Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 4:59 AM AWST

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Test blood pressure and advise on self-monitoring

Test blood pressure and advise on self-monitoring

Unit of competency
National Code
SIRCHCS003
State Code
AWX76
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
31/03/2016
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
13/09/2016
Field of Education
080501 - Sales
Original Release Date
13/09/2016
Nominal Hours
50
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to test blood pressure, record readings, recommend appropriate home blood pressure testing equipment and assist customers with blood pressure management information. It requires the ability to identify and act on triggers for referral to a pharmacist for therapeutic advice. The blood pressure testing instrument may be a mercury (aneroid) blood pressure monitor or an electronic digital blood pressure monitor.This unit applies to pharmacy assistants working in community pharmacies. They work with some independence, under general supervision and guidance from others, but ultimately under the supervising pharmacist.No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify customer needs.
  • 1.1.Follow organisational procedures to respect and protect customer privacy.
  • 1.2.Question and actively listen to confirm customer needs.
  • 1.3.Explain features of initial and repeat blood pressure testing services.
  • 1.4.Identify and act on triggers for referral to pharmacist.
2. Test blood pressure.
  • 2.1.Follow organisational procedures for testing blood pressure.
  • 2.2.Explain limitations of single test as accurate indicator and suggest regular monitoring.
  • 2.3.Select quiet and comfortable area and allow customer to relax before testing.
  • 2.4.Select blood pressure testing instrument and appropriate cuff size and clearly explain testing procedure to customer.
  • 2.5.Apply cuff and use testing instrument according to manufacturer instructions to test pulse, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure.
  • 2.6.Repeat procedure to check accuracy.
  • 2.7.Read test results, enter accurate and complete information on testing record and refer to pharmacist for verification.
  • 2.8.Provide confirmed record to customer and file copy.
3. Support use of home blood pressure testing equipment.
  • 3.1.Follow organisational procedures for supplying home blood pressure testing equipment.
  • 3.2.Identify and recommend equipment appropriate to customer needs and clearly explain its features.
  • 3.3.Demonstrate use, care and maintenance of digital home blood pressure testing equipment and confirm customer understanding.
  • 3.4.Assist customer to identify self-testing strategies to achieve accurate readings.
  • 3.5.Show customer how to keep a blood pressure record.
4. Provide information and advice on blood pressure management.
  • 4.1.Encourage customer to take and record regular blood pressure readings and report to their doctor.
  • 4.2.Advise customer to calibrate home testing equipment against doctor’s equipment reading every six months.
  • 4.3.Source, review and provide customers with information on lifestyle, self-care practices and availability of specialist services that support blood pressure management.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
WD898 SIRCHCS407 Test blood pressure and advise on self-monitoring Unit of competency