Carry out delegated activities in the anaesthetic environment
Overview
This standard involves carrying out activities that are delegated to you by a registered practitioner within the anaesthetic environment.
This includes preparing the environment and equipment for the reception of individuals into the anaesthetic care area/Post Anaesthetic Care Unit and carrying out delegated care activities to assist the registered practitioner in the care of individuals anaesthetic phase
All actions and decisions should be carried out in accordance with current legislation, organisational policies, clinical protocols, and professional standards.
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 carrying out delegated activities in the anaesthetic environment
P2. 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
P3. respect the individual's rights and wishes relating to their consent, privacy, beliefs, and dignity
P4. provide support to the individual and ensure health and safety measures are implemented at all times
P5. ensure, in consultation with the registered practitioner. that all necessary equipment is available and fit for purpose
P6. report equipment that is not fit for purpose to the registered practitioner
P7. assist in transferring the individual to the anaesthetic environment
P8. assist the registered practitioner during reception and care of the individual, providing support as required within own sphere of competence
P9. support the registered practitioner in the assessment and management of the individual undergoing anaesthesia/sedation/post-operative care
P10. assist as directed by the registered practitioner in any clinical emergency interventions
P11. measure and record clinical observations under direct supervision of the registered practitioner
P12. report any deviation from normal clinical parameters to the registered practitioner
P13. handle and use all equipment correctly and safely throughout, consistent with manufacturer's instructions
P14. clean reusable equipment following relevant procedures and dispose of waste in accordance with organisational procedures
P15. carry out routine stock taking for disposables/fluids/linen in accordance with organisational procedures
P16. maintain the cleanliness of the care environment
P17. complete all relevant documentation required for carrying out delegated activities in the anaesthetic environment/post anaesthetic care unit
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
K1. the current legislation, local guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols which are relevant to your work practice and to which you must adhere
K2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
K3. how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions and information
K4. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
K5. the hazards and risks which may arise during the execution of your work role and how you can minimise these
K6. the correct use of any equipment and PPE to protect the health and safety of you and others and preparing the anaesthetic environment and the potential consequences of poor practice
K7. the principles, practice and procedures associated with informed consent
K8. the needs of individuals including issues relating to dignity, confidentiality, and privacy
K9. the reasons the anaesthetic care environment may be stressful for the individual and ways in which the individual may be reassured
K10. the potential difficulties in communicating with individuals prior to and following anaesthesia/sedation and how they can be overcome and how to adapt communication styles in ways which are appropriate to the needs of the individual
K11. the significance of continuous individual observation and the importance of reporting to the registered practitioner
K12. the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system in relation to measurement of pulse and blood pressure
K13. how anaesthesia and surgery may affect pulse and blood pressure
K14. the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system related to measurement of respiratory function
K15. how anaesthesia and surgery may affect the respiratory system during the perioperative period and the importance of correct positioning
K16. the anatomy and physiology of the renal system related to urinary output
K17. how anaesthesia may affect the renal system during the perioperative period and how this may affect urinary output
K18. the thermoregulatory system and how this may be affected during the perioperative period
K19. the importance of the need for warming individuals during the perioperative period
K20. the skeleton and peripheral nervous system related to checking warmth, colour, sensation and movement
K21. the types, purpose and function of materials and equipment required in the anaesthetic environment
K22. the normal parameters and methods for measuring individuals, including:
a. temperature
b. pulse and blood pressure
c. respiration and oxygen levels
d. urinary output
e. warmth, colour, sensation and movement of limbs
K23. the common adverse reactions related to anaesthetic and recovery care which individuals may experience and the importance of recognising and immediately reporting adverse reactions to the registered practitioner
K24. risk assessment in the anaesthetic/sedation/recovery care area and the assistance required by the registered practitioner/clinician when any hazards are identified or actually occur
K25. the importance of reporting the status of essential anaesthetic/recovery equipment to the registered practitioner
K26. how to complete all relevant documentation required for carrying out delegated activities in the anaesthetic environment/post anaesthetic care unit