Communication Undertake effective communication with patients in specific clinical situations Respond appropriately and communicate effectively (seeking support where necessary) with patients who have specific needs Have an understanding of the ethical issues that impinge on health care assistants working in General Practice Undertake effective communication with all levels of the multi-disciplinary team Work effectively in your team and support structures that are in place for the smooth running of the practice. Understand the principles and implications of delegation and accountability Recognise and understand the roles of individuals working within the Primary Health Care team and appreciate how the roles of other practitioners and agencies interface with yours. Be aware that current evidence based guidelines and other national and local policies underpin clinical protocols. Know and adhere to key practice policies that affect your work, ensuring all delegated activities are supported by written and agreed procedures.
Have the insight and confidence to recognise and work at all times within the boundaries of safe practice based on your own competence and the limitations of the HCA role Develop own knowledge and skills through work based learning ensuring all mandatory training is kept up to date. People and Personal Development Understand the benefits of clinical supervision for the individual, the organisation and the service Work at all times within the boundaries of delegated authority and personal level of competence and training. If unsure consult and refer to a registered health professional. Have a clear knowledge and understanding of the principles of personal accountability in healthcare Health, Safety and Security Have a working knowledge of and abide by the following : Health & Safety procedures and documentation within the workplace Fire procedures The monitoring and reporting of the state of equipment and furniture Current recommendations for the safe use of VDU screens The importance of identifying and reporting any concerns.
Security of patient sensitive information and data National regulations for the control of substances hazardous to health Infection control Apply infection control measures within the practice according to local and national guidelines Emergency situations Know the general principles of first aid and be able to undertake initial actions when appropriate. Vaccine and Drugs Stock control and storage Ensure cold chain, safe storage, vaccine stability, rotation and disposal of drugs Where appropriate oversee the monitoring, stock control and documentation according to legal requirements Reporting any concerns to the senior nurse Recognise and manage situations where specific training is a requirement in order to work within scope of practice Mandatory Training: Be aware of and undertake mandatory training and updates as outlined in Thomas Walker Westgates Mandatory and Statutory Training Policy and in line with any specific areas of your role. Act as a chaperone in accordance with your local policy Quality and Service Improvements Work with others as appropriate on the development of current and new services and initiatives Equality and Diversity Be aware of legislation relating to these issues and know where to access relevant information and resources Be aware of how discrimination might occur within General Practice and adhere to practice principles and approaches to promote equality Ensure your own behaviours are inclusive and respect the beliefs, culture, values and preferences of individuals Be prepared to act as an advocate for your patients and appropriately challenge discrimination if necessary Understand the basic legal issues concerning child abuse including being aware of statutory child health procedures and statutory local guidance. Health and Wellbeing When undertaking clinical procedures ensure compliance with core competencies Be aware of possible adverse reactions and complications and be able to effectively manage these including those that require immediate referral.
(red flags) Recognise the patient may have questions about the reasons for the procedure and be able to signpost accordingly Gain appropriate consent and ensure that patients feel they have been given sufficient information to make an informed choice. Recognise relevant anatomy and physiology relating to venepuncture. Know and adhere to guidelines for the management of samples Follow evidence based guidelines to safely and successfully perform the procedure in particular the prevention and management of needlestick injury and in line with operational policies and local guidelines. Communicate effectively with the patient regarding the practice procedures for obtaining results and possible follow up Investigations and observations Working within guidelines for, undertake and record the following tasks Urinalysis and preparation of specimens for Path lab investigation The measurement of: Blood pressure Pulse rate and rhythm Respiratory rate Temperature Height and Weight Waist Circumference and Body Mass Index Visual acuity Legs prior to prescribing of support hosiery by registered practitioner ECGs / ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM).
Blood glucose monitoring and near patient lipid screening Patients inhaler techniques and undertaking peak flow readings Spirometry Vaccinations Know and understand how these vaccines work to promote immunity Be able to give accurate information regarding contra-indications and side effects and to address patients concerns appropriately or refer to the registered practitioner. Be aware of up to date UK guidance on influenza, pneumococcal and shingles immunisation and know who to consult if there is any uncertainty about which vaccines are needed or timing of vaccines understanding of importance of maintaining the cold chain and what to do if a breach is suspected recognition of anaphylaxis and first response procedures Vitamin B12 injections On completion of suitable standardised education and training which meets the standards Woundcare Demonstrate knowledge of wound classification Demonstrate knowledge of your local formulary Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the healing process and factors that inhibit Recognise when wounds are not responding and refer appropriately Educate the patient in wound self care and monitor as appropriate Emergency situations Following practice protocols and evidence based treatment be competent to recognise the degree of urgency. Health Screening and Promotion Able to demonstrate An awareness of both local and national health policies Awareness of public health issues in the local area including health inequalities Awareness of screening, its effectiveness and potential limitations An insight into issues which have a bearing on the wider health economy Ability to promote appropriately primary and secondary prevention interventions and public health initiatives including awareness of risk in specific situations e.g. occupational, care provision, travel and sexual activity Assessment skills with regard to patients readiness to change Undertake new patient checks recognising health promotion opportunities Be aware of the factors that may contribute to health inequalities particularly in relation to screening uptake Be aware of with the National Health Screening programmes relating to your country Demonstrate awareness of the importance of promoting mental well-being Dementia Be able to respond appropriately and refer adhering to practice guidelines and protocols Acknowledge and reflect on potential barriers that may impact on care provision in this area Demonstrate how to optimise a suitable communication style with patients with dementia.
Recognise the need to take a proactive approach to meeting the physical health needs of patients with mental health issues and be able to promote healthy life style behaviours Mens and womens health Be aware of the gender specific morbidity and mortality issues and statistics. Provide suitable support and advice to adult patients Recognise and be able to take advantage of opportunistic health promotion for this group of patients. After training, perform well man health checks using local protocols Encourage patients of both genders to be breast aware. Long term conditions Be able to access appropriate formal training on specific long term conditions before becoming involved in care.
Demonstrate the knowledge skills and attitudes to support patients living with long conditions. Appreciate the implications of chronic health conditions in an aging society. Diabetes Support the patient in the identification of personal health risk and sign post appropriately for further advice regarding Reduction of CVD risk factors Diet and Nutrition Hypoglycaemia and Hyperglycaemia Retinal screening and foot care Able to demonstrate Blood glucose monitoring Essential foot care Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Asthma Aware of and know where to access appropriate information on Primary Prevention and Lung Health Signs and symptoms Asthma triggers Recognition of acute exacerbations Inhaler devices and inhaler technique Peak flow monitoring Hypertension Has a working knowledge of blood pressure monitoring equipment including 24 hour ambulatory monitors. Cardiovascular Disease Able to Identify modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors Access and use tools for risk assessment and work within policies for referring to registered practitioner when appropriate Recognise irregular pulse and its possible implications and act according to practice guidelines Perform near patient Lipid screening where used Recognise and act upon early warning signs of potential cardio vascular emergencies e.g.
chest pain or strok

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