the physiotherapist, ensuring safe handling of electrical modalities

2. Conduct physiotherapy treatment and interventions

2.1 Confirm client's understanding of the program based on treatment plan prepared by the physiotherapist

2.2 Obtain informed consent from the client before commencing the exercise program

2.3 Where electrotherapeutic appliances are used, assist in positioning of client and equipment for physiotherapist to verify

2.4 Report any client misunderstanding or confusion to the physiotherapist in a timely manner

2.5 Guide the client to complete the participate in the treatment program as determined by physiotherapist

2.6 Identify and note any difficulties the client experiences completing the physiotherapy treatment and interventions and report to physiotherapist in a timely manner

2.7 Identify and manage client compliance issues, including subjective and objective reporting of client response to the program, and report to the physiotherapist in a timely manner

2.8 Provide feedback to the client to reinforce client understanding of treatment program and progress

2.9 Seek assistance when client presents with needs or signs outside limits of own authority, skills and/or knowledge

2.10 Report client difficulties to the supervising physiotherapist for advice before continuing the prescribed exercise program

3. Clean and store equipment

3.1 Clean equipment according to manufacturer's recommendations, infection control requirements and organisation protocols under direct supervision of physiotherapist

3.2 Store equipment according to manufacturer's recommendations and the organisation's protocols

3.3 Check and maintain equipment according to organisation protocols and physiotherapist's guidelines

3.4 Report equipment faults to the appropriate person(s)

3.5 Label or tag equipment faults, where possible remove from use if unsafe or not working and inform staff in line with organisation procedures

3.6 Ensure physiotherapist is present when cleaning or testing electrotherapy equipment

4. Report and document information

4.1 Provide client progress feedback to the treating physiotherapist

4.2 Report client difficulties and concerns to the treating physiotherapist in a timely manner

4.3 Implement variations to the treatment program according to the instructions of the physiotherapist

4.4 Document information about the treatment program according to the organisation's protocols

4.5 Use appropriate terminology to document client response, outcomes and identified problems related to the treatment program

5. Comply with supervisory requirements

5.1 Assist with exercise program according to the instruction of treating physiotherapist

5.2 Provide client progress feedback to the treating physiotherapist

5.3 Report client difficulties and concerns to the treating physiotherapist in a timely manner

5.4 Implement variations to the exercise program according to the advice of the treating physiotherapist

5.5 Assist with client and machine positioning and treatment under direct supervision of the treating physiotherapist

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:

• A working knowledge of the rationale and processes for different programs and treatments
• A working understanding of the basic anatomy and physiology of the lungs
• A working knowledge of the basic reaction to pain within the body
• A working knowledge of the signs of adverse reactions to different programs and treatments
• A working understanding of the psychological effects of disability due to injury or disease and strategies used to cope with this
• A working understanding of the dangers of electrotherapeutical modalities and the risks involved to client and staff in the vicinity of such apparatus
• Relevant National and State/Territory legislation and guidelines, including Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) Guidelines
• Roles, responsibilities and limitations of own role and other allied health team members and nursing, medical and other personnel
• A working knowledge of factors that facilitate an effective and collaborative working relationship
• A working knowledge of the equipment and materials used in different programs and treatments
• A working knowledge of the monitoring requirements for different programs and treatments
• A working knowledge of record keeping practices and procedures in relation to diagnostic and therapeutic programs/treatments
• Work health and safety (WHS) policies and procedures that relate to the allied health assistant's role in implementing physiotherapy mobility and movement programs
• Infection control policies and procedures that relate to the allied health assistant's role in implementing physiotherapy mobility and movement programs
• Supervisory and reporting protocols of the organisation

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

• Complete electrotherapy support and respiratory support
• Apply understanding of the danger of adverse events occurring with electrotherapy treatments
• Use procedures to move and position clients in a safe manner

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:

• Work under direct and indirect supervision
• Work independently and as part of a (multidisciplinary) team
• Report back changes in client performance
• Communicate effectively with clients in a therapeutic/treatment relationship
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and co-workers
• Work effectively with non-compliant clients
• Use skills in time management, personal organisation and establishing priorities

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 essential 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 must include demonstrated workplace application
• Relevant guidelines, standards and procedures
• Resources essential for assessment include:

• Clients with therapeutic needs
• Equipment
• Documentation
• Supervisory physiotherapist

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
• Skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated setting (eg. laboratory). If successful, a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision

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 and
• through use of electronic communications media such as telephone or video conferencing, where necessary

• 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

Clients may include:

• Adults
• Children and young people
• Older people
• People with communication difficulties

Settings may include:

• Hospitals
• Community health services
• Private practice
• Client homes
• Aged care residential settings

Information may include:

• Client care plan
• Exercise plan
• Client treatment plan
• Physiotherapist instructions
• Client record
• Checklists
• Case notes
• Other forms according to procedures of the organisation

Treatments may include:

• Pain and comfort management
• Respiratory care
• Control of oedema

Clinical standards, guidelines, policies and procedures may include:

• Clinical standards (state and national)
• Industry professional bodies
• Industry standards (state and national) and associated legislative requirements
• Organisation policy directives
• Privacy Act
• Relevant Australian Standards
• Physiotherapy Registration Acts (State based)

Client compliance refers to:

• Ability to follow instructions or suggestions
• Willingness to follow instructions or suggestions
• Cognitive decline