Assist with podiatric procedures

Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 6:43 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.

Unit of competency

National Code
HLTAHA051

State Code
OEI79

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

061713 - Podiatry

Original Release Date

15/06/2023

Nominal Hours

Description

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide assistance to a Podiatrist. Work includes assistance with minor surgical procedures of the skin and nails and preparation, modification and repair of orthotic devices and footwear.This unit applies to Allied Health Assistants and should be performed under the direct, indirect or remote supervision and delegation of Podiatrist.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Allied Health Assistant Framework, National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines, 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 a Podiatrist.
1.2. Obtain information from relevant sources and delegating Podiatrist, according to organisational policy and procedures.
1.3. Discuss and confirm with delegating Podiatrist a podiatry care plan relevant to the procedure to be undertaken and work health and safety (WHS) requirements.

2. Prepare for the surgical podiatry procedure.

2.1. Determine person’s availability according to organisational protocols.
2.2. Conform to all specified NHMRC infection control guidelines and organisational protocols for Podiatrist.
2.3. Ensure the environment in which the procedure is to be performed conforms to infection control, health safety requirements and organisational policies and procedures.
2.4. Gather necessary equipment, instruments and materials.
2.5. Prepare the environment for minor surgery, including cleansing and disinfecting of surfaces, equipment and materials.
2.6. Ensure all instruments, dressings and related materials have undergone sterilisation according to Australian Standards, organisational policies and procedures.
2.7. Ensure workflow and set up for workflow by additional persons in the environment complies with Australian Standards, NHMRC Infection Prevention Control Guidelines, and organisational policies and procedures.

3. Assist with the surgical podiatry procedure.

3.1. Determine procedural requirements from the person’s records and the treating Podiatrist.
3.2. Provide the physical environment required to meet procedural requirements in a manner that is safe and conforms with infection control protocols as delegated by the Podiatrist.
3.3. Follow the directions of the Podiatrist to provide assistance during the procedure.
3.4. Follow all infection control and WHS protocols to ensure the procedure conforms to legislated requirements and organisational policies and procedures.
3.5. Assist with care and supervision of the person during and immediately after procedure.
3.6. Follow directions for instrument handling, equipment handling material handling and any additional assistance required from the Podiatrist and within a sterile environment.
3.7. Safely and correctly use equipment and instrumentation to collect assessment information.
3.8. Follow Australian Standards organisational policies and procedures for the safe handling and disposal of hazardous and sharps materials.
3.9. Provide documentation assistance and support as directed by the Podiatrist.

4. Assist with templating for manufacture of orthotic devices.

4.1. Determine requirements from the person’s records and treating Podiatrist.
4.2. Gather equipment and materials required for templating and foot measurement.
4.3. Provide the physical environment required to meet procedural requirements in a manner that is safe as directed by the Podiatrist.
4.5. Assist with templating and foot measurement according to delegating Podiatrist’s instruction.
4.6. Work with delegating Podiatrist according to organisational policies and procedures, to determine follow up and further appointments.

5. Assist with modification to orthoses and footwear.

5.1. Determine procedural requirements from the person’s records and the treating Podiatrist.
5.2. Seek assistance or clarification to procedural directions.
5.3. Provide the physical environment required to meet procedural requirements in a manner that is safe.
5.4. Assist with modifications according to the treatment plan and prescriptions from supervising Podiatrist.
5.5. Present modified orthoses or footwear to Podiatrist for assessment.
5.6. Interpret and respond to instructions from delegating Podiatrist regarding further procedural or modification requirements.
5.7. Provide instructions and assistance as directed by the Podiatrist.
5.8. Work with Podiatrist and person according to organisational policies and procedures, to determine follow up and further appointments.
5.9. Use machinery and equipment for modifications in accordance with manufacturer guidelines, WHS requirements and organisational policies and procedures.

6. Assist with support and advice to person in the selection of footwear.

6.1. Under the supervision of the Podiatrist use devices and procedures to measure for fit.
6.2. Confirm measurements with supervising Podiatrist.
6.3. Under the supervision of the Podiatrist support and educate person in the selection of footwear and fit.
6.4. Seek assistance or clarification to procedural directions.
6.5. Work with Podiatrist and person according to organisational policies and procedures, to determine follow up and further appointments.

7. Comply with supervisory requirements.

7.1. Provide podiatry assistance according to the instruction of delegating Podiatrist.
7.2. Provide progress feedback to the treating Podiatrist.
7.3. Seek assistance when person presents with needs or signs outside limits of own scope of role.
7.4. Report difficulties and concerns to the delegating Podiatrist.
7.5. Implement variations to the podiatry care in accordance with the delegating Podiatrist.

8. Clean, sterilise and store equipment.

8.1. Clean equipment according to manufacturer instructions and organisational policies and procedures.
8.2. Prepare equipment and instruments for sterilisation according to Australian Standards, NHMRC infection control guidelines and organisational policies and procedures.
8.3. Store equipment according to manufacturer instructions and organisational policies and procedures.
8.4. Report equipment faults according to organisational policies and procedures.
8.5. Ensure the consultation environment is maintained according to NHMRC infection control guidelines and organisational policies and procedures.

9. Document information.

9.1. Follow organisational policies and procedures to document person's information.
9.2. Use health terminology when documenting person’s information.

No information

Replaces

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
AVB05	HLTAHA007	Assist with podiatric procedures	Unit of competency

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
BIC9	HLT43021	Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance	Qualification
AE998	HLTSS00079	Allied Health Assistance - Podiatry Skill Set	Skill set