Unit of competency details

Descriptor 

This unit of competency describes the basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology required to recognise body systems and their components and to identify and refer alterations associated with the functioning of the human body in the context of health care work

Application 

The application of knowledge and skills described in this competency unit may relate to functions such as client questioning and documentation of information, such as medical history, using a structured technique or pro forma for gathering and recording information

Functions at this level require a broad overview of healthy functioning of the human body and practical aspects of disease management

Employability Skills 

This unit contains Employability Skills

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. Terms in italics are elaborated in the Range Statement.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Apply knowledge of the basic structure of the healthy human body

1.1 Use accepted health terminology to describe the normal structure, function and location of the major body systems 

1.2 Apply a basic understanding of the fundamental principles of maintaining a healthy body

1.3 Work with knowledge of the major components of each body system and their location in relation to other structures

2. Apply basic knowledge of factors that support healthy functioning of the body

2.1 Work with a basic understanding of how to maintain the whole body in an overall state of health

2.2 Work with a basic understanding of the relationships between body systems required to support healthy functioning 

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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:

• Basic structure and functions of the body systems and associated components, including

• cardiovascular system
• respiratory system
• musculo-skeletal system
• endocrine system
• nervous system
• digestive system
• urinary system
• reproductive system
• integumentary system
• lymphatic system
• the special senses - smell, taste, vision, equilibrium and hearing
• cells, tissues and organs

• Basic maintenance for a healthy body

Essential skills :

The candidate must demonstrate the ability to 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 the ability to:

• Use and articulate accurately common health terminology related to human anatomy and physiology
• Apply essential knowledge as outlined to own work role

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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 :

• Evidence must demonstrate the individual's ability to apply their knowledge within the requirements of an identified modality of health care or support services to a specific age group
• Consistency of application of knowledge should be demonstrated over the required range of workplace applications relevant to an identified work role

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

Context of and specific resources for assessment :

• Assessment should replicate workplace conditions as far as possible.
• Where, for reasons of safety, assessment takes place away from the workplace, simulations should be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
• Resources for assessment may include access to materials and space as required to demonstrate competence, such as:

• anatomical models, charts and/or diagrams
• relevant technology - internet and CD-ROM
• workplace or simulated work environment

Method of assessment :

• Assessment must include questioning (verbal and written) to address Essential Knowledge as outlined in this unit

RANGE STATEMENT 

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.

Major body systems include :

• Cardiovascular system
• Respiratory system
• Musculo-skeletal system
• Endocrine system
• Nervous system
• Digestive system
• Urinary system
• Reproductive system
• Integumentary system
• Lymphatic system
• The special senses - smell, taste, vision, equilibrium and hearing

Processes , conditions and resources required by the body to support healthy functioning may include but are not limited to :

• Body regulation including

• maintenance of body temperature
• body fluids (including e.g. absorption of water from digestive system, loss of water through skin, distribution of water by cardiovascular system)
• elimination of wastes from the body
• maintenance of blood pressure

• Protection from infection
• Physical activity - active and passive