Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 7:13 PM AWST
22/07/2026 7:13 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Communicate in complex situations to support health care
Communicate in complex situations to support health care
Unit of competency
National Code
HLTAMB012
HLTAMB012
State Code
AWA56
AWA56
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Transition (Replaced)
Transition (Replaced)
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
22/06/2016
Field of Education
069905 - Paramedical Studies
Original Release Date
22/06/2016
Nominal Hours
65
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to effectively communicate with patients, colleagues and health providers in complex situations using verbal and non-verbal interactions. It requires workers to address these significant challenges in the context of providing a health care service. This unit applies to pre-hospital/out-of-hospital health care workers in a range of settings where direct patient contact is involved.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand Standards and industry codes of practice.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Communicate with patients and/or colleagues
- 1.1 Establish rapport through open, sensitive and confident manner
- 1.2 Obtain information from patient or others with sensitivity and respect for confidentiality as demanded by the situation
- 1.3 Convey information to patient or carer about care procedures in a manner and at a time consistent with the overall need of the patient and the situation as a whole
- 1.4 Clarify and respect the role and authority of allied personnel involved in the situation
- 1.5 Monitor patient’s understanding of information and adjust the mode of communication according to the needs and urgency of the situation
2. Use effective communication techniques
- 2.1 Introduce self appropriately and ensure communication with patients and colleagues reflects an understanding and respect for individual differences and needs
- 2.2 Use interviewing and active listening techniques to identify, clarify and confirm situation needs
- 2.3 Detect any barriers to effective communication and ensure communication is clear and relevant to situation, context and activities undertaken
- 2.4 Observe discretion and confidentiality, and treat patients, members of the public and colleagues with respect at all times, especially when using touch and other non-verbal means of communication
- 2.5 Identify early signs of potentially complex or difficult situations or problems, and respond in a caring, firm, confident and reassuring manner
- 2.6 Deal with conflict or the potential for conflict in a manner that prevents escalation.
- 2.7 Seek advice and assistance about communication difficulties with patients and colleagues from supervisor to maintain effective communication.
3. Convey and receive information using available modes of communication
- 3.1 Use communication codes and equipment correctly.
- 3.2 Convey complex information clearly and accurately using job specific communication systems
- 3.3 Acknowledge and where required clarify information received using active listening to ensure information is correctly understood
4. Promote a positive public profile
- 4.1 Complete all documentation for required reports and records accurately and within identified time frames
- 4.2 Ensure clarity and accuracy of all recorded communications with people involved with health care support outside of health facilities and services
- 4.3 Ensure standards of personal presentation are appropriate to the organisation
No information
No information
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D5742 | HLTAMBFC402C | Communicate in complex or difficult situations | Unit of competency |
| WD048 | HLTAMBFC301D | Communicate with clients and colleagues to support health care | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OCS70 | HLTOUT010 | Communicate in complex situations to support health care | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AYX4 | HLT41115 | Certificate IV in Health Care | Qualification |
| AYY7 | HLT51015 | Diploma of Paramedical Science | Qualification |