The application of this unit in the workplace includes applying epidemiological knowledge and methods to conduct the quick assessment of disease outbreak to identify the disease and to apply early control measures to prevent the continued spread of disease. This unit of competency is applicable to preventive medicine personnel. This function is limited to the performance of tasks in accordance with organisational policies and procedures. | |
Not applicable.
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Initiate data gathering for quick assessment | 1.1 Relevant persons within affected organisation are liaised with, to inform and gain consent for quick assessment to occur 1.2 Factors affecting the complexity of the quick assessment are determined 1.3 Information regarding events leading up to, during or after a disease outbreak occurring are obtained from those involved using appropriate data collection methods 1.4 Persons assisting with quick assessment are tasked and provided with appropriate guidance to enable them to assist independently 1.5 Environmental measurementsand testing to support quick assessment are performed 1.6 Information gathered by others is facilitated into the overall epidemiologic quick assessment |
2. Analyse epidemiologic data | 2.1 Events are constructed into a time line to identify initial causative incident 2.2 Causative incidents are analysed to identify the nature of the disease causing the outbreak 2.3 Epidemiologic data is analysed to identify the spread of disease and to classify the proportions of the disease outbreak 2.4 Factors relating to disease outbreak are compared to treatment information and organisation's response to the disease outbreak 2.5 Specialist authorities are contacted as required to seek expert advice or opinion to aid the assessment of disease |
3. Report assessment findings and implement disease control measures | 3.1 Assessment findings are discussed and agreed upon with personnel assisting in the quick assessment 3.2 Range of control measures are identified which specifically address factors relating to disease outbreak 3.3 Assessment findings are recorded and communicated to relevant personnel along with immediate control measures aimed at stopping the spread of disease within the organisation 3.4 Disease control measures are integrated with the wider environmental health support plan to apply the lessons learned in the disease outbreak to other operating areas and groups |
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit. |
Required Skills |
communicate appropriately about, consult on and impart knowledge of: causes of disease transmission control measures of disease transmission food storage and distribution standards epidemiologic assessment methods risk management principles water quality assurance measures establish and maintain administrative systems lead other personnel in quick assessment manage workplace issues and problems prioritise tasking |
Required Knowledge |
basic knowledge of: epidemiology of disease Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) approach to food control pathophysiology of common communicable diseases process of disease comprehensive knowledge of: administrative systems best use of available resources causes of disease transmission causes of manpower wastage control measures of disease transmission documentation processes relevant to own workplace food storage and distribution standards health surveillance system legal rights and responsibilities organisational policies and procedures planning and control systems risk management principles role and capabilities of other health care providers including environmental health team team leadership management principles time management strategies to set priorities water quality assurance measures |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | Assessment must confirm the ability to: liaise with personnel in authority to engender support for quick assessment analyse information and make accurate assessments about the nature of disease causing the outbreak coordinate the activities of persons assisting with the quick assessment. Consistency in performance Competency should be demonstrated over a minimum of two quick assessment scenarios. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Context of assessment Competency should be assessed in a simulated situation or scenario. Specific resources for assessment Access is required to: simulated situation or scenario of outbreak of disease with all supporting information equipment required to perform environmental measurement and testing. |
The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below. | |
Relevant persons may include | Activity commander Environmental health officer Team leader Technical supervisor |
Factors affecting the complexity may include | Availability of personnel Availability of resources Continued prevalence of disease Operational constraints Time elapsed since first reported case Wellness of personnel affected by the disease |
Information regarding events leading up to, during or after a disease outbreak may include | Action on first reported case Duration of illness Environmental protection activities Epidemiology of the presenting disease Food sources Hygiene procedures Group activities Number of personnel affected Operating environment Referral action Response to treatment by health personnel Secondary infections Subsequent environmental protection activities Water sources |
Appropriate data collection methods may include | Document search Inspection Interview Requests for information Survey |
Environmental measurements and testing may include | Chemical and biological testing Environmental measurement Food sampling Water quality testing |
Proportions of the disease outbreak may include | Endemic Epidemic |
Factors relating to disease outbreak may include | Path of disease transmission Proportions of disease spread and infection Time/date of onset Type of disease |
Specialist authorities may include | Environmental health officer Health planning personnel Medical personnel Pathology specialist |
Control measures may include | Controlling dust and aerial contamination Controlling/isolating field waste Education of personnel (prevention/early detection) Immunisation Improving personal hygiene Isolating carriers of disease Preventing overcrowding Providing adequate hygiene facilities Reviewing food handlers hygiene practices Reviewing food handling and storage practices |
Not applicable.
This unit contains employability skills. | |
Pre-requisite Unit/s | Nil |
Not applicable.