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

HLTPAT407C Mapping and Delivery Guide
Perform electrocardiography (ECG)

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency HLTPAT407C - Perform electrocardiography (ECG)
Description This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to use an electrocardiograph, and to provide a client's ECG trace under the supervision of an appropriate health professional
Employability Skills This unit contains Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application Work performed requires a range of well-developed skills where some discretion and judgment is required. Individuals will take responsibility for their own outputs and limited responsibility for the output of others
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not Applicable
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 electrocardiography (ECG) machine for use
  • Check ECG machine against a checklist before each use for good electrical working order, for cleanliness, calibration, and for correct settings
  • Check ECG machine to ensure that it is maintained according to the AS 3551 Technical Management Program for Medical Devices
       
Element: Prepare client and attach ECG leads
  • Correctly identify, reassure and inform client, regarding the ECG procedure
  • Record client information eg name, medical record number, date and time, and whether client has chest pain or is pain free
  • Position client for the attachment of leads
  • Attach leads according to procedure manual, and correct lead placement is double checked
       
Element: Produce ECG trace according to the documented procedures
  • Label leads as they are recorded, and record if a filter is used
  • Record lead 2 'rhythm strip', being of a length prearranged with the requesting practitioner
  • Produce trace eliminating sources of interference and maintaining a straight base line
  • Clean client's chest and ECG electrodes on completion of procedure
  • Forward trace to cardiologist for reading
       
Element: Recognise and manage common ECG interference patterns
  • Identify and manage electrical interference
  • Identify and manage skeletal muscle tremor
  • Identify and manage excessive muscle activity
  • Identify and manage a wandering baseline
       


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

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:

Relevant ECG equipment and leads

ECG procedure manual

Emergency response procedures

Infection control procedures

Clinical risk assessment policy and procedures

Workplace health and safety guidelines

Other organisation policies and procedures

Duties statements and/or job descriptions

Method of assessment may include:

Observation in the work place

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

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 observation of performance

Interviewing and questioning

Computer-aided assessment

Staff/client feedback

Supporting statement of supervisor(s)

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 delivered and assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other pathology units of competency is encouraged

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:

All steps in the production of a client ECG trace

Anatomy and physiology relevant for safe and accurate ECG monitoring

Attachment locations of all the ECG leads

Calibration procedures for manual ECG machines

Identifies causes of the common trace interference and the appropriate remedies

Obligations with respect to confidentiality of client information

Rationale for routine safety checks that must be performed with each use of the apparatus

Understanding of the need for medical equipment to be listed with TGA, and that it must be accompanied by documentary evidence of that listing

Understanding that ECG Apparatus must comply with AS 3551 'Technical Management Program for Medical Devices' which specifies the minimum maintenance program

Understanding that medical equipment must comply with AS/NZS 3200 'Electrical Standard', which lists test specifications for medical and electrical equipment and requirements for safety testing of Electrocardiographs.

Essential skills:

Ability to:

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

Demonstrate all steps that must be taken to ensure equipment is safe

Demonstrate the attachment of all leads to a client

Follow procedure for client identification

Identify an ECG trace that is unsatisfactory for diagnostic purposes

Identify and manage all forms of interference

Manage clients who may have difficulties with this procedure

Manage the known common interferences in the production of an ECG trace

Operate an ECG machine and leads

Produce a good client ECG trace

Provide appropriate level of care reflecting courtesy, responsiveness and helpfulness

Reassure and assist clients to feel comfortable and relaxed

Recognise boundaries of responsibilities and refer problems to supervisor

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

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.

An appropriate health professional may include:

Registered nurse

Pathologist

Medical officer

ECG technician

ECG trace requests may come from:

A registered medical practitioner

Nominated nursing staff eg nurse practitioner

ECG machines may be:

Manual

Automatic

Client preparation and ECG recording may need to take into account:

Clients may be inflexible, arthritic, in pain, tense or stressed

Clients may be large or small

Difficulties in obtaining an accurate trace at the first attempt

Electrical interference may be caused by corroded electrodes or poor electrode skin contact

Skeletal muscle tremor is usually due to pain, discomfort or anxiety

Skeletal muscle activity is most commonly due to a cold environment and/or client movement

Wandering base line interference is commonly due to loose electrodes, but may also be due to a swaying cable or an unusually heavy diaphragm action in clients

Protective clothing may include:

Gloves

Gowns

Venues for electrocardiography may include:

Centres/clinics

Hospitals

Other institutions - ie Psychiatric institutions

Home

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
Check ECG machine against a checklist before each use for good electrical working order, for cleanliness, calibration, and for correct settings 
Check ECG machine to ensure that it is maintained according to the AS 3551 Technical Management Program for Medical Devices 
Correctly identify, reassure and inform client, regarding the ECG procedure 
Record client information eg name, medical record number, date and time, and whether client has chest pain or is pain free 
Position client for the attachment of leads 
Attach leads according to procedure manual, and correct lead placement is double checked 
Label leads as they are recorded, and record if a filter is used 
Record lead 2 'rhythm strip', being of a length prearranged with the requesting practitioner 
Produce trace eliminating sources of interference and maintaining a straight base line 
Clean client's chest and ECG electrodes on completion of procedure 
Forward trace to cardiologist for reading 
Identify and manage electrical interference 
Identify and manage skeletal muscle tremor 
Identify and manage excessive muscle activity 
Identify and manage a wandering baseline 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

HLTPAT407C - Perform electrocardiography (ECG)
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

HLTPAT407C - Perform electrocardiography (ECG)

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: