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

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

Access to appropriate workplace where assessment can take place

Simulation of realistic workplace setting for assessment

Relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols

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 and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Method of assessment

Observation in the workplace

Evidence gathered from clinical work environment

Written assignments/projects 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 play/simulation

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

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 providing assistance in anaesthesia

Fluid balance relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia maintenance

Medical terminology relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia

Clinical/operative procedures and the interrelationship with anaesthesia relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia

General knowledge of pathophysiology of disease relevant to providing assistance during anaesthesia

Anaesthetic procedures relevant to providing assistance during anaesthesia

Use of pain management equipment relevant to providing assistance during anaesthesia

Principles of function, usage, indications, limitations and care of equipment required for clinical and anaesthetic procedures

Procedures for managing anaesthetic equipment faults

Microbiology relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia

Occupational health and safety procedures in relation to anaesthetic equipment

Infection control policies, including standard and additional precautions, in relation to anaesthetic equipment and clinical procedures

Manual handling techniques

Types of infusion solutions, their indication for use and hazards, including incompatibilities

Clinical recognition of adverse client reaction to transfusions, infusions and drug therapy

Medico-legal requirements relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia

Understanding of gas laws and physical properties of gas

Gas cylinders and piped gas, including hazards and safe handling

Methods and principles of stock control and rotation and storage in accordance with organisation policies and procedures and manufacturers' regulations

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

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

Identify the anaesthetic equipment and material requirements for a range of clinical procedures

Prepare anaesthetic equipment and materials for use in a broad range of clinical procedures

Recognise hazards related to the use of each item of a range of anaesthetic equipment

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

Correctly apply relevant Australian Standards and organisation policy and procedures for cleaning, disinfecting and/or sterilisation of anaesthetic equipment where applicable

Identify and manage faults in anaesthetic and monitoring equipment and materials

Assemble and prime infusion in an aseptic manner and prepare infusion equipment

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:

Use basic computer skills

Use reading and writing skills-literacy 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.

Use oral communication skills-language 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.

Use numeracy skills ranging from the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations, recording stock levels and statistical information

Use problem solving skills required, including an ability to use available resources

Deal with conflict

Work with others within a team

Display empathy with client and relatives

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.

Equipment made available for selection includes:

Anaesthetic machine and components, including alarms and scavenger

Work station/trolley

Ventilator and components

Vaporisers or other systems designed for delivery of inhalation anaesthetic agents

Breathing systems and attachments

Bougies

Oxygen masks

Laryngoscopes

Fibreoptic bronchoscopes

Intubation aids, including difficult intubation equipment

Artificial airways

Suction equipment for oesophageal and tracheal suction

Monitoring equipment includes:

Electrocardiography (ECG)

Pulse oximetry

Non-invasive and invasive blood pressure monitoring

Temperature monitoring

Central venous pressure (CVP) monitoring

Intravascular monitoring

Gas analysers, including oxygen, carbon dioxide and anaesthetic agent

Expired/inspired volume/pressure

Neuromuscular transmission

Cardiac output monitoring

Cerebral activity monitoring

Stethoscopes, including oesophageal

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Equipment made available for selection includes (contd):

Other equipment includes:

Defibrillators and cardioverters

Infusion equipment, including oxygen, carbon dioxide and anaesthetic agent

Warming/cooling equipment for client and intravenous fluids

Equipment to minimise heat loss

Tourniquets and exsanguinators

Neuromuscular function monitor

Calf stimulators/compression devices

Operating table and attachments for positioning and pressure care

Humidifiers

Scissors, clamps and forceps

Materials made available for selection includes:

Drugs, including anaesthetic, emergency, those associated with the administration of anaesthetics, and those necessary for the management of conditions which may complicate or co-exist with anaesthesia

Materials for fibreoptic intubation

Microbiologic filter

Heat and moisture exchanger

Needles

Syringes

Cannulas

Antiseptic solutions

Infusion sets and attachments

Lubricant

Gauze

Throat packs

Adhesive tapes

Ties

ECG dots

Introducers

Materials for subarachnoid, epidural or regional nerve blocks

Interpleural drainage sets

Materials for protection against biological contaminants, including sharps containers

Requirements of client may include:

Relevant medical history

Individual anaesthetist requests according to operative or clinical procedure

Age

Clients requiring anaesthetic include:

Neonates

Infants

Children

Adolescents

Adults

Elderly

Male

Female

Clinical procedures covers the surgical procedure and the type of anaesthetic which must include:

General/regional/local anaesthetic and sedation

Radiology/Radiotherapy anaesthesia

General surgery

Gastro-intestinal surgery

Ear, nose and throat surgery

Gynaecological surgery

Obstetric surgery

Orthopaedic surgery

Vascular surgery

Urological surgery

Oral/dental/maxillofacial surgery

Cardiothoracic surgery

Neurosurgery

Plastic surgery

Trauma/emergency surgery

Ophthalmic surgery

Intravascular solutions may include:

Colloids

Crystalloids

Transfusion may include:

Blood

Blood products