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

Health screening and surveillance methods relevant to the arearegion including

use of equipment

testing procedures

interpretation and analysis of results of testing

normal range of results

record keeping for effective follow up and management eg disease registers tagging client files computergenerated prompts

Symptoms and management of common existing and potential health problems for the community

Use of a range of health management protocols and practices

Effective strategies to monitor and manage identified health problems in line with community needs and sensitivities

Familiarity with a range of conditions diseases and disorders including

child and youth health issues

sexual and reproductive health problems for males and females

sexually transmissible infections

substance misuse

rape family violence and sexual abuse

Familiarity with basic pathophysiology disease patterns and management priorities for a range of diseases common in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities such as

cardiovascular disease

diabetes mellitus

chronic renal disease

chronic liver disease

chronic obstructive lung disease

major types of chronic physical psychiatric and mental disability

oral diseases

Physiological and related changes associated with ageing how they manifest physically and likely impact on clients

Developmental milestones significant health problems and immunisation policiesprocedures pertaining to children in the local area region

Methods of evaluating health programs and providing feedback to health service management and the community in line with organisation and community requirements

Occupational health and safety practices and procedures relevant to the work eg manual handling

How to contact and access available health and support services in the region

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Deliver primary health care programs to Aboriginal andor Torres Strait Islander communities including

Undertaking health checks relevant to the program content area

Ensuring the program addresses specific client and community needs for guidance support and information

Ensuring delivery is consistent with community needs values and beliefs

Contributing to evaluation of the program

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

Explain and describe procedures and illnessesdisorders to clients using clear simple language

Apply literacy and numeracy skills to read and write reports interpret simple statistics charts and test results write letters and maintain client records

Work with groups in the community to seek input and feedback on health services

Use computerbased andor paperbased client record systems

Observe obtain and interpret client information in relation to health issues behaviour and health services

Communicate with clients colleagues community members and other agencies and to negotiate with them as required

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

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 andor 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 himherself

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 andor 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

Cultural respect

Community control

Supervision

Legislative requirements

Well-person's health checks refer to:

Significant variations detected refer to:

Quality use of medicine may include:

Health care benefits may include, but are not limited to:

Social and environmental factors that may improve health include:

Screening and health information may be offered in relation to: