Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:57 PM AWST

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Remove orthopaedic devices

Remove orthopaedic devices

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTCT407D
State Code
WD104
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Deleted
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
07/05/2012
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
50
Description
DescriptorThis unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to remove orthopaedic devices. Orthopaedic devices include both braces and splints that can be either prefabricated and/or customised
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare to remove orthopaedic devices
  • 1.1 Assemble and check equipment for removing orthopaedic devices to ensure that it is in clean and in working order
  • 1.2 Receive request to remove of orthopaedic device and if in doubt confirm request with relevant personnel
  • 1.3 Assess client's condition and identify precautions or potential complications associated with the removal of orthopaedic device
  • 1.4 Explain procedure to client and obtain client consent/agreement
  • 1.5 Provide the client with opportunities to ask questions and discuss areas of concern
  • 1.6 Meet the comfort and safety needs of the client and applicator
  • 1.7 Review condition of the wound and pin site and refer to relevant personnel as required
2. Remove orthopaedic device
  • 2.1 Identify client's specific needs in relation to the removal of orthopaedic device
  • 2.2 Remove the orthopaedic device according to instructions and to meet the client's needs
  • 2.3 Meet the comfort and safety needs of the client
  • 2.4 Assess the client's condition and identify the need for referral for immediate review by medical practitioner
  • 2.5 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 Provide verbal advice to client and carer for the care of the limb until next appointment with medical specialist
  • 3.4 Arrange appropriate support for the client
4. Clean working environment
  • 4.1 Dispose of waste in accordance with waste management policies
  • 4.2 Clean equipment 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 orthopaedic devices may include:
Brace
Splint


Equipment may include:
Allen keys
Arm/knee/buttock block
Benders
Bracing equipment
Hacksaw
Heat gun
Saw with vacuum
Scissors
Shears
Spanners
Spreaders
Vice


Relevant personnel may include:
Medical practitioners
Other health professionals


Clients may include:
Adolescents
Adults
Children
Elderly
In care clients and out of care clients
Infants


Assessment of client's condition may include:
Allergies
Mechanism of injury
Relevant medical history
Skin condition e.g. oedema, blisters, pressure areas, broken skin, fragile skin


Precautions may include:
Timeframe of cast/splint application too short
Unstable fracture


Complications may include:
Breaking skin integrity
Burning feeling in skin


Clients specific needs may include:
Age
Functional requirements or restrictions
Mobilisation difficulties or restrictions
Physical anomalies
Religious and cultural beliefs


Need to refer clients for immediate review by a medical practitioner may include:
Intense localised pain
Neurovascular status outside normal limits
Non union/instability of fracture
Wound breakdown/deterioration


Documentation may include:
Appliance hire documentation
Appointment forms and books
Cast check forms
Client records
Work log books


Advice given to client may include:
Limb care
Mobilisation exercises/routines
Oedema control
Weight bearing status until consultation with medical specialist


Appropriate support may include:
Arrangement of educational material
Instructions for seeking advice if required
Organisation of walking aids e.g. crutches, wheelchairs
Review client's social needs in relation to their ability to self care with a orthopaedic device
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 removing orthopaedic devices
Observation of simulation and/or role play when removing orthopaedic devises
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 removing orthopaedic devices (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:
This unit should be assessed in conjunction with:
HLTCT405C Apply orthopaedic devices
HLTCT406D Modify orthopaedic devices
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D5848 HLTCT407C Remove orthopaedic devices Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
J079 HLT41412 Certificate IV in Cast Technology Qualification