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This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit. |
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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: Epidemiology and pathophysiology: Common signs and symptoms that aid early detection of cancer How cancer is detected and treated The basic definition of cancer and how cancer multiplies and spreads (the ‘weed’ analogy) The outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and why outcomes are generally worse than other Australians The statistical incidence of the main cancers affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people including the common cancers affecting men and women Prevention and risk factors An understanding of how the social determinants of health affect well being in relation to family, community and culture An understanding that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people face a much higher burden of tobacco related cancers Ways to prevent or reduce the risk of cancer including lifestyle associated risk factors such as smoking, alcohol, physical inactivity, overweight, obesity, poor diet, overexposure to sunlight, unsafe sex, Hepatitis B, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and the role of vaccinations Screening and early detection Factors that influence an individual’s decision to participate in screening programs relevant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities The benefits of early diagnosis The difference between cancer screening and early detection The three national screening programs available for breast screening, cervical screening,, and bowel cancer The value of an opportunistic approach to cancer screening when clients present at the clinic or health service Treatment: Relationship of evidence based treatments to bush medicine/complementary therapies Methods that are patient choice lead and individualised to cultural values of people under treatment: Methods whereby multi-disciplinary team (MDT) principles and practice (including supportive care needs) are identified before treatment starts The common forms of treatment including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, non-active and traditional healing The locations of where treatment options and support services are available The importance of patient choices (including the engagement of traditional healers and adherence to religious belief systems) |
Support during the cancer journey
The emotional and psychosocial impact of cancer diagnosis and treatment
The importance of responding appropriately to ‘women’s business’ and ‘men’s business’ when supporting clients with cancer
Ways to access Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and other agencies and networks coordinating care for clients and their families who have experienced cancer
Ways to access referral agencies and other resources
Ways to communicate with clients and families during the emotional and psychosocial impact of cancer diagnosis and treatment
Ways to support families suffering grief and loss
Follow-up care:
Mechanisms for ensuring that clients attend local health services for regular checkups
Role of the AHW in maintaining communication between client and the multidisciplinary team
Support mechanisms to manage physical and psycho-social care upon client’s return to home
Support mechanisms to manage post treatment side effects upon client’s return to home
Palliation
Methods of managing the psycho-social aspects of symptoms and pain
Methods of pain management and advanced symptoms management for people with terminal cancer
Ways to judge the appropriate time and to use culturally sensitive language to talk about the principles and philosophy of palliative care with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Administration and Quality Control
The use of client information systems and recall functions to follow-up clients
Ways to enable AHWs to provide feedback on cancer programs in the local health services where they are employed, to management and community
Essential skills:
It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:
Advocate for clients in their choice of treatments (including non-active and traditional healing practices)
Apply a range of strategies in problem solving as part of a multi-disciplinary team
Balance own ideas and values with client values and requirements
Collect, analyse and organise information
Develop an understanding that cancer related information should be evidence based and in line with current recommended guidelines
Develop innovative solutions within a multi-disciplinary team
Monitor and evaluate own performance
Negotiate responsibly on behalf of clients with colleagues, the multidisciplinary team, the health service, community members and service providers
Provide feedback about the effectiveness of cancer information and client support program for evaluation
Provide information about cancer and cancer care and to check for their understanding in a sensitive and appropriate manner
Provide information to clients and their families about potential treatment options
Show independence and initiative in identifying problems
Take responsibility for own learning
Use technology systems to monitor care of clients
Work with diverse group of clients and families in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities