Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit covers the competency required to assist with quick assessment of disease outbreak within the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Application of the Unit 

The application of this unit in the workplace includes applying epidemiological knowledge and methods to assist with a quick assessment of disease outbreak and to identify early control measures to prevent the continued spread of disease.

This unit of competency is applicable to preventive medicine personnel. This function is limited to the performance of tasks in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Pre-requisite Unit /s 

Nil

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a Unit of Competency.

Performance Criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the Required Skills and Knowledge and/or the Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Collect epidemiologic data relevant to quick assessment 

1.1 Tasks to support quick assessment are received from person/s leading quick assessment and are clarified as required

1.2 Person/s leading quick assessment are accompanied and provided with relevant information and assistance as required

1.3 Information regarding events leading up to , during or after a disease outbreak  occurring is obtained from those involved using appropriate data collection methods 

1.4 Environmental measurements and testing  to support quick assessment are performed

1.5 Environmental measurements outside of normal reference intervals are repeated to validate measurement information and to enable accurate data on which to base analysis

2. Participate in epidemiologic quick assessment 

2.1 Epidemiologic data is analysed to identify factors relating to disease outbreak 

2.2 Factors relating to disease outbreak are compared to treatment information and to organisation's response to disease outbreak

2.3 Specialist authorities  are contacted as required to seek expert advice or opinion to aid assessment of disease

3. Identify immediate disease control measures 

3.1 Range of control measures  are identified which specifically address factors of disease outbreak

3.2 Control measures are communicated to person/s leading quick assessment for review

3.3 Disease control measures are integrated with the environmental health support plan to apply lessons learned to other operating areas and groups

3.4 Control measures outside own limits of authority are referred to commander for resolution

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills 

• communicate appropriately about, consult on and impart knowledge of:
• causes of disease transmission
• control measures of disease transmission
• food storage and distribution standards
• risk management principles
• water quality assurance measures
• establish and maintain administrative systems
• manage workplace issues and problems
• prioritise tasking

Required Knowledge 

• administrative systems
• best use of available resources
• causes of disease transmission
• causes of manpower wastage
• control measures of disease transmission
• documentation processes relevant to own workplace
• food storage and distribution standards including the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) approach to food control
• health surveillance system
• legal rights and responsibilities
• organisational policies and procedures
• pathophysiology of common communicable diseases
• planning and control systems
• process of disease
• risk management principles
• role and capabilities of other health care providers including environmental health team
• team leadership management principles
• time management strategies to set priorities
• water quality assurance measures

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

• gather relevant information to the outbreak of disease
• analyse information and make accurate assessments about the factors of disease
• communicate and work effectively with person/s leading the quick assessment.

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated over a minimum of two quick assessment scenarios.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in a simulated situation or scenario.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• actual or scenario of outbreak of disease with all supporting information
• equipment required to perform environmental measurement and testing
• person who is or who is notionally leading quick assessment.

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. Bold italicised  wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Information regarding events leading up to , during or after a disease outbreak may include 

Action on first reported case

Environmental protection activities

Duration of illness

Epidemiology of the presenting disease

Food sources

Group activities

Hygiene procedures

Number of personnel affected

Operating environment

Referral action

Response to treatment by health personnel

Secondary infections

Subsequent environmental protection activities

Water sources

Appropriate data collection methods may include 

Document search

Inspection

Interview

Requests for information

Survey

Environmental measurements and testing may include 

Chemical and biological testing

Environmental measurement

Food sampling

Water quality testing

Factors relating to disease outbreak may include 

Path of disease transmission

Proportions of disease spread and infection

Time/date of onset

Type of disease

Specialist authorities may include 

Environmental health officer

Health planning personnel

Medical personnel

Pathology specialist

Control measures may include 

Controlling dust and aerial contamination

Controlling/isolating field waste

Educating personnel (prevention/early detection)

Immunisation

Improving personal hygiene

Isolating carriers of disease

Preventing overcrowding

Providing adequate hygiene facilities

Reviewing food handlers hygiene practices

Reviewing food handling and storage practices

Co-requisite Unit /s 

Nil