Interested in a simple Skills Scan and Learning Progress Tracker tool for the Prosthetic and orthotic technician standard?
Knowledge
K1: The basic structure and function of the human body and function of the musculoskeletal system relevant to prosthetics and orthotics and required for the role. There will also be an understanding of the main conditions that lead to the use of prosthetic or orthotic devices such as Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis and Cerebral Palsy. In particular features of conditions such as neuropathy and phantom limb pain which may directly affect the wearing of devices.
K2: The structure and properties of materials and their appropriate application to prosthetic or orthotic hardware and clinical practice; a range of modelling techniques; how to measure and adjust a model.
K3: How manufacturing machinery and equipment works and how to maintain it to a high standard at all times, when and where to report faults; quality control and how it applies in prosthetic or orthotic design and delivery.
K4: Record the relevant manufacturing details in line with department/company’s policies; your responsibilities and duties; the limits of your competence and authority and why it is important to work in ways agreed by your employer.
K5: The patient, measurement, material and component information required to manufacture the device that has been requested.
K6: Computer aided design technology relevant to the manufacturing of related devices.
K7: Equality, diversity and inclusion legislation; how to treat people with dignity and respect; understanding how disability affects and influences prosthetic and orthotic management; the requirement to adapt practice to meet the needs of individuals dealing with emotional needs due to a range of circumstances and experiences.
K8: Recognise how communication affects engagement of an individual and to be able to apply a range of communication techniques; taking into account an individual’s emotional state, age, capacity, learning and physical ability, culture, ethnicity and religious beliefs.
K9: Ways to assist the communication requirements of individuals; including recognising the need to use interpersonal skills to encourage the active participation of individuals.
K10: The limits of own prosthetic or orthotic technical practice and when to seek advice.
K11: Informed consent and how to secure it across the age range and in line with cognitive ability; the importance of providing individuals with information that allows them to make informed decisions and safely manage their condition and supplied devices.
K12: How duty of care, medical ethics, safeguarding of adults and children apply to own practice.
K13: Health and safety legislation, policies and procedures; ways to assess risks that ensures safety and security of the prescribed device.
K14: How to maintain confidentiality and apply the principles of information governance.
K15: The importance of managing records and data in accordance with legislation, protocols local procedures and best practice.
K16: The need to participate in training, supervision and mentoring.
K17: Quality guidelines and device design principles that apply to individual devices; incident reporting and escalation.
K18: The need to keep skills and knowledge up to date and the importance of career-long learning; the value of reflection on practice and the need to record the outcome of such reflections
K19: Models and theories of support and supervision and how to safely delegate in line with legal and professional guidelines.
K20: The consequences of own actions, attitudes and behaviour
K21: How to assess and reflect upon own capabilities and limitations
Skills
S1: Manufacture the prescribed device using manual and computer aided technologies and correct materials to agreed timescales.
S2: Ensure the devise is fit for use and purpose and complies with the manufacturer/department/company quality assurance and legal requirements.
S3: Test that the device is working correctly and modify if required.
S4: Support patient/carer to maintain the device and check for breakages and faults.
S5: Check that the completed device meets the prescription provided.
S6: Act within the limits of own competence and authority.
S7: Use and maintain manufacturing machinery to carry out duties.
S8: Identify problems with the manufacturing machinery and report any defects.
S9: Provide on-going support to prosthetists and orthotists and in some instances patients\ carers.
S10: Apply a range of communication interventions and interpersonal skills to support individuals receiving prosthetic or orthotic care.
S11: Utilise IT systems to read and record information, and where appropriate using IT systems as part of the manufacturing process.
S12: Work safely and within competency level.
S13: Undertake risk assessments using a range of techniques
S14: Work collaboratively in partnership with other team members, individuals and carers.
S15: Obtain informed consent for prosthetic or orthotic care within your scope of practice.
S16: Safeguard individuals, including vulnerable adults and children.
S17: Safeguard confidential information relating to individuals at all times.
S18: Maintain records that are fit for purpose that comply with employer’s protocols and process them accordingly.
S19: Comply with local and national standards regarding reporting of medical device failures and incidents.
S20: Work as part of a team, seek help and guidance when you are not sure, escalate concerns in a timely manner to the correct person.
S21: Support or supervise colleagues as required, delegating well- defined tasks appropriately.
Behaviours
B1: Be respectful of others their beliefs, culture, needs, values and privacy.
B2: Takes ownership of work.
B3: Puts safety first for themselves and others.
Duty 1
DUTY: Plan the design and manufacturing of custom-made devices to meet the prescription and timescale, advising if there any issues which may cause difficulty in production of the device.
K1
K2
K5
K6
K7
K17
S1
S2
S5
S11
B2
Duty 2
DUTY: Carry out finishing of custom made devices.
K5
K17
S1
S2
S3
S5
B2
Duty 3
DUTY: Provide advice on technical solutions to achieve the goals for the patient to the Prosthetist and Orthotist.
K2
K5
K7
K9
K17
S1
S2
S3
S9
S10
B1
B2
Duty 4
DUTY: Construct the devices using appropriate materials, and where appropriate using computer technology for the various stages of customised manufacture and fitting.
K2
K5
K6
K8
K17
S1
S11
B2
Duty 5
DUTY: Document informed consent and maintain patient records.
K11
K12
K14
K15
S11
S15
S17
S18
Duty 6
DUTY: Provide technical assistance with the fitting of custom made devices.
K1
K2
K5
S3
S9
S15
B2
Duty 7
DUTY: Adapt communication when dealing with healthcare professionals and service users.
K8
K9
K12
S4
S9
S10
S14
S15
Duty 8
DUTY: Work directly with patients requiring mechanical repairs to their devices, carrying out repairs and modifications to custom-made devices where needed.
K1
K7
K8
K9
K11
S2
S3
S4
S9
S12
S15
B1
Duty 9
DUTY: Work within your scope of practice and as part of the team, supporting and supervising colleagues as required and escalating concerns to the current person
K4
K10
K11
K15
K16
K17
K19
K21
S4
S6
S14
S15
S20
S21
B1
B2
B3
Duty 10
DUTY: Maintain governance and safety measures in the workplace, e.g., risk assessments, safeguarding.
K3
K4
K7
K12
K13
K14
K15
K17
S2
S4
S6
S7
S8
S11
S12
S13
S15
S16
S17
S18
S19
B2
B3
Duty 11
DUTY: Use and maintain machinery identify problems and report defects.
K3
K4
S7
S8
S11
S19
Duty 12
DUTY: Take responsibility for personal development and commit to lifelong learning.
