Assessor Resource

HLTNE604C
Assist with nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG)

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Work will be performed within a prescribed range of functions involving routine and non-routine methods and procedures which require the exercise of some discretion and judgement

Nerve conduction studies and EMG's are commonly conducted in hospitals and neurologists' rooms

All activities are carried out in accordance with organisation policies, procedures and infection control guidelines

Supervision by a neurologist is required where Medicare involved

Learner is required to demonstrate their ability to perform basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare a client for, and provide assistance to the neurologist during, nerve conduction studies and to provide a technical summary to assist in the final medical report

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 unit

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

HLTNE401C Perform electroencephalography (EEG)

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 for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:

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

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

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

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

Relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols

Method of assessment:

Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting (laboratory). If successful, a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision

Observation of work activities when assisting with performance of nerve conduction studies and electromyogram (EMG)

Observation of simulation and/or role play when assisting with performance of nerve conduction studies and electromyogram (EMG)

Discussion of physical and/or behavioural contingency scenarios involving duty of care

Authenticated transcripts of relevant education/training courses

Recognition of relevant life/work experience

Questioning, written assessments/projects, e-learning can be used to assess knowledge

Authenticated reports of experience in assisting with performance of nerve conduction studies and electromyogram (EMG) (Documentation associated with performance reviews, supervisor/co-ordinator evaluations of work performance)

Training records associated with First Aid, OH Safety training, Orientation/Induction Training, Safe Manual Handing, Universal infection control procedures

Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice

Access and equity considerations:

All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work

All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment

In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Related units:

This unit should be assessed after or in conjunction with:

HLTAP501B Analyse health information

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:

Anatomy and physiology relevant for providing assistance in the performance of nerve conduction studies and EMG

Basic pharmacology related to neurological and muscular function

Common causes of interference and the appropriate remedies

Complications and contraindications for clients undergoing nerve conduction study and EMG

Confidentiality requirements of client information

Electrical safety requirements

Emergency procedures in the event of complications relevant in the provision of assistance in the performance of nerve conduction study and EMG

Infection control policies, including standard and additional precautions, in relation to neurophysiology testing procedures

Medical terminology relevant to providing assistance in the performance of nerve conduction studies and EMG

Nerve conduction disturbance and appropriate test alterations relevant for providing assistance in the performance of nerve conduction studies

Normal nerve conduction study and EMG results

Protocols for nerve conduction study and EMG

Purpose of nerve conduction studies and EMG eg: diagnostic, prognostic classification of events

Routine maintenance policy and procedures for equipment

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Apply knowledge of boundaries of responsibilities and refer problems to supervisor, neurologist or other appropriate health professional

Assist with a diagnostic nerve conduction study and EMG

Communicate effectively with clients/carers in relation to the procedure and manage clients' and/or carers' anxiety level

Comply with policies and procedures including those of OHS and infection control

Identify steps that must be taken to ensure equipment is safe for use

continued ...

Essential skills (contd):

In addition, the candidate must be able 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 the ability to:

Assist in identifying a nerve conduction study result that is unsatisfactory for diagnostic purposes

Assist in identifying and validating abnormal findings

Assist with a nerve conduction study and EMG of diagnostic quality

Correctly operate equipment

Correctly prepare client

Deal with conflict

Demonstrate computer skills relevant to workers' role

Manage the known common interferences in the production of a nerve conduction study and EMG

Solve problems including an ability to use available resources

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

Undertake basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Use correct equipment

Use numeracy skills including the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations, recording stock levels, statistical information, measuring accurate amplitudes, and calculating correct velocities from accurate latency and distance measurements

Use oral communication skills required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation, including skills in:

access and utilise interpreter service when necessary

asking questions

clarifying workplace instructions when necessary

listening to and understanding workplace instructions

literacy in English or a community language, depending on client group and organisation requirements

providing clear information

using effective verbal and non verbal communication skills with a range of internal and external persons

Use reading and writing skills required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation at a level of skill that involves reading and documenting clinical information and understanding complex policy and procedure manuals

Work with others and display empathy with client and relatives

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.

Equipment may include:

Nerve conduction study/electromyography machine

Electrical stimulator

Magnetic stimulator

Thermometer/skin temperature monitor

Additional electrical leads

Tape measure

Calculator

Ruler

Materials may include:

Local anaesthetic ie topical, subcutaneous

Stimulating probes

Recording electrodes

EMG needles

Ground plate

Client details may include:

Referral letter/request

Medical history

Address and telephone number

Date of birth and age

Medications

Client's presenting condition

In care client/out of care client

Private/public

Clients' expectations

Tests requested

Referring doctor address, telephone number and provider number

Clients may include:

Neonates

Infants

Children

Adolescents

Adults

Elderly

Client medical history may include:

Event(s) leading to referral

Neurological disorder

Respiratory disorder

Muscular disorder

Orthopaedic disorders

Vascular disorder

Infectious diseases

Behavioural abnormalities

Action in response to client's medical history may include:

Alteration of procedure under the direction of the Neurologist

Personal protective equipment may include:

Gloves

Mask

Goggles

Gown

Complications and severe reactions may include:

Seizure

Cardio-respiratory arrest

Information provided to client's and carer's may include:

Appropriate follow up period with referring doctor for report

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
Review client booking list for client details 
Identify special needs of client 
Ensure equipment and materials selected are clean, dry, in working order, and, where applicable, calibrated 
Review relevant, current literature and protocols reviewed 
Ensure normal control data is available 
Confirm neurologists' requirements and preferences 
Arrange client bookings according to organisation procedures, clients' needs, and reason for study 
Ensure information on access to test location and test to be attended is received by client 
Receive and process request for test and give to Neurologist to read prior to test commencing 
Correctly identify client, reassure and inform regarding the procedure 
Give client/carer the opportunity to ask questions and discuss areas of concern 
Check client consent has been obtained 
Review client's medical history, seek clarification on specific details and action, as required by Neurologist 
Utilise personal protective equipment in accordance with standard and additional precautions 
Inform and reassure the client as appropriate throughout the procedure 
Make selections according to client details and concurrent results under the directions of the neurologist 
Recognise, annotate, eliminate or reduce artefacts 
Monitor client's response to electrical stimulus and adapt procedure accordingly under the direction of the neurologist 
Add/attach further monitoring equipment and/or electrodes in response to concurrent findings under the direction of the neurologist 
Test appropriate nerves and muscles according to standards, medical referral and concurrent results under the direction of the neurologist 
Identify and respond to severe reactions and complications in accordance with organisation emergency procedures 
Perform post test calibration as required 
Provide client with assistance as required, on completion of the procedure 
Confirm timely follow up with referring doctor for results 
Record test details for retrieval and statistical purposes according to department procedures 
Provide information is to client and carer according to duty of care and organisation policies 
Clean dry and store equipment in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines and infection control guidelines 
Dispose of disposable materials in accordance with waste management procedures and infection control guidelines 
Review client details and amend as required 
Review annotations and amend to provide accurate and concise information 
Calculate amplitudes, latencies and conduction velocities 
Forward technical summary with accompanying documentation to neurologist for review 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

HLTNE604C - Assist with nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG)
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

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

HLTNE604C - Assist with nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG)

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

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: