Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 5:41 AM AWST

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Complete comprehensive physical health assessments

Complete comprehensive physical health assessments

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTAHCS004
State Code
OEO42
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
15/12/2022
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
11/08/2023
Field of Education
061305 - Indigenous Health
Original Release Date
11/08/2023
Nominal Hours
270
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to complete health assessments of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients as part of a multidisciplinary health care team. It requires the ability to complete physical examinations and pathology tests, and to assess their health. This unit covers the ability to evaluate short term and uncomplicated health conditions, and also complex conditions and chronic diseases.Health assessments may be routinely scheduled at specific intervals, could be completed when a client presents with a specific health issue or as part of ongoing care for a diagnosed condition, including chronic disease.This unit is specific to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people working as health practitioners. They work as part of a multidisciplinary primary health care team to provide primary health care services to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.No regulatory requirement for certification, occupational or business licensing is linked to this unit at the time of publication. For information about practitioner registration and accredited courses of study, contact the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practice Board of Australia (ATSIHPBA).
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Obtain client information and determine health assessment requirements.
  • 1.1. Complete health assessments according to scope of practice and organisational standard treatment protocols.
  • 1.2. Consult relevant health professionals and client health records to evaluate current status of client’s health and impact of any previous treatment strategies.
  • 1.3. Obtain current client medical and social history and discuss specific presenting problems using culturally appropriate and safe communication.
  • 1.4. Obtain client information about effectiveness of any current treatments and self-care strategies.
  • 1.5. Explain organisational requirements for maintaining confidentiality of information and permissions for disclosure.
  • 1.6. Accurately document client history according to organisational policies and procedures.
  • 1.7. Determine specific examination and clinical test requirements from information gathered.
2. Complete physical examination and tests.
  • 2.1. Explain the reason and procedures for each examination and test to the client, confirm understanding and obtain informed consent.
  • 2.2. Implement required infection control precautions according to examination and test requirements.
  • 2.3. Use correct protocols to measure vital signs and identify any significant variation from normal reference range.
  • 2.4. Conduct physical examination and clinical tests based on observations and client presentation, and with respect for community values, beliefs and gender roles.
  • 2.5. Use correct clinical protocols to collect, record and send specimens for pathology testing.
  • 2.6. Accurately record details of all measurements, examinations and tests according to organisational policies and procedures.
3. Interpret, document and confirm health assessment findings.
  • 3.1. Evaluate pathology test results, check numerical test values against normal reference range and identify abnormal results.
  • 3.2. Identify, from examination results, any significant variations from normal reference range or client’s baseline and previous measurements.
  • 3.3. Evaluate significance of outcomes on the clinical progress or regression of any pre-existing client disease.
  • 3.4. Accurately identify any signs, symptoms and test results that indicate emerging or worsening disease and/or comorbidity.
  • 3.5. Determine own interpretation of client’s current health status based on history, presenting problems, examination and test results.
  • 3.6. Provide clear and accurate reports and consult with other health care team members to verify results and confirm client’s health status.
  • 3.7. Report any confirmed notifiable diseases according to procedural and legal requirements and within scope of own responsibility.
  • 3.8. Update client records with health assessment details according to organisational policies and procedures.
4. Provide assessment outcomes to clients and/or significant others.
  • 4.1. Provide information about verified assessment results in plain language using culturally appropriate and safe communication.
  • 4.2. Explain significance of examination and pathology test results in the context of any pre-existing client disease and health care plan.
  • 4.3. Explain to client importance of regular check-ups and tests for the ongoing management of their health.
  • 4.4. Provide client with recommendations and referrals to assist with ongoing treatment and management of their health.
  • 4.5. Encourage client and/or significant others to question and clarify outcomes, and purpose of potential treatments and interventions.
  • 4.6. Confirm understanding and document information provided in client records.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
WG697 HLTAHW046 Apply advanced skills in primary health care Unit of competency
WG667 HLTAHW016 Assess client's physical wellbeing Unit of competency