NVQ evidence

PC

1

resources and records for the clinical activity are prepared and are ready for use

This is very important as if all resources are not gathered prior to the commencing of the procedure, then this can interrupt the flow of the procedure. This may sound petty but if an important piece of equipment is forgotten, it could have important consequences such as a danger to life.

2

the client’s identity is checked as consistent with the records

If this is not done, then the wrong client may receive the wrong care with fatal consequences. It should be routine that individuals date of birth and name should be checked against medical documents before any treatment.

3

prior to any action being taken, the client’s consent to the activity is confirmed

COVERED

4

the client is offered appropriate support in preparation for the activity and information agreed with the care team is correctly reinforced in a manner appropriate to the client

COVERED

5

questions within the workers responsibility are answered correctly and in a manner, and at a level and pace, appropriate to the client

COVERED

6

the reasons for any particular forms of dress and protection are explained in a manner appropriate to the client

It can be quite frightening for clients to not have protective clothing explained to them. There are several issues here:-

• The client could think that they had some contagious disease that the staff were not telling them about.
• If an individual is confused, then this can cause problems with compliance, especially if there is pain involved with the procedure

Also, it forms part of informed consent that the client is informed that differing types of dress are required.

7

a check is made that prescribed pre-procedural instructions have been followed and compliance, and non-compliance, is reported accurately to the appropriate member of the care team

If a client has not followed medical regimens, then this can have serious implications. For example, if a preoperative patient has eaten prior to surgery, then that surgery should not take place. It is very important that the individual is not rebuked for this action. It must be reiterated that the procedure cannot go ahead if eating and drink precede it.

8

the client is offered the opportunity to use toilet facilities prior to the procedure where this is appropriate

This can help to easy procedure flow, increase client comfort and in turn can help the client to be more compliant.

9

the client is assisted to dress appropriately for the procedure without compromising their dignity, self-respect or personal beliefs and preferences

There can be a direct conflict with what a client needs to wear for a procedure and what is acceptable for individuals within their belief systems. For example, some procedures must require for an individual to remove all body jewellery such as a wedding ring. If the client declines to take off the wedding ring, then it is important that the client is told why this needs to be done and the consequences of not taking the ring off. It is the right of the client to not take off the ring.

10

the client is assisted to reach as comfortable a position as possible given the constraints of the procedure

COVERED

Range:

1. Support

a) emotional

b) physical

COVERED

COVERED

PC

1

hands are cleansed effectively before and after the activity

COVERED

2

delegated activities are carried out in the correct manner and sequence

COVERED

3

questions and concerns from the client are responded to clearly and concisely and in a manner which promotes confidence

COVERED

4

questions and concerns from the client which are beyond the worker’s responsibility are referred to the appropriate member of the care team

It is very important that support workers do not answer questions that are without their role as support workers are firstly not accountable practitioners nor do they have the knowledge base. If a client asks such a question, then it is imperative that an Registered Practitioner is summoned immediately

5

the client is given appropriate support throughout

COVERED

6

any condition or behaviour which may signify an adverse reaction to the activity and any unexpected occurrence is reported accurately to the appropriate member of the care team without delay

COVERED

7

instruments, materials and equipment are handled correctly, safely and hygienically

COVERED

8

clients who are to undertake parts of the activity themselves are given assistance in a manner which encourages them to be as self-managing as possible

Involving clients in procedures is very important as it provides a sense of ownership over the client’s health. It also helps to promote self-worth and can be a helpful rehabillitory action post significant health event. If a client can only partly or is totally unable to be self-managing, then the client must not be rebuked for this. Help needs to be offered in a manner that does not belittle the client but is put forward in a manner that helps to re-affirm the client’s self worth.

9

records completed by the worker are accurate, legible and complete

COVERED

10

specimens obtained during investigations are correctly identified and placed in the correct location for transportation

Most specimens need to go in to the micro-biology laboratory. On the sample the following information needs to be displayed:-

• Client name
• Date of birth
• Date and time of collection
• Site and location
• Type of specimen

On the form, there must be the following information:-

• Client name
• Date of birth
• Hospital Number
• What the specimen is
• What tests are required
• Date and time of collection
• Requesting doctor.

11

after use, equipment, instruments and materials are cleaned and returned to the correct location for storage, sterilisation, transportation

This is important as if items are not clean or disposed of correctly, then cross infection can be spread. If items are not returned to their designated place of storage, they may constitute a risk to others due to their inappropriate storage. Also in emergency scenarios, vital pieces of equipment may not be found at the appointed time. If they are not cleaned appropriately, then the vital time may be lost in doing so.

12

waste is disposed of in an appropriate safe manner and place

COVERED

Range:

1. Support:

a) emotional

b) physical

2. Adverse reactions related to:

a) the client’s condition

b) the procedure

COVERED

SEE X19

SEE X19

COVERED

PC

1

the client is provided with appropriate facilities and support for the period of recovery from the activity

Different procedures may have different recovery times post the procedure. It is important that clients are made aware what time frames are appropriate to their procedure. Individuals also recover at individual rates. If a client feels better earlier than the prescribed time, they should be encouraged to wait until the full prescribed time as complications may arise. It is equally important to encourage individuals who have not recovered in the prescribed time to wait longer even if they feel better but evidence, such as blood pressure, militates against their moving on.

2

following the activity, the client is correctly informed of any clinical need for refreshment

If a client has been nil by mouth for an extended period of time, then it is important that, post procedure, they are made aware that it is important that they have some food/fluids as they may have become dehydrated.

It is equally important that clients are made aware, and encouraged to adhere to the regimens requiring them to be nil by mouth post procedure.

3

any equipment, materials and residues which are no longer required are removed from the client in a manner which is supportive of them

After a procedure, it is important that all unnecessary equipment is removed. If it stays in place, it may become hazardous or cause problems. This must be done in a manner that promotes that the equipment is being removed for medical and not personal reasons.

4

the professional’s advice on the purpose of any equipment which remains in place is reinforced in a manner appropriate to the client

If a professional states that a piece of equipment is still required then it will be for a specific reasons. The equipment may restrict movement or result in discomfort. Its importance must be reiterated as its premature removal may be dangerous to the client. It is important that the Registered Professional is informed forthwith if the client wants to remove the piece of equipment as it is without the sphere of the support worker’s role to remove the piece of equipment without prior instruction.

5

clients who require assistance are helped to dress in a manner which is likely to maximise their self respect

Some procedures require clients to be dressed in a manner that requires them to change their cloths. As soon as the type of dress becomes redundant post procedure, the client can change into a type of address that is more appropriate for them. If possible, then they client should be allowed to do this alone. Any help that is required should be offered when there is an absolute need.

6

information on the frequency and type of follow-up procedures or other instructions are given clearly, concisely and at an appropriate pace and level when agreed with the care team

It is very important that the post procedure regimens are reiterated to the client as if they are not adhered to, this can have serious health consequences. At the end of the day, it is up to the client if they attend any follow up treatment or not. As a health care worker, it is important to understand that this is the client’s right. It is very important to reiterate the importance without being overly prescriptive or rebuking the client.

7

transport and escorts for clients who require them are arranged for when the client is ready to leave

Any such service should be suitable and applicable for that client in question. If there are issues that necessitate the client requiring such services, then it can be helpful if these are organised as soon as possible. If the client is known to the clinic, then pre-arrangements can be made.

8

records completed by the worker are accurate, legible and complete

COVERED

9

any condition or behaviour which may signify adverse reactions to procedures is reported without delay to the appropriate member of the care team

See X19.1 range 2a

10

appropriate action is initiated without delay when first aid is required, and a message is passed to the appropriate person

As a support worker, if there is an instance that necessitates the use of first aid, then a Registered Professional should be informed. Any such instance that occurs should be documented in the clients care plan.

Range:

1. Support:

a) emotional

b) physical

2. Adverse reactions related to:

a) the client’s condition

b) the procedure

COVERED

COVERED

SEE X19

SEE X19