Training is often required to enable staff to cater appropriately for students with health care requirements. Training may be general basic health care for all students or very specific training for the needs of a specific student.
Where a specific training program is required, evidence of this training program being successfully completed, and evidence of the competence of the staff member to undertake the program, should be documented (credentialling).
All schools should plan for general training programs to ensure the health and safety of their students. Where more specific training is required, advice should be sought from the child's medical practitioner and parents. If a student requires intervention that would normally only be provided by a nurse/medical practitioner or parent, Learning Services should be involved in initial discussions on the best means to procure the service. It should be emphasised that the need for these procedures for students at school is very rare.
These procedures include:
- catheterisation
- use of rectal DiazepamTM
- injection of medication in an emergency (such as severe allergic reaction)
- use of a gastronomy tube
- suctioning and use of a suctioning catheter
- resuscitation
- administration of oxygen
- tracheostomy care
- blood and urine testing
- administration of oral glucose or sugar
These procedures are typically thought of as nursing or medical procedures. However, parents and children themselves are routinely taught to undertake these procedures, and they are therefore routinely taught to non-medical personnel. The option of employing a nurse is sometimes unrealistic or impossible. For example, it is not reasonable to employ a full-time nurse to follow a student who may at some time in their life sustain a severe allergic reaction. When the only option is for a member of school staff to learn to undertake the procedure, appropriate training and credentialling must be undertaken.
Such procedures are very specific to the individual student, and like any medical procedure, carry some risk. Staff should only be permitted to undertake such procedures if they have been credentialled, and if they are willing and confident to carry out the procedure.
Schools may develop their own written documentation to credential a staff member to undertake a procedure or may use the standard forms provided (see Form 7,
Credentialling Certificate of Competency).
Staff members should never by coerced into a training program or be discriminated against because they choose not to undertake training for credentialling.
In all schools there is a risk of blood or body fluid contact. Principals should ensure that all staff are trained in application of standard infection control precautions.
All schools should also provide training and clear instructions in the implementation of general procedures for medical emergencies.
In schools where a student with intensive health care requirements is enrolled, general training about the student's medical condition should be provided to staff who are involved with the student. General training might be undertaken by the principal, teacher or other school staff, the parent or medical practitioner and in some circumstances by the student with medical needs, depending on the condition and medical condition and personnel available. This training may need to be repeated for new school staff, and reviewed at least each term, with retraining offered as necessary.
Evidence of training should be provided in the form of a
Credentialling Certificate of Competency and signed by the parent, nurse and/or doctor and the trainee. In some circumstances the student may also be a signatory to the form.
Medical and health care
Introduction and duty of care
Credentialling, a Certificate of Competency