Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:08 PM AWST

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Assist with basic foot hygiene

Assist with basic foot hygiene

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTAHA006
State Code
AVB06
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
06/08/2015
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
22/01/2016
Field of Education
061713 - Podiatry
Original Release Date
22/01/2016
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assist with basic foot hygiene under the direction of a podiatrist, including skin and nail care and applying dressings, padding and cushioning.This unit applies to allied health assistants and should be performed under the direction and supervision (direct, indirect or remote) of an allied health professional.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for basic foot hygiene
  • 1.1 Interpret and respond to client podiatry care plan and occasion of care requirements as prescribed by supervising podiatrist
  • 1.2 Determine client availability according to organisation protocols
  • 1.3 Gather necessary equipment
  • 1.4 Undertake steps to meet infection control requirements
  • 1.5 Prepare for basic foot hygiene to comply with legislation, regulatory and organisation/practice requirements
2. Perform basic foot hygiene
  • 2.1 Explain to the client the purpose, rationale and requirements of the foot hygiene session
  • 2.2 Determine the client’s understanding of the purpose, rationale and requirements of each part of the foot hygiene session
  • 2.3 Identify any condition indicating the client is at high risk that requires podiatrist attention
  • 2.4 Assist client in and out of any shoes, socks and/or hosiery
  • 2.5 Position the client prior to foot hygiene session to reduce risk to provider and client
  • 2.6 Implement necessary infection control measures
  • 2.7 Perform basic foot hygiene according to the directions of the podiatrist and using appropriate infection control precautions, especially in relation to air borne particles
  • 2.8 Apply appropriate dressings to any skin breaks which might result from treatment
  • 2.9 Provide feedback that reinforces the podiatrist’s advice
  • 2.10 Identify and manage client compliance issues
  • 2.11 Work with client to determine and plan any follow up requirements and dates
  • 2.12 Seek assistance when client presents with needs or signs outside limits of own authority
  • 2.13 Report client difficulties to the supervising podiatrist
3. Apply padding and cushioning as prescribed by the supervising podiatrist
  • 3.1 Explain to the client the purpose and rationale of the dressing, padding or cushioning
  • 3.2 Determine the client’s understanding of the purpose and rationale of the dressing, padding or cushioning
  • 3.3 Correctly position the client
  • 3.4 Implement necessary infection control measures, including disposal of used padding and cushioning according to infection control protocols
  • 3.5 Apply padding and cushioning according to directions of podiatrist
  • 3.6 Provide feedback that reinforces the podiatrist’s advice
  • 3.7 Identify and manage client compliance issues
  • 3.8 Work with client to determine and plan any follow up requirements and dates
  • 3.9 Seek assistance when client presents with needs or signs outside limits of own authority
  • 3.10 Report client difficulties to the supervising podiatrist
4. Comply with supervisory requirements
  • 4.1 Provide podiatry assistance according to the instruction of treating podiatrist
  • 4.2 Provide client progress feedback to the treating podiatrist
  • 4.3 Report client difficulties and concerns to the treating podiatrist
  • 4.4 Implement variations to the podiatry care according to the advice of the treating podiatrist
5. Clean and store equipment
  • 5.1 Collect, handle, manage and dispose of biological waste material according to organisation guidelines and infection control requirements
  • 5.2 Prepare equipment for sterilisation according to manufacturer and organisation requirements
  • 5.3 Store equipment according to manufacturers requirements and organisation protocols
  • 5.4 Report equipment faults to appropriate person
6. Document client information
  • 6.1 Document occasion of basic foot hygiene according to organisation requirements
  • 6.2 Document referral to supervising podiatrist
  • 6.3 Use appropriate terminology to document symptomatic expression of identified problems
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
WD025 HLTAH404C Assist with basic foot hygiene Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OEI60 HLTAHA030 Assist with basic foot care Unit of competency