Application
This unit deals with the required skills and knowledge to independently develop, implement and evaluate a care plan for individual clients.
It involves independent decision-making and problem-solving in relation to a wide range of health problems which may impact on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients, as well as the initiation of tests, examinations and treatments.
This unit applies to those Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers working independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team to deliver primary health care services to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements define the essential outcomes. | Performance Criteria specify the level of performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the Element. |
1. Assess client’s health | 1.1 Build and maintain relationship of trust with each client, with active promotion of and strict adherence to confidentiality 1.2 Undertake detailed assessment in line with protocols for specific health condition/s 1.3 Review client records to determine priorities and potential areas of risk for each client 1.4 Evaluate impact of previous care strategies 1.5 Initiate relevant examinations and tests as required to identify and/or clarify any suspected or identified health issues and/or abnormalities 1.6 Communicate with the client in a culturally appropriate and safe manner in relation to any health issues and/or abnormalities and to inform ongoing health management |
2. Interpret common pathology tests | 2.1 Explain significance of common haematological, biochemical and microbiological test abnormalities to clients in plain language 2.2 Assess numerical test values against normal reference ranges 2.3 Refer abnormal pathology test results to medical practitioners as appropriate |
3. Develop care plan | 3.1 Formulate care plan to address identified health issues 3.2 Develop care plan with reference to the relevant health care team and other health care providers 3.3 Develop care plan in collaboration with the client 3.4 Propose treatment in accordance with organisation policies and procedures and as negotiated with the client, their family and/or the community 3.5 Include measures consistent with standing orders/written protocols, based on health assessment findings 3.6 Refer client as required to relevant health professionals in line with community, organisation and regulatory requirements 3.7 Document health care plan in the client’s file in accordance with organisation policies and procedures |
4. Implement care plan | 4.1 Provide care (treatment) to address identified health issues and manage chronic health problems 4.2 Encourage client to undertake regular health reviews to address identified health issues 4.3 Encourage client to maintain identified care practices to address the health issues 4.4 Monitor client health regularly to assess impact of treatment/s and care services 4.5 Provide client with information relevant to promoting and maintaining their health in a way they understand 4.6 Support client with information about each aspect of the care plan and the rationale for its inclusion 4.7 Initiate action (including referral) as determined by effective decision-making, in line with organisation policies, based on results of clinical assessment and in accordance with accepted procedures and protocols 4.8 Conduct treatment in accordance with the care plan, organisation policies and procedures and occupational health and safety requirements 4.9 Use medical equipment correctly and maintain equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications and organisation policies 4.10 Maintain current, complete, accurate and relevant records for each client contact |
5. Review care plan | 5.1 Use regular client health checks as a way of monitoring and reviewing health care plan 5.2 Evaluate ongoing client health against identified criteria and make changes or referral, as determined by client’s condition and organisation procedures 5.3 Communicate effectively with the client and significant others to evaluate effectiveness of health care |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role.
There must be evidence that the candidate has, on at least three different occasions:
undertaken a detailed health assessment of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients, including adults and children
reviewed all relevant information for clients, including past treatment plans, to support the health assessment
carried out, and interpreted the outcomes of, relevant tests and examinations to identify and clarify specific health issues
developed care plans for clients, including treatment, in consultation with relevant health care team and health care professionals
communicated all aspects of the health care plan to clients and/or family in a culturally appropriate and safe manner, encouraging understanding and questions
implemented the health care plan by:
initiating treatment, including administering specific treatment procedures
referring clients to appropriate health services
using medical equipment necessary to determined treatment actions
monitoring the client’s progress and adjusting treatment as required to support health
supporting the client to engage in their health care plan by providing information to the client about their specific health issues
using client appointments to review the progress of the client under the treatment plan
documented all stages of the assessment, planning and implementation of health care
communicated at all times with the client in culturally appropriate and safe ways to support their health treatment, during the assessment, and planning and implementation of treatment
exercised decision-making and problem-solving skills in their treatment of clients
consulted and referred to other health professionals as required to support client care.
Evidence of 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:
key aspects of anatomy/physiology, pharmacology, and microbiology, associated with a range of health conditions including chronic conditions health
common treatments and associated care services and treatments relevant to client’s overall health
availability, effectiveness and risks associated with identified treatments and associated care services
other conditions that may occur and require concurrent management
commonly requested pathology tests, their indications, normal ranges and implications for client care management, including:
full blood examination and ESR
random and fasting blood sugars
glycated haemoglobin
electrolytes and creatinine
liver function tests
lipid tests
thyroid function tests
iron studies
cardiac enzymes
urinary albumin-creatinine ratio
tests for sexually transmissible infections
microscopy, culture and sensitivities
administration of specific procedures, including:
nasogastric tube (NGT) insertion and the management of fluids and medications
intraosseous (bone marrow) insertion and cannulation
complex wound and burns management
assessment and examination of lungs and respiratory system
insertion of an indwelling catheter (IDC)
application of POP
intravenous therapy administration and management, and fluid balance assessment and management
intravenous cannula insertion in adult and paediatrics
organisational standards, policies and procedures.
Assessment Conditions
Skills must be demonstrated working:
in a health service or centre
individually or as a member of a multidisciplinary primary health care team
with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities.
In addition, simulations and scenarios must be used where the full range of contexts and situations cannot be provided in the workplace or may occur only rarely. These are situations relating to emergency or unplanned procedures where assessment in these circumstances would be unsafe or is impractical.
Simulated assessment environments must simulate the real-life working environment where these skills and knowledge would be performed, with all the relevant equipment and resources of that working environment.
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Assessment must be undertaken by a workplace assessor who has expertise in this unit of competency and who is:
an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Worker
or:
accompanied by an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person who is a recognised member of the community with experience in primary health care
Foundation Skills
The Foundation Skills describe those required skills (language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills) that are essential to performance. | |
Numeracy | in order to interpret common haematological, biochemical and microbiological test abnormalities and other pathology test results |
Other foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit.