Elements and Performance Criteria

Contexts may include:
Statutory framework within which work takes place

Stakeholders and representatives may include:
Doctors
Nurses
Pathologists
Phlebotomists
Laboratory staff
Medical scientists

Departments may include:
Cytology
Immunology/serology
Histology
Cytogenetics
Media/sterilisation
Endocrinology
Microbiology
Haematology
Biochemistry
Neuropathology
Transfusion medicine
Transmission medicine

Underpinning values and philosophy may include:
Customer service
Teamwork
Ethics and confidentiality
Consent to treatment
Laboratory accreditation
Quality improvement
OHS
Compliance with infection control standards and guidelines

Work environment may include:
Hospital
Collection centres
Nursing homes
Mobile collection units
Hospitals
Industrial workplaces
Research institutions
Sporting facilities
Universities
Public or private laboratory

Facilities may include:
Hospital
Private laboratory

Major responsibilities may include:
Confidentiality
Patient identification
Labelling of specimen
Transport of specimen
Client interaction
Operating machinery
Testing procedures
Quality control

Organisation's underpinning values and philosophy will include:
A non-discriminatory approach to all people using the service
Ensuring the work undertaken takes account of and caters for differences including cultural, physical, religious, economic and social
Provision of accessible services for disabled clients
Different cultural and social contexts
The needs of indigenous Australians
The needs of people from non-English speaking backgrounds
Needs of specific religious groups

Critical aspects of assessment must include:
Work or model of work demonstrates knowledge and an understanding of underpinning values and philosophies in the specimen collection area
Work is carried out in accordance with relevant organisational policy, legislative requirements, industrial awards and agreements and in-house standard operating procedures (SOP's)
Work is performed in a safe manner
Issues identified outside scope of responsibility are referred to authorised person
Demonstrated knowledge of the ramifications of breaches of confidentiality, policies and legislation
Demonstrated knowledge of ramifications of infections control breaches
Identification and reporting of workplace hazards and poisons as applied to broad OHS area
Identification of own responsibilities within the workplace

Relationship with other units:
This unit can be delivered and assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other general health services units of competency is encouraged.

Essential knowledge must include:
Principles of access and equity
Local policy and procedures
Infection control guidelines
Workplace health and safety
Emergency manual
Rejection criteria
Policy, regulatory, legislative and legal requirements based upon:
Privacy Act
Freedom of Information Act
Individual rights and Equal Employment Opportunity
Principles and practices of ethics and values
Principles and practices of confidentiality
Principles and practices of duty of care

Essential skills must include:
Using time management strategies to set priorities
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 may range from the ability to understand symbols used in OHS signs, to reading workplace safety pamphlets or procedure manuals, to reading labels and handling chemicals. Literacy support available in the workplace may range from having access to support or assistance from expert/mentor/supervisor, to having no communication supports available. Literacy may be required in English or a community language.
Oral communication skills and 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. Organisations may require competence in English or a community language, depending on client group.
Numeracy skills may range from the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division to recording numbers
Problem solving skills required included ability to use available resources

Resource implications
Resource requirements include all the relevant resources commonly provided in the health service setting. Specific tools may include:
Relevant policies and procedures manuals, legislation and standards
Organisation's mission statement, strategic and business plan

Other documentation relevant to the work context such as:
Organisational charts
Floor plans
Instructions for the use of equipment
Specific instructions for staff

Method of assessment
Assessment may include:
Observation of work performance
Written tasks
Interview and questioning
Authenticated portfolio/log book
Supporting statement of supervisor(s)
Authenticated evidence of relevant work experience and/or formal/informal learning

Context of assessment:
This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment under the normal range of work conditions.

Assessment should be conducted on more than one occasion to cover a variety of circumstances and to establish consistency.

A diversity of assessment tasks is essential for holistic assessment.