Elements and Performance Criteria

Practice-specific/medical terminology may include standard terms and abbreviations relating to:
Practice-specific language and nomenclature
Case taking
Prescriptions
Labelling
Medical conditions and disease processes
Medical investigations and procedures
Medical equipment and instruments
Departments/sections in a hospital
Other health care specialties
Health insurance
Workcover
Referrals

Written and oral instructions may include:
Notices
Prescriptions
Instructions for post-treatment care
Client/patient notes
Routine reports
Test results
Referrals
OHS signs and instructions
Diary entries
Telephone calls
Oral instructions

Routine tasks may include:
Entering client/patient details into computer system
Filing client/client/patient notes
Maintaining client/patient information
Receiving and making telephone calls
Word processing
Processing correspondence
Maintaining information to assist client/patients and practitioner
Ordering stock (eg stationery, medical supplies)
Recording information
Preparing reports
Answering client/patient enquiries
Producing a range of documents, as required

Oral communication may include:
Verbal instructions
Confirming appointments
Answering routine telephone enquiries
Communicating with a range of health care professionals on client/patient related matters

Written communication may include:
Memoranda
Letters
Minutes
Forms
Correspondence to a range of health care professionals on client/patient related matters
Client/patient history questionnaires
Client/patient records
Appointment diaries, cards
Telephone messages
Client/patient histories
Case reports

Clinic guidelines may include:
Telephone protocol
Correspondence format
Office practice manual
OHS
Emergency procedures
Security, confidentiality and privacy procedures
Recording information
Cleanliness and hygiene
Accessing and updating files
Information specific to the practice
Comply with local, state and federal legislation
Instructions

Clarification may be sought from:
Medical dictionary
Drug and prescription information sources/databases
Practice specific texts
Clinic guidelines
Relevant handbook
Designated person/s

Critical aspects of assessment:
Demonstrated ability to use and understand abbreviations for practice-specific/medical terms and associated processes
Practice-specific/medical terminology is spelt and pronounced correctly
Communication is carried out in a professional manner using appropriate communication strategies
Confidentiality, security and privacy of information is maintained
Activities and actions are carried out within local, state and federal legislation
Instructions are followed
Activities are well organised, executed in a timely fashion and any documents prepared or obtained are filed appropriately
All written communication is self-checked for spelling errors, grammatical mistakes and missing words and presented to designated person for approval if required

Underpinning knowledge and skills:
Knowledge of clinic guidelines
Knowledge of practice-specific/medical terminology
Knowledge of relevant local/state/federal legislation
Knowledge of own and others' responsibilities
Knowledge of appropriate forms and recording requirements
Knowledge of appropriate external agencies
Knowledge of appropriate information sources
Literacy skills - follow procedures, policies, signs and instructions, use correct spelling, grammar and punctuation
Ability to follow routine oral and written sequenced instructions
Language skills - relay information, use appropriate and correct practice-specific/medical terminology, use correct pronunciation and sentence structures, question to clarify terms and context
Interpersonal skills - interact with clients/patients and others in an appropriate manner
Research skills - increase own knowledge of practice-specific/medical terminology

Resource implications:
Resource requirements may include:
Relevant paper based/video assessment instruments
Appropriate assessment environment
Skilled assessors
Appropriate legislation and regulations relevant to codes of conduct
Clinic guidelines and reference materials such as a medical dictionary, procedural manuals and checklists
Appropriate technology such as computers with relevant software, tape recorder

Method of assessment:
Assessment may include:
Short tests and essays
Oral questioning and discussion

Context of assessment:
This unit is most appropriately assessed in a classroom environment. Assessment may contain theoretical emphasis and examples covering a range of clinical situations.