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

Anaesthetic procedures relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia

Anatomy of upperlower respiratory tract and accessory muscles of respiration

Boundaries of responsibilities and ability to refer problems to supervisor anaesthetist or other appropriate health professional

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

Equipment related to operative procedure and their function relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia

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

Manual handling and client positioning techniques to prevent injury relevant to providing assistance during anaesthesia

Medical terminology relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia

Medicolegal requirements relevant to providing assistance during anaesthesia

Occupational health and safety and infection control proceduresregulations relevant to providing assistance during anaesthesia

Oxygen therapy maintenance

Pharmacology relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia

Physiology of normal respiration factors which effect respiration conditions which may compromise the clients airway and types and signs of airway obstruction

Types of equipment used in airway management and drug administration and indication for use

Use of pain management equipment relevant to providing assistance during anaesthesia

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Anticipate the needs of the anaesthetist

Calculate drug dosages relevant to providing assistance during anaesthesia

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

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

Identify the different methods of airway maintenance

Monitor range of physiological parameters with reference to standard values of normal physiological function relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia

Position clients relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia

Recognise the signs and symptoms causes and remedial actions in the event of loss of airway relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia

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

Deal with conflict

Display empathy with client and relatives

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

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

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 An ability to recognise and manage barriers to effective communication is also essential Organisation may require competence in English or a community language depending on client group

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

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

Work with others within a team

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

Resources essential for assessment include

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

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

Written assignmentsprojects

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

Questioning verbal and written

Role playsimulation

Related units

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

Drugs may include:

Equipment for the administration of drugs may include:

Drug administration routes may include:

Equipment for airway management must include:

Clients requiring anaesthetic may include:

Documentation may include: