Elements and Performance Criteria

Theatre clothing may include:
Allocated theatre outfits
Boots
Dress shoes
Goggles
Lead aprons
Plastic aprons
Masks

Cleaning may include:
Floors in theatre
Lights and light fittings
Theatre tables
X-ray gowns
Walls
Theatre furniture
Theatre boots
Shelves

Equipment may include:
Lifting equipment
Transport trolleys
Theatre trolleys
Diathermy units
Orthopaedic frames
Plaster trolleys
Table attachments
Video tower equipment
Microscopes

Relevant staff may include:
Nursing staff
Doctors
Other theatre assistants and personnel

Critical aspects of assessment must include:
Compliance with enterprise requirements, OHS legislation, infection control, manual handling procedures and relevant health regulations
Completion of all activities accurately and in a timely and safe manner
Work completed systematically with attention to detail without damage to equipment or harm to patient/personnel
Effective co-ordination of required processes
Effective communication with theatre team

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units:
This unit can be assessed independently; however holistic assessment practice with other general health services units of competency is encouraged.

Co-assessment may be considered with:
HLTTH2A Provide equipment support in an operating theatre environment
HLTTH3A Identify and move to maintain a sterile field

Essential knowledge required includes:
Relevant OHS legislation and infection control codes of practice, enterprise policies and procedures
Basic understanding of theatre team responsibility in relation to the surgical count
Organisational procedures for preparation of a deceased patient, who has died in the theatre environment
Relevant Australian hospital standards, regulations and guidelines
Safety and environmental aspects related to workplace operation and manual handling, including workplace hazards
Theatre policy and procedures guidelines
Theatre protocols
Basic equipment care and maintenance

Essential skills required include:
Specialist cleaning processes for theatre
Positioning and support requirements for patient preparation procedures
Patient positioning and patient transfer procedures
Equipment set-up procedures
Prioritising workload
Carrying out all work according to safe working guidelines
Working with conscious and unconscious patients
Numeracy skills range from the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division to recording numbers
Reading and writing skills - literacy competence required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation. The level of skill may range from the ability to understand symbols used in OHS signs to reading manufacturers' instructions for equipment use, workplace safety pamphlets or procedure manuals to reading labels and handling chemicals such as cleaning fluids. Literacy support available in the workplace may range from having access to support or assistance from expert/mentor/supervisor, to having no communication supports available. Literacy may be required in English or a community language.
Oral communication skills - language competence required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation. Assessors should look for skills in asking questions, providing clear information, listening to and understanding workplace instructions, and clarifying workplace instructions when necessary. The organisation may require competence in English or a community language, depending on client group.
Problem solving skills required include the ability to use available resources, assemble equipment and prioritise workload

Resource implications:
Resource requirements include access to:
Theatre clothing
Equipment
Infection control procedures
Workplace health and safety guidelines
Theatre policy and procedure guidelines
Other organisational policies and procedures
Duties statements and/or job descriptions

Method of assessment:
Assessment may include:
Observation of performance
Written tasks
Interviewing and questioning
Formal appraisal systems
Staff/client feedback
Portfolio/CV
Supporting statement of supervisor(s)
Authenticated evidence of relevant work experience and/or formal/informal learning
Case studies and scenarios as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice in the work environment

Context of assessment:
This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of workplace conditions. Assessment may be conducted on more than one occasion to cover a variety of situations.

A diversity of assessment tasks is essential for holistic assessment.