Unit of competency details

Descriptor 

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and respond to clinical risks and client reactions associated with pathology specimen collection

Application 

Work performed requires a broad knowledge base and the ability to apply solutions to a defined range of unpredictable problems

Individuals will take responsibility for their own outputs and limited responsibility for the quantity and quality of output of others

All tasks are conducted in accordance with organisation policies and procedures including OHS and infection control guidelines

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. Collect clinical and other personal information from clients

1.1 Obtain clinical and personal information  from client to establish potential clinical risks of performing collection procedure

1.2 Assess client against pre-test criteria

1.3 Make an assessment of clinical risks 

1.4 Refer issues to an appropriate person  when required

2. Plan and conduct collection procedures according to clinical risks

2.1 Select collection site based on testing needs, client's specific anatomy and physiology, and on assessment of clinical risks 

2.2 Seek assistance from an appropriate person  as required

2.3 Position client appropriately based on assessment of clinical risks

3. Identify and respond to client reactions and complications

3.1 Observe client for reactions during and after collection procedure 

3.2 Follow emergency procedures  for severe reactions and complications

3.3 Follow first aid protocols  in accordance with organisation policies and procedures

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:

• Anatomy and physiology relevant to the range of collection sites and procedures
• Common reactions and complications of pathology collection procedures relevant to work role
• Direction of flow of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood through the heart and lungs
• Elementary anatomy and physiology of the heart relevant to pathology collection
• Elementary anatomy and physiology of the vascular and nervous systems, particularly the close association of blood vessels and nerves of the limbs relevant to pathology collection
• Elementary anatomy of arteries, veins and capillaries
• Emergency procedures for client reactions and complications
• Relevant medical terminology and common clinical laboratory abbreviations

Essential skills :

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability 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 the ability to:

• Apply first aid
• Assess potential clinical risks to individual clients of a range of collection procedures
• Demonstrate client observation skills for detection of reactions and complications
• Demonstrate client positioning skills for various collection procedures
• Follow emergency response procedures for client reactions and complications
• Follow response procedures to median nerve injury during venepuncture
• Identify and locate the blood vessels and nerves relevant to the range of collection sites
• Identify elementary functions, common disorders and common diagnostic tests for each of the skeletal, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, endocrine and lymphatic systems relevant to work role
• Identify major veins in limbs
• Identify significant structures of the heart
• Identify the greater blood vessels which enter and exit the heart
• Use numeracy skills ranging from the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to recording data
• Use oral communication skills and language competence required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation, including skills in:

• asking questions
• providing clear information
• listening to and understanding workplace instructions
• clarifying workplace instructions when necessary
• literacy in English or community language, depending on client group and organisation requirements

• Use problem solving skills required including the ability to use available resources, assemble equipment and prioritise workload

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 :

• The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
• Observation of workplace performance is preferred for assessment of this unit
• Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace
• Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

Context of and specific resources for assessment :

• Relevant equipment
• Training arm
• Emergency response procedures
• Infection control procedures
• Clinical risk assessment policy and procedures
• Workplace health and safety guidelines
• Laboratory policy and procedure guidelines
• Pre-test criteria
• Other organisation policies and procedures
• Duties statements and/or job descriptions

Method of assessment 

• Observation in the work place
• Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge
• Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice
• Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting (laboratory). If successful, a second assessment may be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision
• Interviewing and questioning
• Computer-aided assessment
• Formal appraisal systems
• Staff/client feedback

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

Related units :

This unit should be assessed in conjunction with the following related units:

• HLTPAT304C Collect pathology specimens
• HLTPAT306C Perform blood collection

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.

Clinical and personal information may include :

• Clinical history
• Allergies
• Current and recent medications
• Recent illnesses
• Reactions/complications to previous collection procedures

Clinical risks may relate to or include :

• Reactions and complications to procedure
• Infection
• Hemoconcentration
• Haemolysis
• Blood components
• Needle stick injury
• Excessive bleeding
• Damage to nervous system
• Vascular damage
• Location of venous access
• Concurrent treatments and therapy
• IV therapy

Collection procedure may include :

• Blood collection
• Other specimen collection
• Pre-test criteria relates to the organisation's clinical screening process and client information collection that is undertaken prior to performance of a collection procedure

Appropriate person may include :

• Supervisor
• Other Pathology Collection staff
• Medical Scientist
• Medical Officer
• Pathologist

Emergency procedures may include :

• As determined by organisation policies and procedures
• First aid procedures
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Immediate notification to appropriate personnel
• Contact ambulance service
• Following hospital emergency procedures if the client is in hospital

First Aid protocols may relate to :

• Fainting
• Nerve damage
• Haematoma
• Petechiae
• Seizures
• Mastectomy clients
• Oedema
• Obesity of client
• Damaged veins
• Excessive bleeding