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Elements and Performance Criteria

Required Skills

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

Indepth understanding of the structure physiology and normal functioning of all body systems

Understanding of the structure and function of cells including

celltissue requirements for survival

basic understanding of cellular respiration

Transport systems

active primary and passive diffusion simple facilitated

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 interrelationships 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 clients 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

Evidence Required



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 units in delivery of specific services eg complementary therapies nursing or dental care Evidence must demonstrate the individuals 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 andor 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 andor 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 assignmentsprojects Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice Questioning verbal and written Roleplay simulation

Related units	This unit should be assessed in conjunction with competency units related to planningdelivery of specific health care services eg complementary therapies nursing or dental care

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.

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