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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Prepare client and equipment for anaesthetic related procedure
  2. Monitor the performance of equipment and materials used
  3. Provide assistance to the anaesthetist to complete the anaesthetic related procedures
  4. Restore equipment and environment at completion of procedure
  5. Assist with connection/ disconnection of client to/from ventilation equipment

Required Skills

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 related procedures

Anatomy and physiology relevant to providing assistance in anaesthetic related procedures

Fluid and electrolyte balance relevant to providing assistance in anaesthetic related procedures

Manual handling and client positioning techniques relevant to providing assistance in anaesthetic related procedures

Medical terminology relevant to providing assistance in anaesthetic related procedures

Medicolegal requirements

Monitoring of physiological parameters relevant to providing assistance in anaesthetic related procedures

Normal physiological parameters for a range of physiological functions relevant to providing assistance in anaesthetic related procedures

Occupational health and safety and infection control proceduresregulations

Premedications and their effects relevant to providing assistance in anaesthetic related procedures

Range of equipment in current use for anaesthetic related procedures knowledge of manufacturers operating guidelines and criteria for withdrawal of faulty equipment

Types and functions of anaesthetic equipment their indications and limitations for use

Types of equipment utilised in anaesthetic related procedures its indication for use and hazards and limitations associated with usage

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Establish and maintain a clients airway manually

Identify and manage faults in anaesthetic and monitoring equipment

Prepare and operate anaesthetic and monitoring equipment for use

Prepare client sites correctly to interface with equipment

Secure invasive devices

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

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

Deal with conflict

Display empathy with client and relatives

Monitor range of physiological parameters with reference to standard values of normal physiological function for each clients usual parameters relevant to providing assistance in anaesthetic related procedures

Recognise the signs and symptoms validity causes and remedial actions in the event of adverse reactions to anaesthetic related procedures

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

Use basic computer skills

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

Evidence 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 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

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

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

Method of assessment

Observation in the work place

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


Range Statement

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.

Clients must include:

Neonates

Infants

Children

Adolescents

Adults

Elderly

Pregnant women

Impaired

Traumatised

Unconscious

Immuno-compromised

Ventilated

Anaesthetic related procedures must include:

Vascular 'Cut Downs'

Blood patch

Pain Management procedures

12 Lead ECG

Spinal Cord Monitoring

Peripheral Ultrasonic Devices

Transoesophageal Echocardiograph (TOE)

Cell Salvage (including Autologous Growth Factor (AGF) and Platelet Sequestation)

Autotransfusion

Balloon Pump

Intracranial Pressure Monitoring

Ventilation Changes

External Pacing

Anaesthetist's requirements may include:

Client details e.g. age, weight, gender, health status, problems anticipated

Procedure to be undertaken

Equipment and materials for procedure

Equipment and materials must include:

Relevant drugs

Antiseptic solution

Tapes and dressing materials

Trolleys

Chairs

Sandbags

Linen protectors and bundles

Ventilators/breathing equipment

Specialist Sterile procedure pack

Specialty/procedural disposable packs

Sterile field setup

Machines/equipment relevant to procedures

Sutures

Swabs

Needles

Syringes

Electrodes and Gel

Transducers

Tourniquets

Catheters

Fluid

Suction consumables

Infusion sets

Underwater drain

Equipment must include:

Monitoring equipment

Infusion equipment

Ventilator

Physiological parameters

Temperature

Circulation

Respiration

Oxygenation

Neuro-muscular function

Level of consciousness

Arterial blood gases

Haemoglobin levels

Coagulation times

Personal protective equipment may include:

Gown

Gloves

Mask

Protective eyewear

Apron

Ventilation Equipment and Materials

Types of ventilators

Invasive airway devices

Breathing circuits, valves, masks and connectors

Heat and moisture exchanger

Humidifier

Filter

Water traps

Temperature monitors

Nebulisers

Gas sampling lines

Suction devices

Gas blenders for specific gas therapy

Bellows

Scavenging

CO2 absorbant

Vapourisers

O2 therapy equipment (including neonatal head box)

Manual resuscitators

Ventilation modes and parameters

Pressure control ventilation

Simultaneous intermittent ventilation

Positive end expiratory pressure

Continuous positive airway pressure

Intermittent positive pressure ventilation

Rate

Volume

Pressure

Time cycles

Alarm limits

Spontaneous

Percentage oxygen