Unit of competency details

Descriptor 

This unit describes the knowledge and skills required to provide basic foot skin and foot nail care to clients

Application 

This unit may apply to work with older people in a range of residential and community service contexts

This level of support does not involve the professional input from a podiatrist

In cases where a client is being supported by a podiatrist the appropriate unit of competency is:

• HLTAH404B Assist with basic foot hygiene

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 basic foot skin and nail care

1.1 Confirm that prior assessment of person's feet by relevant health professional has identified need for basic foot skin and nail care services which are appropriate for worker's role

1.2 Confirm client  requirements for foot care according to personal needs support plan

1.3 Provide a safe and comfortable setting

1.4 Gather necessary equipment and materials 

1.5 Implement appropriate infection control guidelines

2. Perform basic foot skin and nail care

2.1 Explain foot skin and nail care procedures to the client

2.2 Assist the client to remove and put on shoes, socks and hosiery, where necessary

2.3 Correctly position the client for foot skin and nail care

2.4 Perform nail filing according to personal needs support plan and using appropriate infection control procedures

2.5 Wash and dry feet according to individualised plan, implementing appropriate infection control procedures

2.6 Perform foot skin care according to personal needs support plan and using appropriate infection control procedures

2.7 Identify an indicators of foot issues requiring  attention outside basic nail and skin care and make appropriate referral  in a timely manner

3. Clean and store equipment and materials

3.1 Collect, handle, manage and dispose of biological waste material according to organisation/setting guidelines and infection control requirements

3.2 Clean and store equipment according to manufacturers guidelines, setting protocols and infection control requirements

4. Document client information

4.1 Document basic foot, skin and nail care according to organisation requirements

4.2 Document any factors that indicate podiatry attention may be required and communicate according to organisation requirements

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

These include:

• Basic anatomy and physiology of the foot and basic understanding of foot pathology
• Basic pathology of nails
• Basic understanding of structure and functioning of skin and integuments
• Indicators suggestive of the need for podiatry assistance
• Infection control protocols relevant to foot care
• Principles of basic foot hygiene
• Record-keeping requirements
• Relevant organisation policies and procedures
• The function of medicaments, including:

• emollients
• astringents
• moisturisers
• antiseptics

Essential skills :

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

• Wash, clean, dry and monitor feet of clients
• Safely and effectively file non-pathological toenails
• Identify indicators of pathological nail and skin conditions
• Apply medicaments, including:

• emollients
• astringents
• moisturisers
• antiseptics

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

These include the ability to:

• Apply appropriate occupational health and safety (OHS) and infection control requirements
• Effectively make appropriate referral based on organisation procedures and protocols
• Maintain relevant records
• Take into account and use opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues
• Use effective observation skills

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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 unit of competency :

• The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
• This unit is best assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace under the normal range of conditions
• Consistency in performance should consider the particular workplace context

Access and equity considerations :

• All workers in community services should be aware of access, equity and human rights 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 issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on 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 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Context of and specific resources for assessment :

• This unit can be delivered and assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other community services units of competency is encouraged
• Resources required for assessment of this unit include access to:

• an appropriate workplace where assessment can take place or simulation of realistic workplace setting for assessment

Method of assessment :

• In cases where the learner does not have the opportunity to cover all relevant aspects in the work environment, the remainder should be assessed through realistic simulations, projects, previous relevant experience or oral questioning on 'What if?' scenarios
• Assessment of this unit of competence will usually include observation of processes and procedures, oral and/or written questioning on Essential knowledge and skills and consideration of required attitudes
• Where performance is not directly observed and/or is required to be demonstrated over a 'period of time' and/or in a 'number of locations', any evidence should be authenticated by colleagues, supervisors, clients or other appropriate persons

RANGE STATEMENT 

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.

Equipment and materials may include :

• Files
• Medicaments, including:

• antiseptics
• astringents
• emollients

• moisturisers
• Personal protective equipment such as eyewear, gloves, masks

Indicators of foot issues requiring  attention include :

• Altered nail status
• Altered skin integrity and status

Client may include :

• Clients at low risk of foot complications (may include older person and person with a disability)

Appropriate referral may include :

• Direct referral to podiatrist
• Informing carer
• Informing supervisor