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 to providing assistance in anaesthesia

Fluid balance relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia maintenance

Medical terminology relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia

Clinicaloperative procedures and the interrelationship with anaesthesia relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia

General knowledge of pathophysiology of disease relevant to providing assistance during anaesthesia

Anaesthetic procedures relevant to providing assistance during anaesthesia

Use of pain management equipment relevant to providing assistance during anaesthesia

Principles of function usage indications limitations and care of equipment required for clinical and anaesthetic procedures

Procedures for managing anaesthetic equipment faults

Microbiology relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia

Occupational health and safety procedures in relation to anaesthetic equipment

Infection control policies including standard and additional precautions in relation to anaesthetic equipment and clinical procedures

Manual handling techniques

Types of infusion solutions their indication for use and hazards including incompatibilities

Clinical recognition of adverse client reaction to transfusions infusions and drug therapy

Medicolegal requirements relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia

Understanding of gas laws and physical properties of gas

Gas cylinders and piped gas including hazards and safe handling

Methods and principles of stock control and rotation and storage in accordance with organisation policies and procedures and manufacturers regulations

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Comply with organisation policies and procedures including those of work health and safety WHS and infection control and current standards

Identify the anaesthetic equipment and material requirements for a range of clinical procedures

Prepare anaesthetic equipment and materials for use in a broad range of clinical procedures

Recognise hazards related to the use of each item of a range of anaesthetic equipment

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

Correctly apply relevant Australian Standards and organisation policy and procedures for cleaning disinfecting andor sterilisation of anaesthetic equipment where applicable

Identify and manage faults in anaesthetic and monitoring equipment and materials

Assemble and prime infusion in an aseptic manner and prepare infusion equipment

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

Use basic computer skills

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

Use oral communication skillslanguage competence required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation Assessors should look for skills in asking questions providing clear information listening to and understanding workplace instructions and clarifying workplace instructions when necessary Effective verbal and non verbal communication skills with a range of personnel within and outside of the organisation are essential

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

Use problem solving skills required including an ability to use available resources

Deal with conflict

Work with others within a team

Display empathy with client and relatives

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

Simulation of realistic workplace setting for assessment

Relevant organisation policy guidelines procedures and protocols

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 andor Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Method of assessment

Observation in the workplace

Evidence gathered from clinical work environment

Written assignmentsprojects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge

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

Questioning verbal and written

Role playsimulation

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

Related units

This unit can be assessed independently however holistic assessment practice with other health services units of competency is encouraged

Equipment made available for selection includes:

Equipment made available for selection includes (contd):

Materials made available for selection includes:

Requirements of client may include:

Clients requiring anaesthetic include:

Clinical procedures covers the surgical procedure and the type of anaesthetic which must include:

Intravascular solutions may include:

Transfusion may include: