Course Title: Process reusable instruments and equipment in health work

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2010

Course Code: DENT5190C

Course Title: Process reusable instruments and equipment in health work

School: 155T Vocational Health and Sciences

Campus: City Campus

Program: C3202 - Certificate III in Dental Assisting

Course Contact: Eleanor Schroeder

Course Contact Phone: 03/ 9341 1412

Course Contact Email: eleanor.schroeder@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Debra Spicer - Lead Teacher

Phone  03/ 9341 1418

Fax  03/ 9341 1401

debra.spicer@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 30

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

HLTIN301A Comply with infection control policies and procedures in health work

Course Description

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required for workers in the health care setting to clean and sterilise reusable instruments and equipment and to maintain associated environments.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

HLTIN302A Process reusable instruments and equipment in health work

Element:

1. Prepare to clean used items

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Follow safe work practices and standard precautions at all times in accordance with legislative and workplace guidelines
1.2 Dispose of sharps and sharps debris into a container that meets Australian/New Zealand Standards at the point-of-use
1.3 Segregate and dispose of waste according to organisation and legislative requirements

Element:

2. Clean and dry used items

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Maintain work flow protocols in instrument reprocessing area
2.2 Prepare instruments for cleaning
2.3 Select and safely use appropriate cleaning agents
2.4 Use cleaning methods that avoid the generation of aerosols
2.5 Dry and inspect instruments for damage and remaining debris
2.6 Monitor the cleaning process

Element:

3. Prepare and pack items for sterilisation

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Open and unlock instruments with hinges or ratchets
3.2 Prepare instrument trays in accordance with workplace protocols
3.3 Package or wrap critical site instruments in a manner that prevents damage to delicate items
3.4 Place the appropriate chemical indicator into packages as required in accordance with current Australian/New Zealand Standards and workplace protocols
3.5 Label packs with the contents of the pack and batch control data as required in accordance with current Australian/New Zealand Standards and workplace protocols
3.6 Seal wrapped trays with sterilizer indicator tape as required in accordance with current Australian/New Zealand Standards and workplace protocols

Element:

4. Sterilise loads

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Operate the steriliser safely and in accordance with manufacturer instructions, legislative guidelines and workplace protocols
4.2 Monitor each sterilising cycle and record the details as specified in current Australian/New Zealand Standards
4.3 Maintain records for each sterilising cycle as required in accordance with current Australian/New Zealand Standards and workplace protocols
4.4 Unload the steriliser on the completion of the drying cycle to ensure sterility of items
4.5 Follow criteria for release of processed items as specified in current Australian/New Zealand Standards
4.6 Store sterile packs to maintain sterility in accordance with workplace protocols

Element:

5. Maintain sterilising equipment

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Clean and check sterilisers routinely as required in accordance with current Australian/New Zealand Standards and workplace protocols
5.2 Follow the preventive maintenance program as established by the workplace in conjunction with manufacturer or maintenance contractor
5.3 Monitor the sterilising cycles at the intervals specified in current Australian/New Zealand Standards


Learning Outcomes


1.1 Follow safe work practices and standard precautions at all times in accordance with legislative and workplace guidelines
1.2 Dispose of sharps and sharps debris into a container that meets Australian/New Zealand Standards at the point-of-use
1.3 Segregate and dispose of waste according to organisation and legislative requirements
2.1 Maintain work flow protocols in instrument reprocessing area
2.2 Prepare instruments for cleaning
2.3 Select and safely use appropriate cleaning agents
2.4 Use cleaning methods that avoid the generation of aerosols
2.5 Dry and inspect instruments for damage and remaining debris
2.6 Monitor the cleaning process
3.1 Open and unlock instruments with hinges or ratchets
3.2 Prepare instrument trays in accordance with workplace protocols
3.3 Package or wrap critical site instruments in a manner that prevents damage to delicate items
3.4 Place the appropriate chemical indicator into packages as required in accordance with current Australian/New Zealand Standards and workplace protocols
3.5 Label packs with the contents of the pack and batch control data as required in accordance with current Australian/New Zealand Standards and workplace protocols
3.6 Seal wrapped trays with sterilizer indicator tape as required in accordance with current Australian/New Zealand Standards and workplace protocols
4.1 Operate the steriliser safely and in accordance with manufacturer instructions, legislative guidelines and workplace protocols
4.2 Monitor each sterilising cycle and record the details as specified in current Australian/New Zealand Standards
4.3 Maintain records for each sterilising cycle as required in accordance with current Australian/New Zealand Standards and workplace protocols
4.4 Unload the steriliser on the completion of the drying cycle to ensure sterility of items
4.5 Follow criteria for release of processed items as specified in current Australian/New Zealand Standards
4.6 Store sterile packs to maintain sterility in accordance with workplace protocols
5.1 Clean and check sterilisers routinely as required in accordance with current Australian/New Zealand Standards and workplace protocols
5.2 Follow the preventive maintenance program as established by the workplace in conjunction with manufacturer or maintenance contractor
5.3 Monitor the sterilising cycles at the intervals specified in current Australian/New Zealand Standards


Details of Learning Activities

  • lecture/class discussion
  • power point presentation
  • small group activity - revision quiz
  • practical demonstration
  • simulation activity
  • learning guide
  • DLS access to AS/NZS 4815:2006, ADA Guidelines for Infection Control 2008


Teaching Schedule

Block 2, Day 4

11am to 5pm

Lesson 1: Sterilising Procedure

Topics covered:·

  • Maintaining sterilizing equipment
  • Types of sterilizers
  • Loading steriliser
  • Testing (including; calibration, load validation, biological testers)
  • Routine cycle monitoring (including; physical, chemical, Helix/Bowie dick, aid removal test)
  • Record keeping

Lesson  2: Instrument Reprocessing

Topics covered:·

  • Sterilising loads
  • Workflow/zones
  • Removal of bioburden
  • Seven steps to instrument processing
  • OH&S issues
  • Reprocessing handpieces and endodontic instruments

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Bird,Robinson(2009) Modern Dental Assisting 9th edition. W.B. Saunders USA 

ADA Guidelines for Infection Control document 2008

AS/NZS 4815:2006


References


Other Resources

  • Systematic Operating Procedues Manual :2005
  • Power point notes accessed via DLS "blackboard" program C3202


Overview of Assessment

A variety of assessments are incorporated in this unit of competency including:
• Observation in the work place
• Evidence of essential knowledge and understanding may be provided by: traditional or online (computer-based) assessment or written assignments/projects
• Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice
• Questioning
• Staff and/or client feedback
• Supporting statement of supervisor
• Authenticated evidence of relevant work experience and/or formal/informal learning
• Role play simulation


Assessment Tasks

  • Prerequisite for written assessment = submission of fully completed Learning Guide in day 1, block 3.

 

  • 1.5 hour written assessment consisting of multiple choice & short answer questions.

 

  • Workplace assessment consiting of observation of related work based tasks and oral responses to questions (Please see information listed below for OH&S requirements for workpalce assessment in this unit)


Assessment Matrix

  • Prerequisite for written assessment = submission of fully completed Learning Guide day 1, block 3

 

  • 1.5 hour written assessment requires 70% result to achieve PX (competent)

 

  • Workplace assessment requires student to demonstrate competency in all of the above listed elements/learning outcomes with adherence to Occupational Health & Safety Protocols whilst reprocessing contaminated instruments. 

             Specific OH&S protocols are as follows: the wearing of a fluid resistant face mask, safety glasses, splash apron, fully covered in leather footwear and utility gloves as per the ADA Guidelines for Infection Control 2008 page 18.

            Contaminated instruments MUST be transported in a covered leak proof, puncture resistant container as per the ADA Guidlines for Infection Control 2008 page 17.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview