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:

Candidates must demonstrate their ability to apply Essential Knowledge identified for this competency unit before undertaking independent workplace application

This competency unit should be assessed in conjunction with relevant competency unit(s) in delivery of specific services (e.g. complementary therapies, nursing or dental care)

Evidence must demonstrate the individual's ability to apply their knowledge within the requirements of an identified aspect of delivering health care or health care support services to a specific age group

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of workplace situations relevant to an identified work role

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

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

Assessment should replicate workplace conditions as far as possible

Where, for reasons of safety, assessment takes place away from the workplace, simulations should be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

Resources for assessment may include access to materials and space as required to demonstrate competence, such as:

relevant organisation policies and procedures

anatomical models, charts and/or diagrams as required to support explanations

relevant equipment

workplace and simulated work environment

Method of assessment may include:

Observation in the work place with questioning to address appropriate application of knowledge

Written assignments/projects

Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice

Questioning - verbal and written

Role-play / simulation

Related units:

This unit should be assessed in conjunction with competency unit(s) related to planning/delivery of specific health care services (e.g. complementary therapies, nursing or dental care)

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Essential knowledge:

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes knowledge of:

In-depth understanding of the structure, physiology and normal functioning of all body systems

Understanding of the structure and function of cells, including:

cell/tissue requirements for survival

basic understanding of cellular respiration

Transport systems:

active (primary) and passive (diffusion - simple, facilitated)

osmosis

forces (hydrostatic and osmotic)

Recognition of the signs and symptoms of common clinical conditions and the (provisional) diagnosis of same

Understanding of pharmacological processes and drug actions, indications and contraindications (appropriate to this level)

understanding of the impact of:

trauma (penetrating, blunt)

common environmental emergencies (diving, altitude, temperature etc)

overdose and poisoning

surgical insult

Basic chemistry (molecules and compounds; chemical reaction, energy; acids and bases) and as related to metabolism, respiration, pH.

Pathophysiology of diseases associated with each body system and the impact of disease on each body system and their related structures., especially in relation to potential impact of specific health procedures provided.

Effects of biological maturation and aging processes on body systems and their components and in relation to specific health procedures provided.

Defence system and immunity processes in relation to the whole body and the individual body systems and in relation to specific health procedures provided.

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes the ability to:

Describe in detail and articulate using appropriate and accurate terminology, the major components of each body system, their location, inter-relationships and associated pathophysiology, especially in relation to specific health care services

Explain processes and structures of human anatomy and physiology in relation to potential health issues associated with provision of specific health care services

Explain the structure and functioning of the body systems, relationships between these systems and the potential impact of specific health care services to be provided

Identify variations from normal functioning and potential interactions between body systems and other internal and external factors

Plan and deliver health care services appropriate to client's health status in line with principles and concepts underpinning specific approaches, philosophies and regimes of health care

Refer to an appropriate practitioner for advice, guidance or confirmation in relation to health issues outside normal practice or own experience

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.

Understanding of anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology includes knowledge of the major body systems::

Cardiovascular system

Respiratory system

Musculo-skeletal system

Endocrine system

Nervous system

Digestive system

Urinary system

Reproductive system

Integumentary system

Lymphatic system

The special senses - smell, taste, vision, equilibrium and hearing

Immune system

Common problems to be identified may include, but are not limited to:

Common respiratory problems, such as:

asthma

upper respiratory tract infection

Genitourinary conditions, such as:

incontinence

dysuria

prostatic cancer

Gastro-intestinal and abdominal conditions, such as:

gallstones

gastroenteritis

diverticulitis

appendicitis

Ear health conditions, such as:

otitis media

impairment

Skin condition, infections and wounds, such as:

impetigo

dermatitis

pressure sores

Dental problems, such as:

gingivitis

halitosis

abscesses

Eye problems, such as:

myopia

impairment

cataracts

Cardio vascular problems , such as

congestive cardiac failure

thrombosis

Nervous problems, such as:

cerebrovascular accident

dementia

Factors with potential to impact health may include but are not limited to:

External factors, such as:

diet and nutritional factors

use of alcohol, tobacco and other substances

environmental factors impacting health

level and type of physical activity

surgical insult and anaesthesia

Internal factors, such as:

inter-relationship between body systems

emotional responses

patterns of thinking

disease process

pathogens

A health history may include:

History of any presenting problem (character, severity and duration of symptoms)

Client concerns and beliefs regarding their problems

Past health history, including use of alcohol, tobacco and other substances

Previous surgery

Medications being taken

Allergies

Family circumstances, including identifying environmental health factors that may contribute to client's health issues

Basic dietary information, including diet history to determine nutrition and fluid intake

Factors responsible for abnormal readings may include:

Differences in temperature measurements due to a range of internal and external body factors

Effect of exertion and anxiety on pulse rate and blood pressure

Faulty equipment or improper use of equipment

Failure to correctly calibrate equipment

Impact of environmental factors on equipment

Surgical insult and anaesthesia

Information provided to client may include:

Information about potential impact of a range of internal and external factors on health

Information on likely causes and management of uncomplicated health conditions.

Information on strategies to maintain good health and manage chronic health problems

Information on specific health issues and available health care services/treatments