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:

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace

Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

Access to an autopsy room where assessment can take place

Autopsy equipment

Relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols

Relevant legislative requirements

Method of assessment

Observation in the work place (if possible)

Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge

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

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

Related units:

This unit should be assessed in conjunction with the following related unit:

HLTMT304C Assist with autopsy

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:

Anatomy, physiology and pathology relevant to the role of the Mortuary Technician undertaking special autopsy techniques

Cleaning techniques

Common infection and other risks associated with autopsy procedures

Modes of infectious disease transmission

Principles of photography

Relevant basic medical terminology

Relevant organisation policies and procedures

Workplace occupational health and safety in a mortuary

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:

Correctly and safely dispose of clinical and other wastes

Correctly label, identify and transport tissues

Effectively communicate with medical officer performing autopsy

Follow correct documentation procedures for organ retention, specimen recording and for photography

Follow infection control and OHS policy and procedures

Follow organisation waste management practices, taking into account opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues

Follow safe working procedures during autopsies

Operate medical imaging equipment effectively

Perform special autopsy techniques

Remove spine and bone marrow

Remove tissues

Use accurate dissection techniques

Use autopsy equipment correctly and safely

Use body reconstruction and restoration techniques following autopsy

Use correct knife sharpening techniques

Use numeracy skills including the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations, and undertake measurements of volumes and weight

Use oral communication skills required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation, including skills in:

asking questions

providing clear information

listening to and understanding workplace instructions

clarifying workplace instructions when necessary

using effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills with a range of internal and external persons

Use personal protective equipment correctly

Use reading and writing skills required to fulfil job role in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation at a level of skill of skill that includes:

reading workplace policy and procedure manuals

documenting administrative and clinical information

Use problem solving skills required including an ability to use available resources and manage a daily routine

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.

Consent for tissue removal includes:

Senior available next of kin approval

Specification of tissue to be collected, such as:

bone

eye

skin

Sign off by designated officer

Suitability check may include

Viral checking

External examination of body

Infection diseases

Personal protective equipment includes

Face protection

Eye protection

Gown

Apron

Surgical suits

Gloves

Protective footwear

Respirators

Relevant Standards include

Relevant State and Territory Legislation concerning tissue removal and storage

Tissues may include:

Bone

Eyes

Skin

Heart valves

Pancreas

External examination must include:

Donor identification

Identifying features, including:

scars

tattoos

Anal passage

Examination for evidence of illicit drugs

Testsmustinclude:

HIV1/2

HCV

HBV

HTLV1

Syphilis

Micro contamination testing

Andmayinclude:

CJD

CMV

EBV

Others as per specific tissue type

Retrieval team includes

Medical practitioner

Administration support

Prosectors

Relevant equipment and consumable items

Specimen containers

Autopsy table

Trolleys

Surgical instruments

Scales

Specimen containers

Necropsy saw

Knives

Packing materials

Needles

Suture materials

Body bags

Electric scrubbers

Specialist tissues include

Brain for CJD testing

Reconstruction and restoration of bodies may include:

Reconstruction

Cleaning cavities

Packing of absorbent material

Blocking orifices

Replacement of organs

Suturing incisions

Insertion of prostheses

Washing and drying body

Bagging of body to appropriate standard and labelling

Infection Control policy and procedures may include:

Personal hygiene

Cleaning procedures

Cleaning of surfaces and equipment

Use of cleaning chemicals

Use of personal protective equipment

Standard and additional precautions

Disposal of clinical and other wastes

Waste may include:

Clinical wastes

General waste

Toxic waste