HLTCAR001 – Perform electrocardiography (ECG)

HLTCAR001 Perform electrocardiography (ECG)

 

Application:

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare for and conduct electrocardiography (ECG) procedures, producing traces that are suitable for diagnostic purposes. It does not include interpretation of the ECG.

This unit applies to any health worker conducting ECG procedures. ECGs are performed in medical centres, hospitals and cardiologist rooms.

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.

Elements and Performance Criteria:

ELEMENT PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements define the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

The Performance Criteria specify the level of performance required to demonstrate achievement of the Element.
1. Prepare electrocardiography machine for use

1.1 Check cleanliness and settings of ECG machine prior to use in accordance with organisation procedures and infection control requirements

1.2 Prepare ECG leads in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications
2. Prepare for ECG procedure

2.1 Greet client courteously and identify self

2.2 Identify client following organisation and regulatory procedure

2.3 Obtain, interpret and accurately record personal and clinical information in accordance with organisation policies and procedures

2.4 Provide complete and accurate information in easily understood language regarding the ECG procedure to client

2.5 Provide client with the opportunity to ask questions and discuss areas of concern

2.6 Obtain consent following ethical and legal requirements
3. Prepare client for ECG procedure

3.1 Maintain client privacy and dignity throughout procedure

3.2 Follow standard infection control procedures

3.3 Position the client correctly and comfortably as recommended by manufacturer or organisation procedure for different client groups

3.4 Prepare client’s skin for electrode placement in accordance with organisation procedures and manufacturer instructions

3.5 Attach leads in accordance with procedure required and manufacturer’s recommendations, and double check lead placement

3.6 Identify potential client risks and advise supervisor if risk exists
4. Produce an ECG trace

4.1 Produce trace and check trace for diagnostic suitability

4.2 Identify and respond to situations where repeat trace is required

4.3 Forward trace to relevant organisation or medical officer for interpretation using required method of transmission according to organisation procedure

4.4 Record episode details in accordance with organisation procedures
5. Complete ECG process

5.1 Remove ECG leads and electrodes from client maintaining client privacy and ensuring skin integrity

5.2 Provide client with assistance as required, on completion of procedure

5.3 Dispose of waste in accordance with waste management procedures

5.4 Store ECG machine in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications

 

Foundation Skills:

The Foundation Skills describe those required skills (language, literacy and numeracy) that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

 

Assessment Requirements

Modification History:

RELEASE COMMENTS
Release 1

This version was released in HLT Health Training Package release 2.0 and meets the requirements of the 2012 Standards for Training Packages.

Merged HLTCA401/HLTPAT407. Minimal changes to the elements and performance criteria. New evidence requirements for assessment, including volume and frequency requirements. Significant change to knowledge evidence.
 

Performance Evidence:

The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:

  • followed established technical, infection control and safety requirements and produced at least 3 different ECG traces satisfactory for diagnostic purpose
  • identified and responded appropriately to situations of interference, increased amplitude or wandering baseline

Knowledge Evidence:

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:

  • legal and ethical considerations for ECGs, and how these are applied in organisations, including:
    • children in the workplace
    • duty of care
    • informed consent
    • mandatory reporting
    • privacy, confidentiality and disclosure
    • records management
    • work role boundaries
    • work health and safety
  • standard infection control requirements
  • key features of AS/NZS 3200.1.2:2005 and AS/NZ 3551:2012 or their successors, in relation to ECG equipment,
  • client factors that affect ECG, including:
    • physical limitations
    • respiratory function
  • features, function and use of ECG equipment, including:
    • pre-checking and calibration procedures
    • electrical safety requirements
    • common problems and how to respond
    • routine maintenance requirements
  • sources of interference, including:
    • client
    • equipment
    • environment
  • quality requirements for ECG tracing
  • anatomy and physiology of the heart
  • normal and abnormal ECG rhythms

Assessment Conditions:

Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that reflects workplace conditions. The following conditions must be met for this unit:

  • use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:
    • ECG machine and associated leads/electrodes
    • client furniture
    • documented procedures for the candidate to follow
  • modelling of industry operating conditions, including:
    • interaction with clients
    • presence of situations requiring problem solving

Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.

To see more details on this unit HLTCAR001 – Perform electrocardiography (ECG) click here to view the full details here on training.gov

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