List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements define the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria specify the level of performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Assist clients to make informed choices on renal replacement therapy | 1.1 Provide information on renal failure and renal replacement therapy options to clients with chronic renal failure and their families, in consultation with the health care team 1.2 Identify and provide to clients appropriate health education resources on renal disease dialysis and transplantation 1.3 Provide information and practical assistance to renal clients who need to travel to distant referral centres for assessment, treatment or training 1.4 Support current and potential future dialysis ‘helpers’ with information and practical assistance in their role 1.5 Ensure client access to specialist nephrology care |
| |
2. Measure hydration status of renal dialysis clients | 2.1 Obtain history of shortness of breath or postural dizziness 2.2 Measure ‘wet’ or ‘dry’ weight and compare with ideal body weight 2.3 Elicit physical signs of fluid overload 2.4 Interpret client weight, blood pressure and other clinical signs to determine hydration status 2.5 Revise ideal body weight estimates in consultation with senior staff 2.6 Document assessments in accordance with organisational policies and procedures |
| |
3. Undertake routine pathology testing for dialysis clients | 3.1 Provide information on routine dialysis tests to clients in plain language 3.2 Collect blood specimens and complete pathology request forms according to standard protocols 3.3 Interpret routine test results and give basic client feedback 3.4 Refer abnormal test results to medical staff for action |
| |
4. Support renal clients to access and use medicines wisely | 4.1 Provide clients with plain language information on mechanisms of action, dosing and common side-effects of medicines commonly used in dialysis care 4.2 Identify potential drug interactions, special precautions, contraindications and side-effects and refer to a medical practitioner 4.3 Administer medicine by oral and intramuscular routes in accordance with medicine orders, organisation policies and procedures and legal frameworks 4.4 Support and monitor client adherence to medicines regimen 4.5 Provide assistance with supply of medicines and use of dose administration aids according to client needs 4.6 Keep records of chronic medicines supply and administration in accordance with organisation policies and procedures |
The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role.
There must be evidence that the candidate has:
provided information, guidance and support to at least three clients and their families in relation to health management options and issues for clients with chronic renal failure by:
recognising situations requiring immediate or urgent action
working with other members of multidisciplinary team to ensure actions determined in the client’s care plan are carried out and documented
carrying out mathematical calculations for renal dialysis clients. This includes:
identifying differences between weight measures
calculating doses
measuring medication
communicating effectively with clients, care team and referral agencies. This includes:
interpreting test results
explaining test results to clients
documenting information on client care plans
making timely and appropriate referrals, and providing accurate and relevant details to clients and referral agencies
holistically evaluating impact of renal dialysis treatment on client’s physical, mental and emotional condition and behaviour
monitoring outcomes of renal dialysis treatment and medication regimes
administering medicines by oral and intramuscular routes
contributing to evaluation of client’s prescribed treatment/care plan.
The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role.
This includes knowledge of:
basic anatomy and physiology of the renal system
common causes of chronic renal failure
underlying environmental and social factors contributing to high rates of renal disease in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities
management principles for common co-morbidities (including diabetes, high blood pressure, hyperlipidaemia)
factors that can slow decline of renal function
key aspects of microbiology relevant to peritoneal, blood and skin infection in renal disease
pathophysiology of chronic renal failure, including:
fluid retention and pulmonary oedema
electrolyte balance and hazards of high potassium
calcium metabolism and renal bone disease
anaemia
signs and symptoms of uraemia and fluid retention
meaning and interpretation of common pathology tests for chronic renal failure and dialysis
haemodialysis technology – theory, machine components, terminology, infrastructure requirements, risks and benefits
peritoneal dialysis – theory, terminology, procedures, risks and benefits
different types of renal dialysis units and their function
nutritional considerations for renal dialysis clients
medicines in common use in management of chronic renal failure including basic mechanisms of action, precautions and side-effects
organisation policies and procedures.
Skills must be demonstrated working:
in a health service or centre
individually or as a member of a multidisciplinary primary health care team
with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities.
In addition, simulations and scenarios must be used where the full range of contexts and situations cannot be provided in the workplace or may occur only rarely. These are situations relating to emergency or unplanned procedures where assessment in these circumstances would be unsafe or is impractical.
Simulated assessment environments must simulate the real-life working environment where these skills and knowledge would be performed, with all the relevant equipment and resources of that working environment.
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Assessment must be undertaken by a workplace assessor who has expertise in this unit of competency and who is:
an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Worker
or:
accompanied by an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person who is a recognised member of the community with experience in primary health care.