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 to safe client handling eg transfers positioning

Functions of relevant equipment

Infection control procedures

Medical terms used in the operating room relevant to the workers role

Medicolegal implications of technicians role and work procedures

Work health and safety WHS procedures

Range of positions required for operative procedures as per organisation policy and surgeon preference

Risks and precautions in relation to anaesthetic procedures relevant to the theatre technicians role

Risks and precautions in relation to client positioning

Use of equipment aids and attachments for client positioning

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Demonstrate client transfer techniques

Follow organisation policy and procedures for client confidentiality and privacy

Use client positioning techniques and identify hazards

Use correct procedures for attachment and detachment of relevant equipment from clients in the operating room

Use manual handling procedures

Work as part of a team and follow directions from operating room health professionals

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

Communicate with health professionals

Deal with difficult coworkers and conflict

Maintain the clients dignity and privacy

Maintain work practices which address the comfort and dignity needs of clients

Solve problems including the ability to use available resources

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

Undertake and complete basic arithmetic calculations

Undertake preparation of clients for application of relevant equipment

Use oral communication skills as 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

literacy in English

Use reading and writing skills as required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by organisation at a level of skill that includes the ability to understand symbols used in WHS signs reading workplace safety pamphlets or procedure manuals and reading labels

Work cooperatively in a team environment

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

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

Access to appropriate workplace where assessment can take place and relevant organisation policy guidelines procedures and protocols

Simulation of realistic workplace setting for assessment

Method of assessment

Observation of work activities when assisting with preparation of clients for operative procedures

Observation of simulation andor role play when assisting with preparation of clients for operative procedures

Discussion of physical andor behavioural contingency scenarios involving duty of care

Authenticated transcripts of relevant educationtraining courses

Recognition of relevant lifework experience

Written assignmentsprojects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge

Authenticated reports of experience assisting with preparation of clients for operative procedures Documentation associated with performance reviews supervisorcoordinator evaluations of work performance

Training records associated with work health and safety WHS 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 can be assessed independently however holistic assessment practice with other health services units of competency is encouraged

Personal protective equipment may include:

Clients may include:

Equipment and consumables may include:

Skin preparation procedures may include:

Relevant personnel may include:

Client transfer may include:

Operative procedure may include:

Procedures for protection of clients may include:

Client positions may include: