BSBMED301B
Interpret and apply medical
Terminology appropriately
Assessment Booklet
© Copyright 2011
GP Links Wide Bay trading as
Health Industry Training
PO Box 702
HERVEY BAY 4655
Version 2: August 2012
ASSESSMENT COVER SHEET
Unit Code: BSBMED301B
Unit Title: Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately
Trainer Comments:
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
Student Name: ___________________________________________ Student No.: ___________________
Date Due: _____ / _____ / _____
Date Submitted: _____ / _____ / _____
Student Declaration:
I declare that I understand how assessment will take place for this unit. I also understand that work completed
towards this assessment must be verifiably my own.
__________________________________ _____________________________________ ______________
Student Name
Student signature
Date
Trainer Sign-off:
I declare the above named student was assessed by me for the above mentioned unit
__________________________________ _____________________________________ ______________
Trainer Name
Trainer signature
Date
BSBMED301B Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately
Assessment tool
ASSESSMENT INFORMATION
Competency based assessment
The standards used to determine competency in different industry sectors are developed in conjunction with
the relevant Industry Training Advisory Board (ITAB). These standards are endorsed by government in the
form of specific industry national training packages.
Assessment in a competency based course determines when competency has been achieved. To be
assessed as competent a student must provide evidence that demonstrates they can perform the necessary
skills and performances required including employability skills. To be competent a student is required to
consistently demonstrate the skills, knowledge and performance criteria that are necessary to confidently
complete the work tasks in a normal range of workplace conditions.
The trainer/assessor is responsible for ensuring the evidence gathered by a student is:





Authentic (verifiable the student’s own work)
Valid (evidence is relevant to the unit of competency)
Reliable (the student consistently meets the requirements of the unit of competency)
Current (reflects the student’s current capacity to perform the tasks); and
Sufficient (covers all the elements in the unit of competency and addresses the dimensions of competency)
Dimensions of assessment
The dimensions of competency relate to all aspects of work performance and include:
Task skills:
The student must perform the individual skills required to complete a
work activity to the required standards.
Task management skills:
The student must manage a number of different tasks to complete a
whole work activity.
Contingency management skills:
The student must use their problem-solving skills to resolve issues that
arise when performing a work activity.
Job/role environment skills:
The student must perform effectively in the workplace when undertaking
a work activity by working well with all stakeholders and following
workplace policies and procedures.
Access and equity
All workers in the health and community services should be aware of access, equity and human rights issues
in relation to their own area of work. They should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse
environment.
Trainers and assessors must take into account relevant access and equity issues including the concept of
social inclusion which ensures equitable access to services, to connect with others and to protect an
individual’s right to be heard.
Trainers and assessors must ensure the assessment process:




is valid, reliable, flexible and fair
is basis of sufficient evidence
is one which offers valid, authentic and current evidence
includes workplace requirements in a normal range of workplace conditions
Health Industry Training
Page 1
BSBMED301B Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately
Assessment tool
UNIT INFORMATION
Unit code
BSBMED301B
Unit title
Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately
Unit descriptor
This unit covers understanding and responding to instructions, carrying out
routine tasks and communicating with a range of internal/external clients in a
Medical Office, using appropriate basic medical terminology. This unit can be
assessed alone or in combination with other units making up a job role.
Employability skills
This unit contains employability skills including communication, teamwork,
problem solving, initiative and enterprise, planning and organising, self
management, learning and technology
Application of the unit
This unit applies to individuals who are skilled operators and apply a broad range
of competencies in various medical administration contexts. They may exercise
discretion and judgment using appropriate knowledge to provide technical advice
and support to a team.
Unit sector or
competency field
None specified
Pre-requisite,
co-requisite or
interdependent
assessment of units
None specified
Context of and specific
resources for
assessment
Assessment must ensure:
 access to an actual workplace or simulated environment
 access to office equipment and resources
 examples of documentation and resources
Method of assessment

Assessment may include observation, questioning and evidence gathered
from the workplace or simulated environment
Critical aspects for
assessment

Abbreviations for basic medical terms and associated processes are
identified and used where appropriate
Basic medical terminology is spelt and pronounced correctly
Routine communication is carried out in a professional manner using
appropriate communication strategies, including clear language
Confidentiality, security and privacy of information is maintained
Activities and actions are carried out within local, state and federal legislation
Instructions are followed
Activities are well organised, executed in a timely fashion and any documents
prepared or obtained are filed appropriately
All written communication is self-checked for spelling errors, grammatical
mistakes and missing words







Health Industry Training
Page 2
BSBMED301B Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately
Assessment tool
Required skills and
knowledge
Required skills:



literacy skills to interpret policies, signs and instructions and to use correct
spelling, grammar and punctuation
learning skills to research and increase own knowledge of medical terminology
communication skills to understand, clarify and explain instructions and
procedures
Required knowledge:





medical terminology, including the fundamental word structure used in medical
terms
basic systems of the body
organisational documentation and recording requirements
source of information relating to medical terminology
key provisions of relevant legislation from all levels of government that affects
business operations, codes of practice and national standards, such as:
- anti-discrimination legislation
- ethical principles
- privacy laws
- Freedom of Information Act.
Element
Performance Criteria
1. Respond
appropriately to
instructions which
contain basic
medical
terminology
1.1
Receive, interpret and document written and oral
instructions using medical terminology
1.2
Use checklists where appropriate
1.3
Ensure own understanding of abbreviations for specialised
medical terminology and associated processes
1.4
Ensure own understanding of and adhere to, the policies
and procedures of the enterprise
1.5
Seek clarification when necessary
2.1
Use medical terminology correctly in the completion of
routine tasks
2.2
Seek assistance from supervisor or experienced staff
member as required
3.1
Use appropriate medical terminology as directed, in oral
communication with patients, fellow workers and health
professionals
3.2
Use appropriate medical terminology as directed, in
written communication with patients, fellow workers and
health professionals
3.3
Present written communication to a designated person
for verification if required
3.4
Spell and pronounce medical terminology correctly
2. Carry out routine
tasks
3. Use appropriate
basic medical
terminology in oral
and written
communication
with patients,
fellow workers and
health professional
Health Industry Training
Page 3
BSBMED301B Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately
Assessment tool
ASSESSMENT TOOLS
Assessment is conducted throughout the course using different assessment tools including written/oral
assessment, projects, observation, third party reports, simulation/case studies and portfolios. Both skills and
knowledge are assessed in line with the requirements of the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF)
and the training package.
Health Industry Training will use different methods of assessment to ensure sufficient evidence can be
gathered to demonstrate a student can perform a task against the specified criteria. Assessment methods
can include:

Questioning: questions asked orally or in a written format. Written questioning is widely used in
competency based assessment to assess a student’s understanding and knowledge of the task they are
performing.

Projects: are used for relevant units that require students to demonstrate a high level of research and
analytical skills.

Observation: practical demonstration of real work or simulation by the trainer

Third party reports: confirmation of consistent performance by the student to meet key performance
indicators over time and a range of contexts.

Simulation/Case-study: simulation of the workplace to gauge competency. Demonstrated performance
knowledge against a define case study or scenario.

Portfolio: collection of individual pieces of evidence to demonstrate work outputs by the student.
Evidence can be gathered from day to day work, certificated learning and other activities such as past
achievements.
Other assessment activities determined by the trainer could include a range of assessment tools appropriate
for this unit to demonstrate competencies which sufficiently address:





The elements and performance criteria
Critical aspects for assessment
The essential skills and knowledge
The context and consistency of the assessment requirements
The relevant employability skills
Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a formal recognition of your current skills and knowledge you have
achieved outside the education and training system. RPL takes into account any previous formal study, work
and life experience and then assesses this against the elements of competency to determine if you can
receive credit toward a qualification. Students seeking recognition can apply by contacting the Manager
Health Industry Training at the commencement of study.
Credit Transfer
Students who have completed a formal unit within their intended qualification with another Registered
Training Organisation (RTO) may be able to apply for a credit transfer or exemption. A certified copy of the
original documentation must be provided when applying for a credit transfer.
Health Industry Training
Page 4
BSBMED301B Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately
Assessment tool
ASSESSMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Assessment format and layout
All assessments must be:



Typed in Arial 12, single spacing with headings in bold
Header and Footer to be inserted in each page. Header to include unit code and title. Footer to include
student name and page number
All work must be referenced throughout the assessment. Referencing should include author and year of
publication and website address (if applicable). There are many referencing guides available on the
Internet to assist students.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the act of representing as one's own original work the creative works of another, without
appropriate acknowledgment of the author or source. In all written work submitted for assessment you must
show the sources for your material. The principle is that whenever submitted material is not your own original
work this must be referenced to acknowledge the author’s work.
It is expected that when a student submits an assessment that it is the independent work of that student and
they have written it in their own words. If a student has plagiarised another person’s work they will be asked
to resubmit their assessment. Plagiarism can lead to instant dismissal.
Submission
All assessments must be submitted in the format described. A date for submission will be set by the trainer.
Assessments must be submitted on or before this date or an extension must be granted by the trainer.
The assessment cover sheets must be detached from the assessment booklets and attached to the front of
each assessment. All sections of the cover sheet must be completed by the student prior to submission of
assessment. The bottom section of the assessment cover sheet will be retained by the trainer.
Resubmitting assessments
If a student is marked ‘not competent’ they will be provided with an alternative assessment for completion to
be able to demonstrate competency. An assessment resubmission should be treated as the original
assessment with all principles applying.
Health Industry Training
Page 5
BSBMED301B Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately
Assessment tool
ASSESSMENT – BSBMED301B Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately
In your own words, answer the following questions. To be marked as competent in this unit, you must
provide sufficient responses to each question. Bullet points must only be used where applicable eg: if the
question asks you to list, name or give examples.
Questions
1. What tools and resources are available within a health organisation to help staff use and check medical
terminology?
2. List ten medical abbreviations (or acronyms) and give their meaning.
3. Explain why it would be necessary for you, when working in a health organisation, to understand medical
abbreviations and acronyms.
4. With whom should you consult when unsure about the meaning or the application of specific medical
terminology?
5. List at least ten routine tasks you would be expected to perform if working in a medical practice?
6. A part of your role will involve participating in written and oral communications. Describe some of the
types of written and oral communications in which you might be involved.
To be marked competent in this unit, students must respond to all points in the project. Answers must be
comprehensive, detailed, demonstrate appropriate research procedures and be supported by suitable
references. Undertake the following project as directed by the trainer.
Project
Complete the following tasks:
1. Compile a list of 35 different medical terms or words that you might use if you were working in a
health/medical practice. For each of these words or terms provide the definition or meaning and, using a
medical dictionary, give a breakdown of the pronunciation for them. The terminology that you select can
refer to diseases, symptoms of disease onset, vaccinations and inoculations, medical procedures,
terminology associated with hospitals and hospitalisation ect.
2. Using the latest copy of MIMS, list 20 different drugs to which reference might be made in a medical
practice. Some of these will be over-the-counter drugs while others will require a prescription. For each of
the drugs listed provide a medical name, the generic name and a description of the use/application of the
drug. Which of the drugs listed can be bought over the counter and which will require a prescription?
3. Explain why it is necessary for office/administration staff in a medical practice to have at least a
rudimentary knowledge of appropriate medical terminology, commonly used drugs and the signs and
symptoms of disease.
4. Prepare an information sheet, which could be used by a new/trainee medical assistant, of tips and
suggestions on the best ways to learn how to use and apply unfamiliar medical terminology. The
information sheet should contain instructions on how to access appropriate support from dictionary’s,
policy and procedure documentation and other personnel. Explain also on the information sheet what the
new employee should do if they encounter a situation in which they are unsure of the confidentiality
requirements governing it.
Health Industry Training
Page 6
BSBMED301B Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately
Assessment tool
5. Make a comprehensive list of the written correspondence that you might have to undertake if you are
working in a medical practice. Explain why it is important that written correspondence be:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
set out and formatted according to the organisations expectations and standards.
proofread to ensure that there are no spelling or grammatical errors.
proofread to ensure that medical terms are correctly inserted, spelled and are used in the
correct context.
verified and authorized by the appropriate personnel.
copied/recorded and copies kept.
6. Explain why medical practices, like any other businesses, must have appropriate policies and procedures
in place. Explain also the link between policies, procedures and relevant legislation; and the role of codes
of practice or codes of ethics etc with regards to the behavioral expectations of employees.
Health Industry Training
Page 7