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.
Patients requiring anaesthetics may include:
· Neonates
· Infants
· Children
· Adolescents
· Adults
· Elderly
· Male
· Female
Required patient preparation may include:
· Fasting
· Premedication
· Procedural investigations
· Preparation of procedural site eg bowel preparation, shave, nail polish removed
Patients condition may include:
· Conscious
· Unconscious
· Traumatised
· Compromised
· Pregnancy
Patient property may include:
· Dentures
· Prosthesis
· Clothing
· Toys
Equipment to be attached/detached may include:
· Breathing systems and attachments
Monitoring equipment
· Electrocardiography (ECG)
· Pulse oximetry
· Non-invasive and invasive blood pressure monitoring
· Temperature monitoring
· Central venous pressure (CVP) monitoring
· Intravascular monitoring
· Gas analysers, including oxygen, carbondioxide and anaesthetic agent
· Expired/inspired volume/pressure
· Neuromuscular transmission
· Cardiac output monitoring
· Cerebral activity monitoring
· Stethoscopes, including oesophageal
Other equipment
· Infusion equipment, including autotransfusion equipment and intra aortic balloon pumps, cell saving equipment, rapid transfusion equipment
· Warming/cooling equipment for patient and intravenous fluids
· Equipment to minimise heat loss
· Tourniquets and exsanguinators
· Neuromuscular function monitor
· Operating table and attachments for positioning and pressure care
· Anti-embolus equipment
· Humidifiers
· Scissors, clamps and forceps
Intra-vascular cannulation must include:
· Venous, peripheral
· Central venous catheters
· Collection of arterial blood gases
Anaesthetist's requirements may include:
· Patient details eg age, gender, health status, problems anticipated
· Procedure to be undertaken
· Equipment and materials for procedure
Preparation and assistance when required by the anaesthetist may include:
Siting venous cannula in accordance with state/territory legislation and organisational policies and procedures ensuring:
· Anaesthetist's requirements are checked
· Personal protective equipment are utilised in accordance with standard and additional precautions
· Individual needs of the patient are checked and action to meet those needs is completed
· Patient is informed and reassured throughout the procedure
· Optimum conditions to facilitate access are provided
· Cannulation is completed in an aseptic manner
· Cannula is adequately and safely secured and accessibility provided
· Documentation is completed
· Waste/sharps are disposed of in accordance with waste management policies and infection control guidelines
Transfer of patients may include movement to and from:
· Trolleys
· Beds
· Operating table
· Wheelchairs
Attached equipment may include:
· Monitoring equipment
· Infusions
· Airways
· Drains
· Catheters
· Traction equipment
Safe transfer of the patient may include:
· Patient remains informed
· Head and limbs of patient are protected
· Smooth movements
· Wheel brakes are locked
Patient positions may include:
· Supine
· Prone
· Lithotomy
· Trendelenberg/reverse
· Lateral
· Jack knife
· Sitting
· Specific positioning related to the operative/clinical procedure
Clinical procedures covers the surgical procedure and the type of anaesthetic which may include:
· General/regional/local anaesthetic and sedation
· Radiology/Radiotherapy anaesthesia
· General surgery
· Gastro-intestinal surgery
· Ear, nose and throat surgery
· Ophthalmic surgery
· Gynaecological surgery
· Obstetric surgery
· Orthopaedic surgery
· Vascular surgery
· Urologic surgery
· Oral/dental/faciomaxillary surgery
· Cardiothoracic surgery
· Neurological surgery
· Plastic surgery
· Trauma/emergency surgery
Protecting patient from injury may include:
· Support/padding
· Careful movement of joints
· Avoiding sudden and abnormal movements
· Protection from large temperature changes
· Protection from pressure

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
· Ability to assist in the preparation of patients with regard to their safety, comfort and individual rights
· Ability to identify and manage equipment faults.
· Knowledge of boundaries of responsibilities and ability to refer problems to supervisor, anaesthetist or other appropriate health professional
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 and physiology relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia
· Fluid balance, including regulation and use relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia
· 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
· Pre-medications and their effects relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia
· Use of pain management equipment relevant to providing assistance during anaesthesia
· Occupational health and safety and infection control procedures/regulations
· Manual handling and patient positioning techniques relevant to providing assistance during anaesthesia
· Types and functions of equipment, their indications and limitations for use
· Medico-legal requirements relevant to providing assistance during anaesthesia
· Common cannulation sites and principles for selection and contra-indication of site Types and functions of infusion and transfusion equipment, their indications and limitations for use
· Patient monitoring during transfer and the risks associated with transfer
Essential skills must include:
· Ability to prepare anaesthetic and monitoring equipment for use
· Ability to identify and manage faults in anaesthetic and monitoring equipment
· Ability to prepare patient sites correctly to interface with equipment
· Ability to secure an arterial/venous cannula
· 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 if required
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