Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 11:59 AM AWST
23/07/2026 11:59 AM 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.
Use specific health terminology to communicate effectively
Use specific health terminology to communicate effectively
Unit of competency
National Code
HLTCOM408B
HLTCOM408B
State Code
C9132
C9132
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
05/07/2011
Field of Education
120505 - Work Practices Programmes
Original Release Date
05/07/2011
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit covers the skills required to understand and respond to instructions, carry out routine tasks and communicate with a range of internal and external clients in a health care practice, using appropriate practice-specific health terminology.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Respond appropriately to instructions containing health terminology
- 1.1 Receive, understand and document written and oral instructions using practice-specific health terminology
- 1.2 Use checklists containing health terminology where appropriate
- 1.3 Recognise and interpret abbreviations for practice-specific terms and associated processes
- 1.4 Understand and adhere to policies, procedures and guidelines of specific health workplace
- 1.5 Seek clarification of instructions when necessary
2 Carry out routine tasks
- 2.1 Use practice-specific health terminology correctly in the completion of routine tasks
- 2.2 Seek assistance from designated person/s as required
3 Use appropriate health terminology in oral and written communication
- 3.1 Use appropriate practice-specific health terminology as directed in oral and written communication with clients, fellow workers and health professionals
- 3.2 Present written communication to a designated person for verification of terminology if required
- 3.3 Correctly spell and pronounce practice-specific health terminology
- 3.4 Seek advice from designated person as required to clarify correct use and meaning of practice-specific health terms and associated processes
RANGE STATEMENT
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Practice-specific health terminology may include standard terms and abbreviations relating to:
Practice-specific language and nomenclature
Case taking
Prescriptions
Labelling
Health conditions and disease processes
Health investigations and procedures
Practice 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 notes
Routine reports
Test results
Referrals
OHS signs and instructions
Diary entries
Telephone calls
Oral instructions
Routine tasks may include:
Entering client details into computer system
Filing client notes
Maintaining client information
Receiving and making telephone calls
Word processing
Processing correspondence
Maintaining information to assist clients and practitioner(s)
Ordering stock (e.g. stationery, medical supplies)
Recording information
Preparing reports
Answering client 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 related matters
Written communication may include:
Memoranda
Letters
Minutes
Forms
Correspondence to a range of health care professionals on client related matters
Client history questionnaires
Client records
Appointment diaries, cards
Telephone messages
Client 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:
Dictionary of medical and/or other health care terminology
Drug and prescription information sources/databases
Practice specific texts
Clinic guidelines
Relevant handbook
Designated person/s
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Practice-specific health terminology may include standard terms and abbreviations relating to:
Practice-specific language and nomenclature
Case taking
Prescriptions
Labelling
Health conditions and disease processes
Health investigations and procedures
Practice 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 notes
Routine reports
Test results
Referrals
OHS signs and instructions
Diary entries
Telephone calls
Oral instructions
Routine tasks may include:
Entering client details into computer system
Filing client notes
Maintaining client information
Receiving and making telephone calls
Word processing
Processing correspondence
Maintaining information to assist clients and practitioner(s)
Ordering stock (e.g. stationery, medical supplies)
Recording information
Preparing reports
Answering client 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 related matters
Written communication may include:
Memoranda
Letters
Minutes
Forms
Correspondence to a range of health care professionals on client related matters
Client history questionnaires
Client records
Appointment diaries, cards
Telephone messages
Client 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:
Dictionary of medical and/or other health care terminology
Drug and prescription information sources/databases
Practice specific texts
Clinic guidelines
Relevant handbook
Designated person/s
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:
This unit is most appropriately assessed in a classroom environment
Assessment may contain theoretical emphasis and examples covering a range of workplace situations in relation to a specific sector of the health industry
Assessment of sole practitioners must include a range of clinical situations and different client groups covering at minimum, age, culture and gender
Assessment of sole practitioners must consider their unique workplace context, including:
Interaction with others in the broader professional community as part of the sole practitioner's workplace
Scope of practice as detailed in the qualification and component competency units
Holistic/integrated assessment including:
working within the practice framework
performing a health assessment
assessing the client
planning treatment
providing treatment
Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:
This unit is most appropriately assessed in a classroom environment
Assessment may contain theoretical emphasis and examples covering a range of workplace situations in relation to a specific sector of the health industry
Assessment of sole practitioners must include a range of clinical situations and different client groups covering at minimum, age, culture and gender
Assessment of sole practitioners must consider their unique workplace context, including:
Interaction with others in the broader professional community as part of the sole practitioner's workplace
Scope of practice as detailed in the qualification and component competency units
Holistic/integrated assessment including:
working within the practice framework
performing a health assessment
assessing the client
planning treatment
providing treatment
Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C4958 | HLTCOM8A | Use specific/medical terminology to communicate with client/patients, fellow workers and health prof | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D5825 | HLTCOM408C | Use specific health terminology to communicate effectively | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D659 | CUV50411 | Diploma of Photo Imaging | Qualification |
| 7164 | 52386 | Certificate IV in Preparation for Entry into Nursing | Accredited course |