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 for providing assistance in the performance of nerve conduction studies and EMG

Basic pharmacology related to neurological and muscular function

Common causes of interference and the appropriate remedies

Complications and contraindications for clients undergoing nerve conduction study and EMG

Confidentiality requirements of client information

Electrical safety requirements

Emergency procedures in the event of complications relevant in the provision of assistance in the performance of nerve conduction study and EMG

Infection control policies including standard and additional precautions in relation to neurophysiology testing procedures

Medical terminology relevant to providing assistance in the performance of nerve conduction studies and EMG

Nerve conduction disturbance and appropriate test alterations relevant for providing assistance in the performance of nerve conduction studies

Normal nerve conduction study and EMG results

Protocols for nerve conduction study and EMG

Purpose of nerve conduction studies and EMG eg diagnostic prognostic classification of events

Routine maintenance policy and procedures for equipment

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

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

Assist with a diagnostic nerve conduction study and EMG

Communicate effectively with clientscarers in relation to the procedure and manage clients andor carers anxiety level

Comply with policies and procedures including those of OHS and infection control

Identify steps that must be taken to ensure equipment is safe for use

continued

Essential skills contd

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

Assist in identifying a nerve conduction study result that is unsatisfactory for diagnostic purposes

Assist in identifying and validating abnormal findings

Assist with a nerve conduction study and EMG of diagnostic quality

Correctly operate equipment

Correctly prepare client

Deal with conflict

Demonstrate computer skills relevant to workers role

Manage the known common interferences in the production of a nerve conduction study and EMG

Solve problems including an ability to use available resources

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

Undertake basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Use correct equipment

Use numeracy skills including the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations recording stock levels statistical information measuring accurate amplitudes and calculating correct velocities from accurate latency and distance measurements

Use oral communication skills required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation including skills in

access and utilise interpreter service when necessary

asking questions

clarifying workplace instructions when necessary

listening to and understanding workplace instructions

literacy in English or a community language depending on client group and organisation requirements

providing clear information

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

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

Work with others and 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

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

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Relevant organisation policy guidelines procedures and protocols

Method of assessment

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

Observation of work activities when assisting with performance of nerve conduction studies and electromyogram EMG

Observation of simulation andor role play when assisting with performance of nerve conduction studies and electromyogram EMG

Discussion of physical andor behavioural contingency scenarios involving duty of care

Authenticated transcripts of relevant educationtraining courses

Recognition of relevant lifework experience

Questioning written assessmentsprojects elearning can be used to assess knowledge

Authenticated reports of experience in assisting with performance of nerve conduction studies and electromyogram EMG Documentation associated with performance reviews supervisorcoordinator evaluations of work performance

Training records associated with First Aid OH Safety training OrientationInduction Training Safe Manual Handing Universal infection control procedures

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

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

Related units

This unit should be assessed after or in conjunction with

HLTAPB Analyse health information

HLTAP501B Analyse health information

Equipment may include:

Materials may include:

Client details may include:

Clients may include:

Client medical history may include:

Action in response to client's medical history may include:

Personal protective equipment may include:

Complications and severe reactions may include:

Information provided to client's and carer's may include: