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 physiology and pathology relevant to the role of the Mortuary Technician undertaking special autopsy techniques

Cleaning techniques

Common infection and other risks associated with autopsy procedures

Mode of infectious disease transmission

Principles of photography

Relevant basic medical terminology

Relevant organisation policies and procedures

WHS in a mortuary

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

Apply problem solving skills including an ability to use available resources and manage a daily routine

Communicate effectively with medical officer performing autopsy

Correctly and safely use autopsy equipment

Correctly label identify and transport specimens

Correctly use personal protective equipment

Demonstrate body reconstruction and restoration techniques following autopsy

Follow correct documentation procedures for organ retention specimen recording and for photography

Follow infection control and WHS policy and procedures

Follow organisation waste management practices including correctly and safely dispose of clinical and other wastes taking into account opportunities to address waste minimisation environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues

Follow safe working procedures during autopsies

Operate medical imaging equipment effectively

Perform special autopsy techniques

Remove and accurately measure and weigh fluids and organs

Remove spine and bone marrow

Use accurate special dissection techniques

Use correct knife sharpening techniques

Use numeracy skills including the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations and undertake measurements of volumes and weight

Use oral communication skills 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

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

Use reading and writing skills competence required to fulfil job role in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation at a level of skill that includes reading workplace policy and procedure manuals and documenting administrative and clinical information

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

This unit will be most appropriately assessed in the workplace under the normal range of workplace conditions

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

Method of assessment

Observation of work activities

Written tasks

Relevant formal and informal educationtraining courses

Interviewsquestioning

Feedback from medical officer

Resource implications

Access to an autopsy room where assessment can take place

Autopsy equipment

Relevant organisation policy guidelines procedures and protocols

Relevant legislative requirements

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

Checking processes may include:

Specialautopsies may include:

Equipment may include:

Personal protective equipment may include:

Medical Officer may refer to:

Suspected/known high risk autopsy may involve potential exposure to:

Measurements may include:

Special pathological specimens and samples may include:

Relevant legislation may include:

Organisation policy and procedure may relate to:

Reconstruction and restoration of bodies may include:

Photographic equipment may include:

Documentation may include:

Infection Control policy and procedures may include:

Waste may include:

Work health and safety policy may include: