Assessor Resource

HLTAHW606B
Manage medicines in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health care

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


The unit builds on knowledge and skills developed in:

HLTAHW406B Work with medicines

It includes mechanisms of action, medication groups and commonly used medicines; methods of drug administration; terminology and abbreviations; basic dose calculation; medicines supply, transport and storage; and the legal, professional and safety aspects of medicines use

It involves the supervision of other workers and management of clinic medicines stocks

This competency unit is available only within the context of qualifications at Diploma level or higher in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care

This unit describes the application of skills and knowledge in the use of medicines in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander primary health care

It describes the skills and knowledge required for a safe level of independent practice under the supervision of a medical practitioner

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Prerequisites

Pre-requisite

This unit must be assessed after successful achievement of pre-requisite:

HLTAHW406B Work with medicines

Employability Skills

This unit contains Employability Skills



Evidence Required

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.

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 of assessment:

Assessment of this unit must include practical demonstration of the competencies either in the workplace, classroom (or a combination of both)

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace

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

Conditions of assessment:

This unit includes skills and knowledge specific to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander culture

Assessment must therefore be undertaken by a workplace assessor who has expertise in the unit of competency or who has the current qualification being assessed and who is:

Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander him/herself

or:

accompanied and advised by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person who is a recognised member of the community with experience in primary health care

Context of assessment:

Competence should be demonstrated working individually, under supervision or as part of a primary health care team working with Aboriginal and/or
Torres Strait Islander clients.

Assessment should replicate workplace conditions as far as possible.

Related units:

This unit may be assessed independently or in conjunction with other units with associated workplace application

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Essential knowledge:

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:

Application of universal precautions in the administration of medicines

Basic understanding of medication commonly used in daily role, and effects on the body

Correct techniques for medicine administration for adults and children, including:

dividing scored tablets

swallowing tablets and capsules

reconstituting and administering correct volumes of mixtures

administering intramuscular and sub-cutaneous injections

use of metered dose aerosols and spacer devices

use of nebulisers, installation of ear/eye drops and eye ointment

use of dosette box

Federal and State legislation relating to the control, storage and dispensing of drugs and medication

Legislative and regulatory requirements for labelling, storage and safe disposal of medicines

Methods of medicine administration for adults and children, including:

oral

intramuscular and sub-cutaneous injection

intravenous injections and infusion

topical application (creams, ointments, eye and ear drops)

Occupational health and safety issues

Organisational policies and procedures relating to drugs and medications

Requirements of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)

Signs of anaphylaxis and methods of management

Special considerations in use of medicines, including:

pregnancy and lactation

renal failure

anti-coagulant therapy

Types of locally available/used traditional bush medicines and their benefits

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Demonstrate competency across the range of medicines relevant to community needs and applied in line with workplace requirements and the relevant legislative/regulatory requirements

Initiate medicinal therapy in line with standard treatment manuals

Manage and educate staff to understand, interpret and ensure accurate application of:

prescriptions for medicines

dispensing instructions

manufacturer's storage instructions

medicine disposal requirements

client health records

Manage relationships with relevant suppliers, medical practitioners, pharmacies and hospitals

Manage the consultation and communication with clients in regard to medicines usage

Manage the maintenance of medicines records

Manage the safe administration of medicines, including chronic medicines, using appropriate methods, observing universal precautions and in line with organisation, legal and regulatory requirements

Provide clear and accurate information and instruction to clients and staff on the use of medicines

Provide clear information on medicines, through accurate interpretation of MIMS and other medication references and resources, such as standing orders, guidelines and Consumer Medicines Information

Take into account opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues

Undertake ordering, transport, dispensing and disposing of medicines in line with organisation procedures

Use published medication references and resources to:

check written orders for medicines

identify medicines by their generic and/or brand names

identify potential drug interactions

identify special precautions and contraindications

check terms and abbreviations commonly used in prescribing and administering medications

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.

Cultural respect

This competency standard supports the recognition, protection and continued advancement of the inherent rights, cultures and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

It recognises that the improvement of the health status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must include attention to physical, spiritual, cultural, emotional and social wellbeing, community capacity and governance

Its application must be culturally sensitive and supportive of traditional healing and health, knowledge and practices

Community control

Community participation and control in decision-making is essential to all aspects of health work, and the role of the health worker is to support the community in this process

Supervision

Supervision must be conducted in accordance with prevailing state/territory and organisation legislative and regulatory requirements

References to supervision may include either direct or indirect supervision of work by more experienced workers, supervisors, managers or other health professionals

A person at this level should only be required to make decisions about clients within the organisation's standard treatment protocols and associated guidelines

Legislative requirements

Federal, state or territory legislation may impact on workers' practices and responsibilities. Implementation of the competency standards should reflect the legislative framework in which a health worker operates. It is recognised that this may sometimes reduce the application of the Range of Variables in practice. However, assessment in the workplace or through simulation should address all essential skills and knowledge across the Range of Variables

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers may be required to operate in situations that do not constitute "usual practice" due to lack of resources, remote locations and community needs. As a result, they may need to possess more competencies than described by "usual practice circumstances"

Under all circumstances, the employer must enable the worker to function within the prevailing legislative framework

Medicines supplies may be sourced, for example from:

Manufacturer

Community or hospital pharmacy

Under the Commonwealth Section 100 scheme)

Interpretation of medicines orders may include:

Distinguishing generic names for medicines from brand names

Interpreting symbols and abbreviations in common use

Checking written medicines orders against published medicines information resources

Calculations and measures applied in the use of medicines may include:

Metric measures of weight and volumes are used and converted

Simple mathematical operations are used in the calculation of medicine dosage

Quantities of medicine are calculated for given doses of mixtures and tablets to meet client needs

Workplace procedures in the administration of medicines must include:

Observance of universal precautions

Doses of medicine to be checked with other appropriate health staff prior to administration

MIMS, CARPA and/or other reference sources for medicines information to be consulted

Powdered medicine to be reconstituted as a mixture according to manufacturer's instructions

Scored tablets to be split as required to make up a specified dose

Medicines for injection to be drawn up to the specified dose using sterile procedures and according to manufacturer's instructions

Medicine for nebulised inhalation to be correctly measured out and administered using an electronic nebuliser

Commonly used medication may include:

Analgesic&anti inflammatory medicines (paracetamol, aspirin, codeine, common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

Medicines used for treatment of infections (common antibiotics, antifungal&anti parasitic agents, antivirals)

Cardiovascular medicines (commonly used anti-hypertensives, digoxin, anti-anginal medicines, lipid-lowering drugs, warfarin)

Medicines used in management of diabetes (metformin, sulphonamides&insulin)

Gastrointestinal medicines (antacids, peptic ulcer medications, laxatives)

Psychotropic and neurological medicines (common sedatives, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants)

Respiratory medicines (bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids, prednisolone)

Hormonal (common oral, injectable and implantable contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, thyroxine)

Topical skin medicines (corticosteroids, permethrin)

The effects of medications may include:

Intended outcomes eg. stops pain, stops infection

Adverse reactions that must be recognised and appropriate action taken (refer if required), including:

cease administration of medication

management of anaphylactic shock reaction as per organisation protocols

referral to appropriate authority

documentation of event

highlight allergy in client file

Medication history may include:

Past medication history

Recent medication history

Drug allergies

Client records

Family history

Compliance history

Concurrent medications

Relevant documentation may include:

Client notes

Files

Specialist reports

Referrals

Reports from other professionals

Pathology reports

Legislative requirements may include:

Commonwealth, state and territory laws, regulations and directions, as determined by workplace requirements

Schedules 1 - 8 of the Drugs and Poisons Act

Drug storage and disposal requirements

Relevant information to be provided and explained to clients includes:

Medication side effects

Length of treatment

Drug interactions

Consequences of non-compliance

Workplace policies and procedures may include:

Clinical protocol manuals

Imprest lists

Occupational health and safety guidelines

Organisational/workplace procedure manuals

Infection control guidelines

Legislation

Methods of medication administration may include:

Topical

Oral

Intramuscular injections (IMI)

Subcutaneous injections (SCI)

Inhalations

Dosettes

Z track

Intradermal injection

Appropriate dispensing and administration must include:

The 5 'Rights' of administration:

right route

right person

right dose

right medication

right time

Application of universal precautions.

Medication side effects and contraindications may include:

Anaphylaxis

Contraindications

Special precautions

Drug interactions

Universal precautions include:

Standard procedures for infection control

Confidentiality as it applies to community/organisation

Workplace policy and procedures for clinical practice

Correct usage of clinical equipment

Correct disposal techniques for wastes/sharps as per workplace policies and procedures

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Compile a detailed medication history in line with organisational policies and procedures 
Correctly interpret written medicines orders in consultation with medical practitioners and other senior health staff as required 
Apply accurate calculations and measures in the use of medicines 
Identify varieties of traditional/bush medicines commonly used in the local community 
Promote the role of traditional healers and use of traditional/bush medicines consistent with local beliefs and practices as an adjunct to western medical treatment 
Provide clients with plain language information based on interpretation of appropriate reference sources relating to mechanisms of action, dosing and common side effects of commonly used medicines 
Obtain feedback from client to determine their understanding of information provided 
Teach clients as required how to swallow tablets and capsules and how to correctly use metered dose aerosol inhalers and spacer devices 
Provide clients with information about obtaining prescription medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) 
Administer medications by appropriate methods observing universal precautions and in line with organisation, legal and regulatory requirements 
Identify potential drug interactions and refer to a medical practitioner 
Recognise special precautions and contraindications in the use of particular medicines and refer to a medical practitioner 
Safely give intramuscular injections (deltoid, lateral thigh and gluteal) and subcutaneous injections 
Correctly measure out and administer medicine for nebulised inhalation using an electronic nebuliser 
Identify signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and manage according to standard protocols 
Label medicines in accordance with statutory requirements 
Undertake administration of medicines according to organisational policies and procedures and the appropriate legal and regulatory framework 
Fully document administration of medicines and maintain records in line with organisation and legal and regulatory requirements 
Maintain accurate records of chronic medicines administration 
Establish and maintain systems for managing chronic medication administration within the clinic in consultation with the health team 
Refer individual chronic medication regimens for regular review by a medical practitioner 
Involve pharmacists in chronic medication management including, where appropriate, medication reviews or use of Webster-packs 
Check doses of medicine made up by other health staff for accuracy, including dose, indication and consideration of contraindications 
Support and instruct other health workers in the safe and efficacious use of medicines 
Monitor appropriate use of medicines by other health staff 
Initiate assessment and treatment using standard treatment manuals as used in the workplace 
Consult a medical practitioner in accordance with standard treatment manuals and organisational policies and procedures 
Dispense medicines according to organisational policies and procedures and the appropriate legal and regulatory framework 
Document clinical assessments, any advice sought and therapy initiated in client medical files 
Ensure medicines stocks are ordered, securely stored and used in accordance with poisons licence conditions and in keeping with the legislative and regulatory framework 
Establish working relationships with local medical practitioners and pharmacists to support management of clinic medicines stores 
Monitor patterns of medicines use and use this information to inform reorder quantities and ensure minimum stock holdings 
Ensure clinic medicines stocks are checked regularly and re-ordered in appropriate quantities 
Source medicines supplies as locally appropriate 
Add new stock and dispose of out-of-date stock according to organisational policies and procedures 
Organise clinic medicines stock logically and securely, with access to clinic medicines store monitored and restricted to authorised personnel 
Correctly apply cold chain transport for medication requiring refrigeration 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

HLTAHW606B - Manage medicines in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health care
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Assessor name:

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Assessment Record Sheet

HLTAHW606B - Manage medicines in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health care

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

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