Course Title: Sterilise loads

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: VE 2022

Class Number: All

Class Section: All

For flexible terms and optional semesters, a Part B course guide may have been published for the entire teaching period, or for the specific class number in which you are enrolled. If there is no Part B course guide published for your specific class number, please refer to the guide for the teaching period in which you are enrolled. Enrolment Online is the definitive source for details regarding your class enrolment.

Course Code: MIET7624C

Course Title: Sterilise loads

Important Information:

Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities.  

To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption.  

Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209.  

Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus  

  

Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance.

School: 535T Social Care and Health

Campus: City Campus

Program: C3407 - Certificate III in Dental Assisting

Course Contact: Sue Fatone

Course Contact Phone: +61393411406

Course Contact Email: sue.fatone@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Sandra Torbica
sandra.torbica@rmit.edu.au 

Eleanor Schroeder
eleanor.schreoder@rmit.edu.au 

Vibha Ghia
vibha.ghia@rmit.edu.au  

Nominal Hours: 40

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

None.

Course Description

In this course you will learn the skills and knowledge required to follow correct procedures to select and operate sterilisation equipment, interpret steriliser function and parameters in the provision of sterilised reusable medical devices, appropriately load items for sterilisation, and to release sterilised items for distribution. This competency unit does not deal with ethylene oxide sterilisation.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

HLTSTE003 Sterilise loads

Element:

1. Prepare sterilisation equipment

Performance Criteria:

1.1. Clean and check steriliser, and accessory equipment according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

1.2. Conduct, interpret and record performance test cycles.

1.3. Interpret and accurately document results from physical and chemical tests.

Element:

2. Load steriliser

Performance Criteria:

 
2.1. Select sterilisation method according to reusable medical devices (RMD) manufacturer requirements.

2.2. Assign appropriate cycle and batch control number and complete documentation correctly.

2.3. Check packaging, sealing and labelling for compatibility with organisation policies and procedures.

2.4. Check load content and configuration for compliance with annual steriliser performance qualification.

2.5. Load steriliser to ensure sterilant contact and according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

2.6 Add additional test items such as biological indicator or process challenge device according to organisation protocol.

Element:

3. Operate steriliser

Performance Criteria:

3.1. Check steriliser function for sterilant availability.

3.2. Check function of physical process recording accessories.

3.3. Select appropriate cycle in accordance with organisation policies and procedures.

3.4. Identify, report and action faults according to manufacturer’s recommendations and organisation policies and procedures.

Element:

4. Unload and release sterilised loads

Performance Criteria:

4.1. Check and interpret sterilisation cycle parameters and chemical monitors, and record results on completion of cycle.

4.2. Remove sterilised load immediately on completion of cycle.

4.3. Remove compromised items, dismantle for reprocessing and record details.

4.4. Unload cooled load using appropriate handling techniques.

4.5. Complete documentation of the sterilising cycle for parametric release.

4.6. Check and document additional load release tests.

4.7. If used, incubate and check results of biological indicators.

Element:

5. Comply with quality management requirements

Performance Criteria:

5.1. Adhere to operational monitoring and testing, performance qualification and maintenance of sterilisers and associated equipment.

5.2. Comply with documentation requirements for sterilising cycles, batch control and load release control.

5.3. Report and document all steriliser faults/malfunction and load non-conformance/non-compliance.

5.4. Store and archive documentation in accordance with organisation policies and procedures.


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements. 


Details of Learning Activities

In this course, you will take part in a range of learning activities, including    

  • Practical activities in the sim laboratory and the sterilisation room at RMIT
  • Simulated workplace activities 
  • Online interactive theory-based classes via Collaborate Ultra 
  • Class discussions 
  • Quizzes to review your knowledge 
  • Self-directed learning on Canvas  


Workplace delivery and/or assessment  

In this course your knowledge and skills will be applied and assessed in a workplace context.   

As part of this course, you are required to undertake 6 hours of supervised learning/assessment in your chosen industry area, gaining invaluable experience and industry contacts.  


This course has an on the job training competent and you will complete the Assessment: AT3 Third Party Report.  


Teaching Schedule

Note: While all course content in this schedule will be covered, the weekly order may change depending on class needs and availability of teachers, speakers and resources.  


 Session 1 

Phase 5 Day 1 

Online 

 

 

Session 2 

Phase 5 Day 1 

Online 

 

Introduction 

Focus will be on: 

  • Overview of course content and assessment requirements.   
  • Self-refection of your current skills is completed 

 

The Instrument Reprocessing Room:  

Focus will be on:  

  • Revision of HLTINF002 (legal framework, industry expectations, rational for reprocessing instruments and rational for cleaning protocols, & 8 steps of reprocessing). 
  • Sterilisation terminology 
  • Safe work practices 

Session 3 

Phase 5 Day 4 

At RMIT 

 Principles of Sterilisation Processes 

 Focus will be on: 

Sterilisation Simulated Practical 

  • Induction to Prac Session 
  • Practical Workshop of four distinct types of sterilisers including hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid. 

Session 4 

Between Phase 5 and Phase 6 

Quality management requirements 

Focus will be on: 

  • Quality assurance documentation 
  • Routine maintenance and monitoring, (Daily Weekly & Annual) 
  • Performance testing 
  • Sterilising cycles, batch control and load release control 
  • Managing faults/malfunction  
  • Store and archive documentation 

Session 5 

Between Phase 5 and Phase 6 

Prepare sterilisation equipment 

Focus will be on: 

  • Cleaning protocols and special requirements for sterilisers, trolleys and carriages 
  • Conduct, interpret and record performance test cycles and physical and chemical tests 

Session 6 

Between Phase 5 and Phase 6 

Load steriliser 

Protocols for loading steriliser 

Focus will be on: 

  • Check packaging/cassette sealing and labelling   
  • Cycle and batch control number and documentation  
  • Select correct sterilisation process 
  • Load package items on tray and load steriliser correctly  
  • Add additional test items as required 

Session 7 

Phase 6 

Day 1 

At RMIT 

Operate steriliser 

Focus will be on: 

  • Revision of Sessions 1 to 6 
  • Protocols for operating sterilisers 
  • Check steriliser function and physical process recording accessories 
  • Management of faults  

Session 8 

Phase 6 

Day 1 

At RMIT 

Unload and release sterilised loads 

 

  • Protocols for unloading and releasing sterilised loads (including required checkpoints and documentation) 
  • Managing comprised items 
  • Managing accessory tests 

Session 9 

Phase 6 

Day 1 

At RMIT 

 Assessments 

Focus will be on: 

AT1 Knowledge Assessment 

This assessment has XXX questions that will be completed online at RMIT 

AT2 Simulated Practical Assessment 

Session 10 

After Phase 6 

Online 

End of unit 

Focus will be on: 

  • Revision of unit 
  • Optional free online classes 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Modern Dental Assisting (Robinson. D & Bird. D) 2021 13th Ed

978-0-323-62485-5


References


Other Resources

The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through:  

The Learning Lab  
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab  

The Study Support Hub   
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/study-support-hub  

English for uni workshops  
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/workshops/english-uni-workshops  


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral presentations, and through the application of learned skills and insights to your written tasks. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.


Assessment Tasks

Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed as Competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace.   

To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.  
  
You should refer to the assessment brief which is available through Canvas for full assessment criteria and due date. 


  AT1 Knowledge Assessment 

  • is a knowledge-based assessment is conducted at RMIT on Phase 6 Day 4 and involves demonstration of managing the sterilised load and maintenance of the sterilisers and accessory items 
  • feedback will be provided on Canvas 


AT2 Simulated Practical Assessment 

  • is practical assessment is conducted at RMIT Level 3 Instrumentation Reprocessing Room on Phase 6 Day 4 and involves demonstration of managing the sterilised load and maintenance of the sterilisers and accessory items. 
  • feedback will be provided at the end of the practical assessment 


AT3 Third Party Report 

  • is practical assessment is conducted at your workplace and is due two weeks post Phase 6 and involves demonstration of managing the sterilised load and maintenance of the sterilisers and accessory items 
  • feedback will be provided on Canvas 


Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are:  

CA: Competency Achieved  
NYC: Not Yet Competent  
DNS: Did not Submit for Assessment  


Assessment Matrix

Assessment is ongoing throughout the course and will include two projects and presentation of a folio to a panel of industry experts. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on Canvas. 

Other Information

Attendance:  

Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises   

You attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.  

  

Information about your studies:  

You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc.  

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students  


Assessment:  

Information on assessment including Special consideration, Adjustments to assessment, (eg. applying for an extension of time):  

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment  

  

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:   

RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.  

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity  


Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:   

Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).  

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.    

Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.  

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit  

Course Overview: Access Course Overview