Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:15 AM AWST
22/07/2026 10:15 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 orthopaedic devices
Modify orthopaedic devices
Unit of competency
National Code
HLTCT406D
HLTCT406D
State Code
WD103
WD103
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 orthopaedic devices. Simple modifications, which do not alter the intent of the orthopaedic device, may be performed at the technician's discretion
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare to modify orthopaedic devices
- 1.1 Assemble and check equipment for modifying orthopaedic devices to ensure that it is in clean and in working order
- 1.2 Receive request for modification 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 modification 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. Modify orthopaedic device
- 2.1 Appropriately position the area to which the orthopaedic device is to be modified
- 2.2 Identify client's specific needs in relation to the modification of orthopaedic device
- 2.3 Meet the comfort and safety needs of the client and applicator
- 2.4 Modify the orthopaedic device according to instructions and to meet the client's needs
- 2.5 Achieve correct moulding to maintain soft tissue or fracture position in accordance with pattern 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 orthopaedic device
- 3.4 Provide client and carer with written and verbal advice for the care of the limb and orthopaedic device
- 3.5 Fit client with sling, heel/overshoes and ambulation aids, as required
- 3.6 Instruct client on the correct use of the ambulation aids , as required and ensure client is safe in the use of these aids
- 3.7 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
Benders
Bracing equipment
Drill and drill bits
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:
Areas of broken skin
Conditions that result in a significant functional disability that may limit a person's ability to manage a cast/splint
Conditions that result in fragile skin
Complications may include:
Compromising related injury
Fracture blisters
Loss of movement/function
Malalignment of bone
Neurovascular complications e.g. pressure areas
Orthopaedic device migration (due to loss of tissue bulk)
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
Phobias
Physical anomalies
Religious and cultural beliefs
Modifications of orthopaedic device may include:
Addition
Completion
Converting
Give more/less range of movement
Reinforcing/strengthening
Reline
Repad
Tightening
Trimming
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
Orthopaedic device care
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
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
Benders
Bracing equipment
Drill and drill bits
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:
Areas of broken skin
Conditions that result in a significant functional disability that may limit a person's ability to manage a cast/splint
Conditions that result in fragile skin
Complications may include:
Compromising related injury
Fracture blisters
Loss of movement/function
Malalignment of bone
Neurovascular complications e.g. pressure areas
Orthopaedic device migration (due to loss of tissue bulk)
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
Phobias
Physical anomalies
Religious and cultural beliefs
Modifications of orthopaedic device may include:
Addition
Completion
Converting
Give more/less range of movement
Reinforcing/strengthening
Reline
Repad
Tightening
Trimming
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
Orthopaedic device care
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 modifying orthopaedic devices
Observation of simulation and/or role play when modifying 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 modifying orthopaedic devices (Documentation associated with performance reviews, supervisor/coordinator 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 can be assessed independently, however 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
HLTCT405D Apply orthopaedic devices
HLTCT407D Remove orthopaedic devices
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 orthopaedic devices
Observation of simulation and/or role play when modifying 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 modifying orthopaedic devices (Documentation associated with performance reviews, supervisor/coordinator 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 can be assessed independently, however 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
HLTCT405D Apply orthopaedic devices
HLTCT407D Remove orthopaedic devices
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D5847 | HLTCT406C | Modify orthopaedic devices | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J079 | HLT41412 | Certificate IV in Cast Technology | Qualification |