Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables explains the scope and context of the unit of competency allowing for differences between workplaces. The scope of variables chosen for training and assessment requirements will depend on the particular work situation.
Drugs may include:
· Anaesthetic reversal drugs
· Drugs associated with anaesthetic emergencies
· Analgesia
Equipment for the administration of drugs may include:
· Syringes
· Needles
· Needleless system
· Infusion pump, including patient controlled analgesia
· Nebulisers
· Medicine cups
· Antiseptics
· Sharps container
Drug administration routes may include:
· Intra-muscular
· Oral
· Rectal S
· ub-cutaneous
· Inhalation/nebulisation
· Topical
· Intravenous
Equipment for airway management must include:
· Range of nasal and oral endotracheal tubes
· Tracheostomy tubes
· Range of laryngoscopes, including fibreoptic laryngoscopes
· Difficult intubation equipment
· Intubation aids
· Oropharyngeal/nasal/laryngeal airways
· Suction equipment for oesophageal and tracheal suction
· Self inflating bag
· Face masks
· Nebulisers
· Anaesthetic circuits
· Breathing systems and attachments
· Connectors
· Filters
· Mouth gags
Patients requiring anaesthetic may include:
· Neonates
· Infants
· Children
· Adolescents
· Adults
· Elderly
· Pregnant women
· Impaired
· Traumatised
· Unconscious
· Immuno-compromised
· Male
· Female
Documentation may include:
· Patient's notes/charts
· Hospital records

The Evidence Guide identifies the critical aspects of assessment, and the essential knowledge and skills to be demonstrated to confirm competency in this unit. The Evidence Guide is an integral part of the assessment of competency and it should be read carefully in conjunction with the Range of Variables, elements and performance criteria.
Critical aspects of assessment must include:
· Complies with organisational policies and procedures including those of OHS and infection control, and current standards
· Identification of the different methods of airway maintenance
· Recognise the signs and symptoms, causes and remedial actions in the event of loss of airway relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia
· Monitoring of range of physiological parameters with reference to standard values of normal physiological function relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia
· Knowledge of boundaries of responsibilities and ability to refer problems to supervisor, anaesthetist or other appropriate health professional
· Correct application of relevant Australian Standards and organisational policy and procedures for cleaning, disinfecting and/or sterilisation of anaesthetic equipment where applicable
Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units:
· This unit can be assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other health services units of competency is encouraged
Essential knowledge must include:
· Anatomy of upper/lower respiratory tract and accessory muscles of respiration
· Physiology of normal respiration, factors which effect respiration, conditions which may compromise the patient's airway, and types and signs of airway obstruction
· Types of equipment used in airway management, and drug administration and indication for use
· Equipment related to operative procedure and their function relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia
· Oxygen therapy maintenance
· Medical terminology relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia
· Clinical/operative procedures and the interrelationship with anaesthesia relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia
· General knowledge of pathophysiology of disease relevant to providing assistance during anaesthesia
· Anaesthetic procedures relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia
· Use of pain management equipment relevant to providing assistance during anaesthesia
· Pharmacology relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia
· Manual handling and patient positioning techniques to prevent injury relevant to providing assistance during anaesthesia
· Medico-legal requirements relevant to providing assistance during anaesthesia
· Occupational health and safety and infection control procedures/regulations relevant to providing assistance during anaesthesia
Essential skills must include:
· Ability to identify and manage faults in anaesthetic and monitoring equipment
· Positioning of patients relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia
· Ability to calculate drug dosages relevant to providing assistance during anaesthesia
· Ability to anticipate the needs of the anaesthetist
· 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 required involves reading and documenting clinical information and understanding complex policy and procedure manuals.
· 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. Effective verbal and non verbal communication skills with a range of personnel, within and outside of the organisation, are essential. An ability to recognise and manage barriers to effective communication is also essential. Organisation may require competence in English or a community language, depending on client group
· Numeracy skills include the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations, recording stock levels and statistical information
· Problem solving skills required include an ability to use available resources
· Ability to deal with conflict
· Ability to work with others within a team
· Ability to display empathy with patient and relatives
Resource implications:
· Access to appropriate workplace where assessment can take place
· Simulation of realistic workplace setting for assessment
· Relevant organisational policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols
Method of assessment:
· Observation of work activities
· Observation of simulation and/or role play
· Written tasks
· Relevant formal and informal education/training courses
· Case studies and scenarios
· Interviews/Questioning
· Role plays
Consistency in performance:
· It is recommended that assessment or information for assessment will be conducted or gathered over a period of time and cover the normal range of workplace situations
Context of assessment:
· This unit will be most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of workplace conditions