HLTCAR001 Perform electrocardiography (ECG)

Release: 1

HLTCAR001 Perform electrocardiography (ECG)

Modification History

Release	Comments
Release 1	This version was released in HLT Health Training Package release 2.0 and meets the requirements of the 2012 Standards for Training Packages. Merged HLTCA401/HLTPAT407. Minimal changes to the elements and performance criteria. New evidence requirements for assessment, including volume and frequency requirements. Significant change to knowledge evidence.

Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare for and conduct electrocardiography (ECG) procedures, producing traces that are suitable for diagnostic purposes. It does not include interpretation of the ECG.

This unit applies to any health worker conducting ECG procedures. ECGs are performed in medical centres, hospitals and cardiologist rooms.

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 of a unit of competency.	The Performance Criteria specify the level of performance required to demonstrate achievement of the Element.
1. Prepare electrocardiography machine for use	1.1 Check cleanliness and settings of ECG machine prior to use in accordance with organisation procedures and infection control requirements 1.2 Prepare ECG leads in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications
2. Prepare for ECG procedure	2.1 Greet client courteously and identify self 2.2 Identify client following organisation and regulatory procedure 2.3 Obtain, interpret and accurately record personal and clinical information in accordance with organisation policies and procedures 2.4 Provide complete and accurate information in easily understood language regarding the ECG procedure to client 2.5 Provide client with the opportunity to ask questions and discuss areas of concern 2.6 Obtain consent following ethical and legal requirements
3. Prepare client for ECG procedure	3.1 Maintain client privacy and dignity throughout procedure 3.2 Follow standard infection control procedures 3.3 Position the client correctly and comfortably as recommended by manufacturer or organisation procedure for different client groups 3.4 Prepare client’s skin for electrode placement in accordance with organisation procedures and manufacturer instructions 3.5 Attach leads in accordance with procedure required and manufacturer’s recommendations, and double check lead placement 3.6 Identify potential client risks and advise supervisor if risk exists
4. Produce an ECG trace	4.1 Produce trace and check trace for diagnostic suitability 4.2 Identify and respond to situations where repeat trace is required 4.3 Forward trace to relevant organisation or medical officer for interpretation using required method of transmission according to organisation procedure 4.4 Record episode details in accordance with organisation procedures
5. Complete ECG process	5.1 Remove ECG leads and electrodes from client maintaining client privacy and ensuring skin integrity 5.2 Provide client with assistance as required, on completion of procedure 5.3 Dispose of waste in accordance with waste management procedures 5.4 Store ECG machine in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications

Foundation Skills

The Foundation Skills describe those required skills (language, literacy and numeracy) that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Unit Mapping Information

No equivalent unit.

Links

Companion Volume implementation guides are found in VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=ced1390f-48d9-4ab0-bd50-b015e5485705