Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare, transfer and position clients for operative procedures.
This unit applies to operating theatre technicians and other theatre staff who work under the supervision of the anaesthetist and other members of the operating room team.
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 describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element |
1. Prepare clients for procedure | 1.1 Determine preparation needs from review of information 1.2 Select and use personal protective equipment appropriate to procedure 1.3 Adopt standard and additional infection control guidelines and precautions according to organisation documented procedure 1.4 Attach equipment safely and securely to appropriate sites 1.5 Safely detach equipment when no longer required with minimum risk of damage to client, staff or equipment 1.6 Safely store equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations, or prepare ready for re-use 1.7 Follow established procedures if equipment is found to be faulty |
2. Assist with client transfer | 2.1 Identify correct operating table and table orientation before client is transferred 2.2 Inform 2.3 Detach equipment not required following correct procedure and infection control requirements 2.4 Safely and correctly adjust equipment attached to client during transfer 2.5 Maintain a safe working area and clear passage at all times assessing and controlling for manual task risk factors 2.6 Minimise and respond to client discomfort during transfer 2.7 Re-connect and position equipment once transfer is completed following infection control requirements 2.8 Maintain client’s dignity before, during and after transfer |
3. Position clients for operative procedure | 3.1 Inform client of positioning procedure, reassure and seek co-operation as required 3.2 Ensure relevant equipment is available and correctly positioned 3.3 Take into account individual client needs and confirm with relevant personnel 3.4 Follow correct manual handling procedures and seek assistance 3.5 Safely position client 3.6 Seek confirmation of correct position from anaesthetist and surgeon 3.7 Maintain the client in correct position as required, using assistive equipment when available 3.8 Maintain client’s dignity during positioning |
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:
followed established technical, infection control and safety procedures and instructions for the preparation, transfer and positioning of at least 3 different clients
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:
legal and ethical considerations for theatre work and how these are applied in organisations, including:
children in the workplace
duty of care
informed consent
mandatory reporting
privacy, confidentiality and disclosure
records management
work role boundaries – responsibilities and limitations when working with clients
work health and safety
standard and additional infection control procedures that apply to the operating theatre environment
features and functions of equipment that needs be handled when preparing clients:
during transfer
during positioning
medical terms used in the operating room relevant to technician work
additional infection control procedures that apply to the operating theatre environment
human anatomy and physiology in relation to client transfer and positioning, including:
normal and abnormal body positions
joint movement
features of body locations where equipment may need to be attached/detached
different positions required for operative procedures, associated risks, and how to position clients, including:
supine
prone
lateral
lithotomy
risks, precautions and techniques for protecting clients during moving and positioning
safe manual handling and risk factors for manual tasks
Assessment Conditions
Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that reflects workplace conditions. The following conditions must be met for this unit:
use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:
a fully equipped operating theatre
beds
documented procedures that the candidate follows
modelling of industry operating conditions, including presence of situations requiring problem solving
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors
Foundation Skills
The Foundation Skills describe those required skills (language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills) that are essential to performance. |
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency |