Orthopaedic Technologist

Overview

Who is Orthopaedic Technologist?

In acute and clinical settings, orthopaedic technicians/technologists are medically trained professionals who assist doctors and orthopaedic surgeons. They are plaster and synthetic cast application experts and are in charge of providing patients with information on this form of treatment. Orthopaedic technologists help with patient care and maybe in charge of paperwork as well.

Typical day at work

What does Orthopaedic Technologist do?

Orthopaedic technicians assist orthopaedic surgeons, who are doctors who have received specialized training in the treatment and operation of the skeletal system. Orthopaedic technicians assist with patient care and may also be in charge of the documentation. A typical day for an orthopaedic technician would include some or all of the following tasks: assisting in the operation of orthopaedic clinics by answering phone calls from patients; scheduling appointments; coordinating patient flow; rooming patients; and assisting with referrals to other services such as physical therapy.

Job description, Profiles, Roles and Duties:

• In charge of applying, adjusting and removing the cast
• Application of cast by utilizing plaster or synthetic materials
• Measurement and fitting orthopaedic equipment and ambulatory aids for patients
• Help in traction operation, maintenance and modification (skin, skeletal as well as manual)
• Use a sterile technique to take out sutures, k- wires, pins and external fixators
• Application and removal of dressings and assessing wound condition before further treatment
• Making and applying splints and bandages
• Educate the patient/family to take care of the cast, slab and skincare
• Strengthen physician's instructions of medical information on particular injury and treatment
• Ordering and maintaining various types of equipment
• Take care of orthopaedic supplies
• Elimination of sutures, staples, K-wires, pins and exterior fixators utilizing appropriate technique
• Team up, as needed, with other health practitioners like physicians, nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists
• Communicate with other departments (medical records, radiology) to acquire the resources required to support patient care
• Ensuring dignity and confidentiality of patients
• In charge of cataloguing and documenting precise notes and records
• Responsible for diagramming and documentation, and accurate records and notes
• Deliver other health coaching and demonstration of casting procedures to professionals (pupils, interns) on call

Abilities & aptitude needed

What are the skills, abilities & aptitude needed to become Orthopaedic Technologist?

• An orthopaedic technologist deals with patients and paperwork daily. A major chunk of the job entails the skill to gauge several situations and apply the technique that will best serve the patient. Communication skills are also critical in this role, to team up with other members of the healthcare team, mainly in the orthopaedic division, and sometimes, as is the skill to communicate with patients- particularly those who may be in discomfort or extreme pain.
• In addition to being experts in the various materials and tools involved in the application and removal of casts, splints, and braces, orthopaedic technologists must demonstrate a strong awareness of the terminologies involved in anatomy, physiology, and medicine.
• They have to demonstrate good interpersonal aptitude to work with patients and teach them to take care of their injuries and build positive relationships with patients/families. If an orthopaedic technician enters the operating room to help orthopaedic surgeons, he or she must be well-versed with protocols regarding sterilization and infection.
• The Orthopedic Technician/Technologist works under the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and adheres to all guidelines, procedures, and provisions of health and safety recognized by management.

Courses

Which course I can pursue?