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 neurosurgical intraoperative tests interpretation including neurological disorders

Basic pharmacology related to neurological function

Causes of the varied artefacts and interferences seen in the operating theatres and their appropriate remedies or limitations

Complications and contraindications for clients undergoing test procedure in particular related to surgical intervention

Concepts of electronics and physics relevant to the performance of an intraoperative neurophysiology tests and the range of equipment used

Confidentiality requirements of client information

Derivations montage design and type and machine settings including understanding of when and how to change them

Electrical safety requirements

Emergency procedures in the event of complications relevant in the performance of intraoperative testing

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

International system as standard for electrode placement and modified systems and additional electrode types and their appropriate placement by surgeons or neurologists

Medical terminology relevant to perform intraoperative neurophysiology tests

Normal and abnormal EEG waveforms

Protocols for intraoperative neurophysiology test procedures

Purpose of intraoperative neurophysiology tests eg diagnostic prognostic classification of events

Routine maintenance policy and procedures for equipment

Units of measurement

Waveform rhythm disturbance and appropriate test alterations

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 surgeon or other appropriate health professional

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

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

Identify and respond to contraindications before and during test

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

Produce a diagnostic intraoperative test result

Produce a diagnostic preoperative test result

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

Alter machine settings for a range of polygraphic variables and to enhance waveforms

Attach additional electrode types to headbox while surgeon is inserting onto client ie grid strip depth electrodes

Correctly attach electrodes and leads

Correctly identify and validate abnormal findings

Correctly operate neurophysiology equipment

Correctly perform preparation

Deal with conflict

Demonstrate basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Demonstrate computer skills relevant to workers role

Identify an intraoperative neurophysiology test recording result that is unsatisfactory for diagnostic purposes

Identify an intraoperative neurophysiology test recording result which may require immediate medical attention

Manage the known common interferences in the production of a intraoperative neurophysiology test recording

Measure for the placement of electrodes to achieve an intraoperative neurophysiology test recording of diagnostic quality including routine and nonroutine

Produce an intraoperative neurophysiology test recording satisfactory for diagnostic purposes including ability to design montages and select machine parameters appropriately

Select appropriate montages for a range of clinical conditions or activation procedures and redesign montages when necessary

Solve problems including an ability to use available resources

continued

Essential skills contd

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 statistical information and skills related to technical equipment

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

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

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 performing intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring

Observation of simulation andor role play when performing intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring

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 performing intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring 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

Equipment and material may include:

Environment for pre-operative baseline may include:

Environment for operative test procedure may include:

Clients must include:

Client medical history may include:

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

Personal protective equipment may include:

Other monitoring equipment may include:

Integrity of electrodes must include:

Additional validation techniques must include:

Techniques applied must include:

Other variables may include:

Artefacts created by the theatre environment may include:

Causes of changes throughout procedure must include:

Abnormal test patterns which require immediate medical attention must include:

Complications and severe reactions may include:

Information provided to client/carer may include: