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

Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit

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

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

Access to appropriate workplace where assessment can take place

Relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols

Method of assessment

Observation of work activities

Written tasks

Relevant formal and informal education/training courses

Case studies and scenarios

Interviews/questioning

Log of assessment with tasks and milestones

Portfolio of tests performed

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 can be delivered and assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other pathology units of competency is encouraged

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 spirometry measurement

Basic maths&statistics relevant for spirometry measurement

Basic pharmacology related to respiratory function relevant for spirometry measurement

Common causes of client non compliance and the appropriate remedies

Complications and contraindications for clients undergoing spirometry measurement

Confidentiality requirements of client information

Conversion of volumes from atmospheric temperature and pressure (ATP) to body temperature and pressure saturated (BTPS)

Emergency procedures in the event of a clinical emergency relevant in the performance of a spirometry

Instrument quality control

Principles and validation techniques of spirometry

Protocols for spirometry measurement and conformance to standards

Purpose of spirometry measurement

Recognition of patterns of normal/abnormal results related to both respiratory disease and technical factors relevant for spirometry measurement

Relevance of environmental factors eg temperature, humidity

Respiratory therapy products eg nebulisers, inhalers, spacers

Routine maintenance policy and procedures for equipment

Use of reference values relevant for spirometry measurement

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability 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:

Communicate with client to elicit maximum co-operation to produce optimal results

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

Correctly assemble and operate equipment

Deal with conflict

Demonstrate ability to produce a spirometry measurement which accurately reflects the maximal expiratory ventilatory capacity of the client

Demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively with clients/carers in relation to the procedure and manage clients'/carers' anxiety level

Identify and respond to contraindications before and during test

Identify and respond to technical errors in recording

Identify steps that must be taken to ensure equipment and environment is safe

Perform basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Recognise boundaries of responsibilities and refer problems to supervisor or other appropriate health professional

Recognise errors due to client performance and technical faults

Recognise malfunction in respiratory therapy products

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

Use basic computer skills relevant to spirometry measurement

Use reading and writing skills as 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 procedure manuals

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

asking questions

providing clear information

listening to and understanding workplace instructions

clarifying workplace instructions when necessary

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

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

Use numeracy skills ranging from the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations, recording stock levels and statistical information

Use problem solving skills including an ability to use available resources

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.

Spirometer type may be a self-contained device or may be connected to a computer and may include:

Rolling seal

Water seal

Bellows

Pneumotach

Turbine

Hot wire

Ultrasonic

Materials may include:

Bronchodilator

Delivery device

Tubing

Filters

Mouthpiece

Noseclip

Performance check must include:

Calibration

Quality control procedures, including use of physiological and physical standards

Clients may include:

Children

Adolescents

Adults

Elderly

Inpatients/outpatients

Background client information may include:

Medical history

Co-morbidities

Need for use of additional precautions

Medications, particularly bronchodilator use

Use of bronchodilators for measurement

Contraindications

Client details may include:

Name

Medical record number

Date of birth

Height

Weight

Client symptoms including cough, wheeze, dyspnoea

Gender

Ethnic background

Workplace/ward/unit

Requesting physician

Contraindications may include:

Severe respiratory distress

Physical limitations

Cognitive impairment

Haemoptysis of unknown origin

Pneumothorax

Unstable cardiovascular status eg recent myocardial infarction

Acute thoracic, abdominal, or cerebral aneurysmata

Recent eye surgery

Acute disorders affecting test performance eg vomiting, nausea or fainting

Recent thoracic or abdominal surgical procedures

Additional information may include:

Room temperature

Barometric pressure

Humidity

Technically correct must include:

No hesitation at start ie extrapolated volume within standards

Evidence of maximal effort ie existing standards regarding time to PEF, reproducibility

No cough within first second

End of test criteria achieved

Reproducibility of FEV1, FVC&PEF,

Current standards include:

Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ)

Australia and New Zealand Society of Respiratory Scientists (ANZSRS)

American Thoracic Society (ATS)

European Respiratory Society (ERS)

Clinical emergencies may include:

Severe respiratory distress

Cardio-respiratory arrest

Authorised person may include:

People authorised to administer bronchodilator according to relevant state/territory legislation relating to the administration of medication