Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 2:31 AM AWST

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Investigate and control outbreak of disease

Investigate and control outbreak of disease

Unit of competency
National Code
DEFPHL014
State Code
BBB85
TGA Status
Deleted
DTWD Status
Deleted
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
17/08/2017
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
21/02/2018
Field of Education
061303 - Environmental Health
Original Release Date
21/02/2018
Nominal Hours
0
Description
This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to investigate and control disease outbreak as a member of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).It includes gathering data and analysing that information to draw conclusions to classify the disease. It also includes identifying and determining control measures to prevent the re-occurrence of disease outbreak.This unit applies to personnel working in ADF preventive health. This function may be performed in collaboration with other health service personnel and may be initiated and led by a medical officer.The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.Persons undertaking this unit work independently and perform complex tasks in a range of familiar contexts.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Gather data in support of the investigation
  • 1.1 Gain consent for investigation from relevant personnel within affected organisation and inform them of the investigation process
  • 1.2 Determine and address factors affecting scope, risks and complexity of investigation to facilitate commencement of investigation activities
  • 1.3 Task and guide personnel assisting with the investigation to enable them to assist independently
  • 1.4 Analyse data gathered and confirm disease outbreak by comparison of reported cases with the usual incidence of cases experienced
  • 1.5 Obtain a presumptive diagnosis from medical officer to focus investigation effort where feasible
  • 1.6 Instigate initial control measures to limit the spread of disease and to provide early treatment to those displaying symptoms of disease, in accordance with operational procedures
  • 1.7 Conduct interviews with affected and non-affected personnel to identify common factors in disease outbreak including potential disease source/s
  • 1.8 Conduct on-site inspections of areas found to be common to those affected by the disease to gather site information to assist with the identification of disease source/s, in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 1.9 Analyse and assess risk from site inspection and make appropriate recommendations to assist investigation
2 Analyse data to classify the path of disease
  • 2.1 Collate data from relevant sources to enable comparison and analysis in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 2.2 Assess disease characteristics and risk factors to determine disease route and likely targets
  • 2.3 Determine disease attack rate to establish cumulative incidence rate of disease over the period of the outbreak
  • 2.4 Develop an endemic curve diagram to show the spread of infection over time and to identify the likely incidents of exposure to the disease
  • 2.5 Identify risk factors using infection attack rate data and likely incidence of exposure
  • 2.6 Gather additional data based on identified risk factors and integrated into analysis
  • 2.7 Classify the disease source, route and target by comparing information gathered during on-site inspection with analysis findings
  • 2.8 Document and communicate the findings from the analysis to relevant personnel to enable appropriate notification to occur and to inform the development of disease control measures
3 Determine and implement disease control measures
  • 3.1 Review compliance factors to identify systemic issues that may have contributed to the disease and which require corrective action
  • 3.2 Determine clean up procedures to allow facilities and/or environment connected with disease source to return to normal activity as soon as possible
  • 3.3 Determine disease control measures to provide immediate and long term control of disease in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 3.4 Determine monitoring procedures to confirm compliance with initial clean up and disease control measures
  • 3.5 Compile investigation findings and disease control measures into a disease outbreak report and issue to relevant personnel for review and implementation
  • 3.6 Debrief stakeholders on disease outbreak to clarify investigation outcomes and provide lessons learned, in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 3.7 Integrate disease control measures into wider environmental health support plan to apply lessons learnt for other operating areas and groups
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
AVV76 DEFPH014A Investigate and control outbreak of disease Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BDK4 DEF50617 Diploma of Preventive Health Qualification