HLTAHA028 - Deliver and monitor physical or manual therapy programs

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment tasks will be designed to reinforce & extend knowledge and skill competence within set & controlled parameters in accordance with each unit's learning outcomes & performance criteria requirements, including the setting of work-based practical application tasks designed to provide evidence of competence outcomes, within periodic and scheduled timelines.

Students will be expected to demonstrate the following required skills:

• assist in the delivery of therapeutic practices for physical or manual therapy programs as delegated by the Allied Health Professional and must include:

• at least three people receiving different treatments one in a simulated environment and two in the workplace
• one group receiving treatments in a simulated environment

• perform the activities outlined in the performance criteria of this unit during a period of at least 120 hours of allied health assistance work. At least 60% of this work must be carried out in an allied health workplace. The remaining 40% may be carried out in a simulated environment, if an allied health workplace is unavailable.

Students will also be expected to demonstrate the following knowledge:

• Allied Health Assistants' scope of role in assisting with physical and manual therapy
• responsibilities and limitations of delegating Allied Health Professional
• allied health core competencies:

• person-centred care
• individual therapy
• group therapy
• communication of information
• equipment and environment

• basic musculoskeletal anatomy:

• joint types and function
• major bones
• major muscles including actions
• major joints and joint classifications

• potential for improvement after neurological injury or illness
• physical and manual techniques
• anatomical terminology, including:

• flexion
• extension
• rotation
• abduction
• adduction
• circumduction
• inversion
• eversion
• pronation
• supination
• horizontal flexion
• horizontal extension
• protraction
• retraction
• elevation
• depression
• dorsiflexion
• plantarflexion

• therapeutic exercise principles in neurological, cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal physical therapy
• organisational policies and procedures in regard to:

• pre-session screening
• overcrowding
• ventilation and/or climate control
• hygiene
• participant to allied health worker ratios
• emergency and risk management
• standards of personal presentation
• participant’s clothing and footwear
• use, care and maintenance of equipment

• principles of exercise program design:

• progression
• specificity

• fitness program planning for improvement of health-related components of fitness:

• muscle endurance
• muscle strength
• cardiorespiratory endurance
• flexibility
• rest intervals
• required equipment
• floor plan for equipment arrangement

• circuit training session planning considerations and inclusions:

• equipment
• layout
• number of participants

• training methods and consideration of intensity:

• program types
• sets and reps
• circuits
• interval training

• contraindications and precautions
• exercises and programming requirements for:

• flexibility
• dynamic or active range of motion
• postural stability

• effects of different exercises on the major body systems:

• cardiovascular
• muscular
• nervous
• skeletal

• methods of monitoring exercise intensity, techniques and progression:

• heart rate
• rate of perceived exertion
• observation of technique

• manufacturer and exercise equipment specifications
• signs and symptoms of exercise intolerance
• motivational techniques and exercise adherence strategies
• basic anatomy and physiology of the skin and the principles of pressure area care
• record keeping practices and procedures in relation to diagnostic and therapeutic programs or treatments
• equipment and materials used in different programs and treatments
• monitoring requirements for different programs and treatments, including recording observations to ensure safety
• basic reaction to pain within the body
• signs of adverse reaction to different programs and treatment
• concepts and procedures for stepping down treatment or intervention when person becomes distressed, in pain or wishes to stop
• individualised plans, goals and limitations of therapy
• infection control policy and procedures
• work health and safety (WHS):

• manual handling
• falls prevention
• infection control practices
• use of machines

• other specific organisational policies or procedures, including supervisory and reporting protocols
• physical therapies terminology.