Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:13 AM AWST

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Provide support in dysphagia management

Provide support in dysphagia management

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTAHA035
State Code
OEI30
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
25/11/2022
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
15/06/2023
Field of Education
061707 - Speech Pathology
Original Release Date
15/06/2023
Nominal Hours
45
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide assistance to a Speech Pathologist. Work includes supporting persons participating in therapy programs to improve swallowing or to maintain independence in the management of dysphagia.This unit applies to Allied Health Assistants and should be performed under the direct, indirect or remote supervision and delegation of a Speech Pathologist.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Allied Health Assistant Framework, 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.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Receive delegation and gather information.
  • 1.1. Obtain written or verbal delegation for an allied health activity from the Speech Pathologist.
  • 1.2. Obtain information from delegating Speech Pathologist, according to organisational policy and procedures.
  • 1.3. Discuss and confirm with delegating Speech Pathologist work health and safety (WHS) requirements, the need for an interpreter and treatment requirements.
2. Deliver therapeutic program as delegated by Speech Pathologist.
  • 2.1. Ensure consent is obtained from the individual, or a third party where applicable.
  • 2.2. Confirm the therapeutic outcomes defined in the program with the person and the Speech Pathologist.
  • 2.3. Provide mealtime assistance to the person, as delegated by the Speech Pathologist, including positioning and strategies to support swallowing and maximum level of independence and safety of eating and drinking.
  • 2.4. Prepare texture modified foods and fluids as delegated by the Speech Pathologist and in accordance with organisational procedures.
  • 2.5. Use motivators that reflect age and communication ability of the person.
  • 2.6. Provide the person time, opportunity and encouragement to practise existing and newly developed skills.
  • 2.7. Support the person during assessment of swallowing, performed by the delegating Speech Pathologist.
  • 2.8. Deliver supplementary treatment programs as delegated by the Speech Pathologist.
3. Monitor management of dysphagia with Speech Pathologist and care team.
  • 3.1. Identify and record areas of positive progress and success and specific difficulties with the delegating Speech Pathologist, care team and the individual.
  • 3.2. Provide feedback and advice provided by the care team about the person’s approach and ability to manage their dysphagia.
  • 3.3. Reinforce the benefits of continuing to practise and develop skills and knowledge for dysphagia management.
  • 3.4. Identify adverse reactions or events associated with dysphagia and escalate according to organisational procedures.
4. Comply with supervisory requirements.
  • 4.1. Consult with delegated Speech Pathologist when additional information is required.
  • 4.2. Seek assistance when the person presents with needs or signs outside limits of own scope of role, skills or knowledge.
  • 4.3. Report the person's difficulties to the delegating Speech Pathologist before continuing the program.
  • 4.4. Participate in supervision processes with the delegating Speech Pathologist in accordance with organisational procedures.
5. Document information.
  • 5.1. Document information relating to the person's rehabilitation program in line with organisational requirements.
  • 5.2. Provide regular feedback to the delegating Speech Pathologist.
  • 5.3.Use professional terminology to document symptomatic expression of identified problems related to the person's rehabilitation program.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
AVA99 HLTAHA013 Provide support in dysphagia management Unit of competency