Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

HLTMT408D Mapping and Delivery Guide
Assist with forensic autopsy techniques

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency HLTMT408D - Assist with forensic autopsy techniques
Description This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required for a mortuary technician to prepare for and assist with forensic autopsy techniques including autopsies for sudden or suspicious deaths, the dissection of particular body parts and the collection and storage of evidence samples
Employability Skills This unit contains Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application Work performed requires a broad knowledge base and the ability to apply solutions to a defined range of unpredictable problemsIndividuals take responsibility for their own outputs and limited responsibility for quantity and quality of output of othersAll tasks are conducted in accordance with organisation policies and procedures including work health and safety (WHS) and infection control guidelines
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Pre-requisite unitThis unit must be assessed after successful achievement of pre-requisite:HLTMT304D Assist with autopsy
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Prepare deceased person for autopsy
  • Follow checking processes correctly
  • Confirm details of case type
  • Obtain and prepare relevant equipment
  • Correctly prepare, fix and label specimen containers
  • Correctly use personal protective equipment
  • Obtain body and check identification
  • Liaise with medical officer as appropriate
       
Element: Assist with special dissections
  • Follow procedures and medical officer's instructions for special dissections
  • Undertake and record measurements
  • Collect pathological and toxicological specimens and samples for evidence under supervision
  • Undertake organ retention and specimen documentation in line with relevant legislation and organisation policy and procedure
  • Securely store samples for evidence in accordance with organisation policy and procedure
  • Reconstruct, clean and restore body to acceptable condition for viewing
  • Prepare body for storage and return for refrigeration storage
       
Element: Operate medical imaging equipment
  • Identify and collect medical imaging equipment
  • Include labels in the image
  • Complete documentation according to organisation policy and procedures
  • Frame image appropriately
  • Produce accurate and clear images
  • Retrieve images in a timely manner
  • Maintain medical imaging equipment according to manufacturers' specifications
       
Element: Clean autopsy room
  • Clean and safely store equipment
  • Sterilise equipment as required
  • Clean work area according to infection control policy and procedures
  • Safely dispose of waste according to organisation policy and procedures
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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:

Workers should have an understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander culture and history and an ability to work with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Assessors and trainers must have a knowledge of and take into account the influence of cultural and historic factors relating to health for those working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

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

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

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, physiology and pathology relevant to the role of the Mortuary Technician in a forensic setting

Cleaning techniques

Cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation of equipment

Mode of infectious disease transmission

Principles of photography

Relevant basic medical terminology

Relevant organisation policies and procedures

Steriliser operation, if required

WHS in a mortuary

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Appropriately interpret job requirements

Organise work areas and medical gas equipment

Select appropriate emergency and personal protective equipment

Identify potential risks, hazards to handling and storage of medical gas equipment

Use all medical gas equipment safely and appropriately

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:

Apply problem solving skills, including an ability to use available resources and manage a daily routine

Check to ensure dissection equipment is sharp and safe for use

Communicate effectively with medical officer performing autopsy

Correctly label, identify, transport and store specimens

Correctly use personal protective equipment

Demonstrate body reconstruction and restoration techniques following autopsy

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

Follow infection control and WHS policy and procedures

Follow organisation waste management practices, including correctly and safely dispose of clinical and other wastes and taking into account opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues

Follow safe working procedures during autopsies

Maintain records for evidence purposes

Operate medical imaging equipment effectively

Remove and accurately measure and weigh fluids and organs

Use accurate special dissection techniques

Use autopsy equipment correctly and safely

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 required that includes reading workplace policy and procedure manuals and documenting administrative and clinical information

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.

Checking processes may include:

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

Identification of deceased

Infectious status of deceased

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

Removal of 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

Case types may include:

Disaster victim identification (DVI)

Suspicious deaths - homicides, suicide

Sudden death - accident

Coroner's cases

Equipment may include:

Autopsy table

Trolleys

Surgical instruments

Scales

Specimen containers

Necropsy saw

Body bags

Cleaning equipment

Camera

Tape recorder

Personal protective equipment may include:

Face protection

Eye protection

Gown

Apron

Surgical suits

Gloves

Protective footwear

Respirators

Medical officer may refer to:

Pathologist

Government medical officer

Other medical practitioner

Specialdissections may include:

Face masking

Dissections to neck

Removal of teeth

Dissections to Jaws

Sub-Cutaneous dissections

Measurements may include:

Length

Weight

Volume

Pathological and toxicological specimens and samples for evidence may include:

Tissue

Blood

Urine

Bile

Cerebrospinal fluid

Stomach contents

Liver

Other fluids

Chemicals

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 work 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

Medical Imaging equipment may include:

Photography equipment

Digital imaging equipment

Documentation may include:

Register of images

Request for medical imaging

Authorisation to use medical images

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

Cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation of equipment

Operation of sterilisers, if required

Standard and additional precautions

Disposal of clinical and other wastes

Waste may include:

Clinical wastes

Infectious waste

Human tissue

General waste

Work health and safety policy may include:

Manual handling

Use of equipment

Storage of equipment

Use of personal protective equipment

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Follow checking processes correctly 
Confirm details of case type 
Obtain and prepare relevant equipment 
Correctly prepare, fix and label specimen containers 
Correctly use personal protective equipment 
Obtain body and check identification 
Liaise with medical officer as appropriate 
Follow procedures and medical officer's instructions for special dissections 
Undertake and record measurements 
Collect pathological and toxicological specimens and samples for evidence under supervision 
Undertake organ retention and specimen documentation in line with relevant legislation and organisation policy and procedure 
Securely store samples for evidence in accordance with organisation policy and procedure 
Reconstruct, clean and restore body to acceptable condition for viewing 
Prepare body for storage and return for refrigeration storage 
Identify and collect medical imaging equipment 
Include labels in the image 
Complete documentation according to organisation policy and procedures 
Frame image appropriately 
Produce accurate and clear images 
Retrieve images in a timely manner 
Maintain medical imaging equipment according to manufacturers' specifications 
Clean and safely store equipment 
Sterilise equipment as required 
Clean work area according to infection control policy and procedures 
Safely dispose of waste according to organisation policy and procedures 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

HLTMT408D - Assist with forensic autopsy techniques
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

HLTMT408D - Assist with forensic autopsy techniques

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: