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 education/training courses

Interviews/questioning

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 and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Related units:

This unit can be assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other mortuary 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:

Basic anatomy and physiology

Basic pathology

Body reconstruction and restoration techniques following autopsy

Cleaning techniques

Correct and safe use of autopsy equipment

Correct labelling, identification and transport of specimens

Dissection techniques

Infection control procedures

Organisation role boundaries for Mortuary Technicians during assistance with autopsies

Relevant basic medical terminology

Relevant organisation policies and procedures

Safe working procedures during autopsies

Sterilising techniques, including operation of sterilisers if appropriate

Work health and safety (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

Communicate with Medical Officer performing autopsy

Demonstrate:

basic photography

correct and safe disposal of clinical and other wastes

removal and accurate measurement and weighing of fluids and organs

correct use of personal protective equipment

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

Follow infection control policy and procedures

Follow organisation waste management practices

Operate photographic equipment for routine photography

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

Use reading and writing skills 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

Use special techniques as per organisation policy and procedures (e.g. enucleation, long bone)

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.

Assisting with autopsy may include:

Collection of specimens (e.g. blood, urine, bile, vitrious humor, cerebrospinal fluid, stomach and small bowel contents, liver, bone or other samples)

Removal and handling of organs or other body structures

Assisting with medical imaging

Taking, or assisting with taking, finger prints

Ensuring autopsy tools are sharp and safe to use

Medical Officer may refer to:

Pathologist

Government Medical Officer

Other Medical Practitioner

Equipment may include:

Autopsy table

Trolleys

Surgical instruments

Scales

Specimen containers

Necropsy saw

Suction

Knives

Needles

Body bags

Packaging materials

Sutures

Cleaning equipment

Camera

Tape recorder

Body may include:

Foetus

Neonates

Paediatrics

Adults

Skeletal remains

Body parts

Personal protective equipment may include:

Face protection

Eye protection

Gown

Apron

Surgical suits

Appropriate Gloves

Protective footwear

Protective headwear

Respirators

Checking processes may include:

Ensuring consent or Coroner's Order to autopsy has been received

Check of identification of body

Check of infectious status of body

Check for potential hazards (e.g. chemical, radiation, etc) which may be encountered during the autopsy

Check for implants and prostheses

Identification of known or suspected high risk cases

Confirmation of documentation with Medical Officer

Identification and recording of scars, tattoos and distinctive features

Photographic documentation may include:

Details of film roll and sequence number

Name of body

Name of photographer

Case number

Measuring scale

Date

Labelling of photographic object

Records of digital photography

Specimens may include:

Tissue samples

Organs

Blood

Urine

Bile

Body fluids

Cerebrospinal fluid

Stomach contents

Liver

Vitreous humor

Ascites

Other fluids (e.g. from cysts)

Other pathological specimens

Toxicological specimens

Procedures for preservation of organs and other collectedspecimens may include:

Refrigeration

Cold or frozen storage

Chemical preservation

Use of formalin and glutaraldehyde solutions

Use of bacterial and viral media

Use of blood preservatives

Use of appropriate containers

Use of cytology fixatives

Relevant legislation may include:

Relevant State and Territory Legislation concerning organ retention

Organisation policy and procedure may relate to:

Checking processes

Identification

Documentation and record keeping

Organ retention

Boundaries of the scope of the role of the Mortuary Technician

Specimen collection and preparation

Medical Imaging

Photography

Photographic documentation

Reconstruction and restoration of bodies

Evisceration procedures

Cleaning of autopsy room and equipment

Sterilisation of equipment

Waste management

Reconstruction and restoration of bodies may include:

Cleaning cavities

Packing of absorbent material

Blocking orifices

Replacement of organs

Suturing incisions

Insertion of prostheses

Washing and drying body

Infection Control policy and procedures may include:

Personal hygiene

Cleaning procedures

Cleaning of surfaces and equipment

Use of cleaning chemicals

Use of personal protective equipment

Standard and additional precautions

Disposal of clinical and other wastes

Waste may include:

Clinical wastes

Human tissue

General waste

Toxic waste

Work health and safety policy may include:

Manual handling

Use of equipment

Storage of equipment

Use of personal protective equipment

Handling of chemicals

Needlestick injuries

Maintenance of a clean working environment

Workplace injuries