Assist the practitioner to implement clinical or therapeutic interventions activities
Overview
This standard applies to anyone whose role requires them to work under the direction of a registered practitioner to offer assistance during clinical or therapeutic interventions. Within this standard the term activity refers to any healthcare (clinical/therapeutic) activity where there is a registered practitioner carrying out the work role. This standard covers the assistant's role in supporting the practitioner within the context of surgery, a recovery suite, ward round activity, therapeutic interventions, or diagnostic and clinical procedures. The focus of the standard is on being effective in an assisting role rather than the clinical/therapeutic skills involved in the intervention, which are covered by other standard.
This standard is applicable to a wide range of health contexts and roles in emergency, primary and secondary care. It may include individuals in conscious or unconscious states.
Users of this standard will need to communicate effectively to meet individuals' needs and wishes and work in line with health and safety legislation, policy and practices.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
P1. identify and agree the roles and responsibilities of yourself and others in assisting the practitioner to implement healthcare activities
P2. respect the individual's rights and wishes relating to their privacy, beliefs, and dignity
P3. communicate with the individual and key people at a pace, in a manner and at a level appropriate to the individual's understanding, preferences and needs
P4. establish consent and access information on implementing healthcare activities
P5. confirm identity of the individual in accordance with organisational procedures
P6. respond promptly to requests and directions from the practitioner leading the activity
P7. carry out delegated activities following the protocols and procedures related to the activity in accordance with the individual's care/treatment plan
P8. collaborate effectively and proactively during actions that require close team working
P9. communicate required information to others clearly, accurately and in a timely fashion
P10. ensure you maintain the confidentiality of information in accordance with organisational requirements
P11. dispose of waste in accordance with organisational procedures
P12. complete all relevant documentation required for implementing healthcare activities
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
K1. how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions, legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols needed to assist the practitioner to implement healthcare activities
K2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
K3. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
K4. the principles, practice and procedures associated with informed consent
K5. the needs of individuals including issues relating to dignity, confidentiality, and privacy
K6. how to obtain positive confirmation of an individual's identity in accordance with organisational procedures
K7. the type and range of information that might be needed by the practitioner prior to or during the course of an activity
K8. the types and range of any equipment or aids that the practitioner might need prior to or during the activity
K9. how to introduce yourself and explain your assisting role and procedures to individuals and relevant carers in terms that they will understand
K10. protocols and procedures relating to the activity to be undertaken
K11. the importance of following standard precautions relevant to the activity and the potential consequences of poor practice
K12. the importance of complying with any access restrictions, safety warnings or restricted/controlled areas and the potential consequences if not observed
K13. organisational policies and guidance relating to the moving and positioning of individuals and the impact they have upon your work
K14. types of information it is appropriate to give others about an individual's programme and treatment
K15. how to dispose of waste in accordance with organisational procedures
K16. how to complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements