Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:19 AM AWST
22/07/2026 10:19 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Modify casts
Modify casts
Unit of competency
National Code
HLTCT402D
HLTCT402D
State Code
WD099
WD099
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Deleted
Deleted
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
05/08/2014
Field of Education
061799 - Rehabilitation Therapies, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
05/08/2014
Nominal Hours
60
Description
DescriptorThis unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to modify casts
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare to modify cast
- 1.1 Assemble and check equipment and materials for modification of casts to ensure that it is in clean and in working order
- 1.2 Receive and confirm if in doubt requirements for modification of cast with relevant personnel
- 1.3 Assess client's condition and identify precautions and potential complications of modifying cast
- 1.4 Explain procedure to client and obtain client consent/agreement
- 1.5 Provide opportunities for the client to ask questions and discuss areas of concern
- 1.6 Meet the comfort and safety needs of the client and applicator
- 1.7 Review the condition of wound and pin site and refer to relevant personnel as required
2. Modify cast
- 2.1 Position area to which cast is to be modified in accordance with industry best practice
- 2.2 Meet the comfort and safety needs of the client and applicator
- 2.3 Identify the client's specific needs in relation to modifying the cast
- 2.4 Modify cast to meet client's needs according to instructions, if required
- 2.5 Achieve correct handling to maintain/ correct/ modify soft tissue/ fracture position in accordance with pattern and/ or condition of injury
- 2.6 Complete documentation
3. Undertake post modification procedures
- 3.1 Clean client at completion of procedure
- 3.2 Ensure the neurovascular status of limb is within normal limits
- 3.3 Check the fit and functionality of cast
- 3.4 Provide written and verbal advice to client and carer regarding the care of the cast and limb
- 3.5 Fit client with sling, heel/overshoes and ambulation aids, as required
- 3.6 Instruct client and ensure client is safe on correct use of ambulation aids
- 3.7 Arrange appropriate support for client
4. Clean working environment
- 4.1 Dispose of waste in accordance with waste management policies
- 4.2 Clean equipment in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and stored safely
- 4.3 Clean work surfaces in accordance with infection control guidelines
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.
Types of casts may include:
Fully circumferential
Hip spica
Slab
Split cast
Equipment may include:
Benders
Heat pan
Plaster trap
Saw with vacuum
Scissors
Shears
Spreaders
Vice
Materials may include:
Abduction bars
Bandages
Cast shoes
Felts/foams
Hinges
Plaster
Quadrilateral bucket
Stockinettes
Strapping
Synthetic materials
Tapes
Thermoplastic materials
Undercast padding
Relevant personnel may include:
Medical practitioners
Other health professionals
Clients may include:
Adolescents
Adults
Children
Elderly
In-clients/out-clients
Infants
Assessment of client's condition may include:
Allergies
Relevant medical history
Skin condition eg oedema, blisters, pressure areas, broken skin, fragile skin
Precautions may include:
Loss of fracture position
Loss of soft tissue position
Complications may include:
Cast breakdown
Cast migration (due to loss of tissue bulk)
Compromising related injury
Fracture blisters
Loss of movement/function
Malalignment of bone
Neurovascular complications eg pressure areas
Reduced range of movement/function of joint
Secondary infection
Wound breakdown
Clients specific needs may include:
Age
Functional requirements or restrictions
Mobilisation difficulties or restrictions
Physical anomalies
Religious and cultural beliefs
Modifications of cast may include:
Converting eg completion, addition
Reinforcing
Repad
Splitting/bi-valving
Tightening
Trimming
Wedge
Windows
Documentation may include:
Appliance hire documentation
Appointment forms and books
Cast check forms
Client records
Work log books
Advice given to clients may include:
Cast, splint and brace care
Limb care
Mobilisation exercises/routines
Oedema control
Appropriate support may include:
Arrangement of educational material
Instructions for seeking advice if required
Organisation of walking aids e.g. crutches, wheelchairs
Referral to appropriate health professional
Review client's social situation in relation to their ability to self care with a cast
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.
Types of casts may include:
Fully circumferential
Hip spica
Slab
Split cast
Equipment may include:
Benders
Heat pan
Plaster trap
Saw with vacuum
Scissors
Shears
Spreaders
Vice
Materials may include:
Abduction bars
Bandages
Cast shoes
Felts/foams
Hinges
Plaster
Quadrilateral bucket
Stockinettes
Strapping
Synthetic materials
Tapes
Thermoplastic materials
Undercast padding
Relevant personnel may include:
Medical practitioners
Other health professionals
Clients may include:
Adolescents
Adults
Children
Elderly
In-clients/out-clients
Infants
Assessment of client's condition may include:
Allergies
Relevant medical history
Skin condition eg oedema, blisters, pressure areas, broken skin, fragile skin
Precautions may include:
Loss of fracture position
Loss of soft tissue position
Complications may include:
Cast breakdown
Cast migration (due to loss of tissue bulk)
Compromising related injury
Fracture blisters
Loss of movement/function
Malalignment of bone
Neurovascular complications eg pressure areas
Reduced range of movement/function of joint
Secondary infection
Wound breakdown
Clients specific needs may include:
Age
Functional requirements or restrictions
Mobilisation difficulties or restrictions
Physical anomalies
Religious and cultural beliefs
Modifications of cast may include:
Converting eg completion, addition
Reinforcing
Repad
Splitting/bi-valving
Tightening
Trimming
Wedge
Windows
Documentation may include:
Appliance hire documentation
Appointment forms and books
Cast check forms
Client records
Work log books
Advice given to clients may include:
Cast, splint and brace care
Limb care
Mobilisation exercises/routines
Oedema control
Appropriate support may include:
Arrangement of educational material
Instructions for seeking advice if required
Organisation of walking aids e.g. crutches, wheelchairs
Referral to appropriate health professional
Review client's social situation in relation to their ability to self care with a cast
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 competency unit:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
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
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace
Context of and specific resources for assessment:
Relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols
Method of assessment:
Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting (laboratory). If successful, a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision
Observation of work activities when modifying casts
Observation of simulation and/or role play when modifying casts
Discussion of physical and/or behavioural contingency scenarios involving duty of care
Authenticated transcripts of relevant education/training courses
Recognition of relevant life/work experience
Questioning, written assessments/projects, e-learning can be used to assess knowledge
Authenticated reports of experience in modifying casts(Documentation associated with performance reviews, supervisor/co-ordinator evaluations of work performance)
Training records associated with first aid, work health and safety training, orientation/induction training, safe manual handing, universal infection control procedures
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice
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
Related units:
Holistic assessment practice with other health services units of competency is encouraged
This unit should be assessed in conjunction with:
HLTAP401B Confirm physical health status
HLTCT401D Apply casts
HLTCT403D Remove casts
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
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
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace
Context of and specific resources for assessment:
Relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols
Method of assessment:
Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting (laboratory). If successful, a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision
Observation of work activities when modifying casts
Observation of simulation and/or role play when modifying casts
Discussion of physical and/or behavioural contingency scenarios involving duty of care
Authenticated transcripts of relevant education/training courses
Recognition of relevant life/work experience
Questioning, written assessments/projects, e-learning can be used to assess knowledge
Authenticated reports of experience in modifying casts(Documentation associated with performance reviews, supervisor/co-ordinator evaluations of work performance)
Training records associated with first aid, work health and safety training, orientation/induction training, safe manual handing, universal infection control procedures
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice
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
Related units:
Holistic assessment practice with other health services units of competency is encouraged
This unit should be assessed in conjunction with:
HLTAP401B Confirm physical health status
HLTCT401D Apply casts
HLTCT403D Remove casts
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D5843 | HLTCT402C | Modify casts | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J079 | HLT41412 | Certificate IV in Cast Technology | Qualification |