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ESCO occupation

doctors' surgery assistant

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Doctors' surgery assistants support doctors of medicine in medical measures, in performing simple support activities during medical procedures, standardised diagnostic programmes and standardised point-of-care tests, ensuring surgery hygiene, cleaning, disinfecting, sterilising and maintaining medical devices and performing the organisational and administrative tasks required for operating a doctor`s surgery under supervision, following the orders of the doctor of medicine.

3256.1 ISCO 3256 ESCO source
Competences
66
Groups
4
Essential
46
Optional
20

Competences and skills

66 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 11 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

7 competences
administrative tasks in a medical environment

The medical administrative tasks such as registration of patients, appointment systems, record keeping of patients information and repeated precribing.

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anaesthetics

Anaesthetics is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.

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health records management

The procedures and importance of record keeping in a healthcare system such as hospitals or clinics, the information systems used to keep and process records and how to achieve maximum accuracy of records.

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multi-professional cooperation in health care

The way to behave during team meetings, visits and meetings in multi-professional cooperation especially with other health professionals.

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professional documentation in health care

The written standards applied in the health care professional environments for documentation purposes of one`s activity.

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surgical asepsis

The way to keep equipment and surfaces sterile to prevent infections during medical care.

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techniques of blood-sampling

The appropriate techniques for the collection of blood samples for laboratory work purposes, depending on the group of people targeted such as children or elderly.

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Cross-sector

4 competences
health care legislation

The patients` rights and responsibilities of health practitioners and the possible repercussions and prosecutions in relation to medical treatment negligence or malpractice.

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health care system

The structure and function of health care services.

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medical informatics

The processes and tools used for the analysis and dissemination of medical data through computerized systems.

digital
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medical terminology

The meaning of medical terms and abbreviations, of medical prescriptions and various medical specialties and when to use it correctly.

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Essential skills and competences 35 competences

Occupation specific

1 competence
perform reconstructive plastic surgery

Surgically correct problems caused by traumatic injuries, infection and disease, congenital abnormalities, developmental abnormalities and cancer or tumours. Perform tumour removal, laceration repair, scar repair, hand surgery, breast reduction or mastectomy, etc.

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Sector-specific

17 competences
accept own accountability

Accept accountability for one`s own professional activities and recognise the limits of one`s own scope of practice and competencies.

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advise on healthcare users' informed consent

Ensure patients/clients are fully informed about the risks and benefits of proposed treatments so they can give informed consent, engaging patients/clients in the process of their care and treatment.

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answer patients' questions

Respond in a friendly and professional manner to all inquiries from current or potential patients, and their families, of a healthcare establishment.

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apply context specific clinical competences

Apply professional and evidence based assessment, goal setting, delivery of intervention and evaluation of clients, taking into account the developmental and contextual history of the clients, within one`s own scope of practice.

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assist in epilepsy surgery

Assist the surgeon in setting up and performing intra-operative electrocorticographic recordings while supervising the technician. Assist in identifying and correcting common artefacts and faults. Help administer carotid amytal tests, and functional brain mapping.

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comply with quality standards related to healthcare practice

Apply quality standards related to risk management, safety procedures, patients feedback, screening and medical devices in daily practice, as they are recognized by the national professional associations and authorities.

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contribute to continuity of health care

Contribute to the delivery of coordinated and continuous healthcare.

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ensure safety of healthcare users

Make sure that healthcare users are being treated professionally, effectively and safe from harm, adapting techniques and procedures according to the person's needs, abilities or the prevailing conditions.

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maintain healthcare user data confidentiality

Comply with and maintain the confidentiality of healthcare users` illness and treatment information.

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maintain treatment records

Keep accurate records and file reports related to the prescribed treatment or medication.

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monitor patients' progress related to treatment

Observe and report on healthcare users' response to medical treatment, monitoring their progress or decay on a daily basis and modifying the treatment procedures whenever necessary.

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operate patients with thoracic diseases

Perform thoracic surgery on patients with diseases such as lung cancer, severe emphysema, cancer of the oesophagus, gastroesophageal reflux disease, hiatal hernias, swallowing disorders such as achalasia, and excess sweating, usually of the upper extremity called hyperhydrosis.

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provide pre-treatment information

Explain treatment options and possibilities, informing the patients in order to help them make well-balanced decisions.

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provide test results to medical staff

Record and pass test results to medical staff, who use the information to diagnose and treat patient`s illness.

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record healthcare users' progress related to treatment

Record the healthcare user's progress in response to treatment by observing, listening and measuring outcomes.

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use e-health and mobile health technologies

Use mobile health technologies and e-health (online applications and services) in order to enhance the provided healthcare.

digital
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work in multidisciplinary health teams

Participate in the delivery of multidisciplinary health care, and understand the rules and competences of other healthcare related professions.

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Cross-sector

17 competences
adhere to organisational guidelines

Adhere to organisational or department specific standards and guidelines. Understand the motives of the organisation and the common agreements and act accordingly.

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apply organisational techniques

Employ a set of organisational techniques and procedures which facilitate the achievement of the set goals set such as detailed planning of personnel's schedules. Use these resources efficiently and sustainably, and show flexibility when required.

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communicate in healthcare

Communicate effectively with patients, families and other caregivers, health care professionals, and community partners.

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comply with legislation related to health care

Comply with the regional and national health legislation which regulates relations between suppliers, payers, vendors of the healthcare industry and patients, and the delivery of healthcare services.

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deal with emergency care situations

Assess the signs and be well-prepared for a situation that poses an immediate threat to a person's health, security, property or environment.  

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develop a collaborative therapeutic relationship

Develop a mutually collaborative therapeutic relationship during treatment, fostering and gaining healthcare users' trust and cooperation.

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educate on the prevention of illness

Offer evidence-based advice on how to avoid ill health, educate and advise individuals and their carers on how to prevent ill health and/or be able to advise how to improve their environment and health conditions. Provide advice on the identification of risks leading to ill health and help to increase the patients' resilience by targeting prevention and early intervention strategies.

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empathise with the healthcare user

Understand the background of clients` and patients’ symptoms, difficulties and behaviour. Be empathetic about their issues; showing respect and reinforcing their autonomy, self-esteem and independence. Demonstrate a concern for their welfare and handle according to the personal boundaries, sensitivities, cultural differences and preferences of the client and patient in mind.

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follow clinical guidelines

Follow agreed protocols and guidelines in support of healthcare practice which are provided by healthcare institutions, professional associations, or authorities and also scientific organisations.

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inform policy makers on health-related challenges

Provide useful information related to health care professions to ensure policy decisions are made in the benefit of communities.

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interact with healthcare users

Communicate with clients and their carer’s, with the patient’s permission, to keep them informed about the clients’ and patients’ progress and safeguarding confidentiality.

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manage healthcare users' data

Keep accurate client records which also satisfy legal and professional standards and ethical obligations in order to facilitate client management, ensuring that all clients' data (including verbal, written and electronic) are treated confidentially.

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process medical insurance claims

Contact the patient`s health insurance company and submit the appropriate forms with information on the patient and treatment.

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promote inclusion

Promote and respect diversity, and advocate for equal treatment of genders, ethnicities and minority groups in organisations in order to prevent discrimination and ensure inclusion and a positive environment.

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provide health education

Provide evidence based strategies to promote healthy living, disease prevention and management.

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respond to changing situations in health care

Cope with pressure and respond appropriately and in time to unexpected and rapidly changing situations in healthcare.

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work in a multicultural environment in health care

Interact, relate and communicate with individuals from a variety of different cultures, when working in a healthcare environment.

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Optional knowledge 6 competences

Occupation specific

2 competences
spine surgery

The incision along the backbone to access to the spinal cord and bones in order to treat spinal infections, trauma, deformity, tumors or degenerative conditions. The development of minimally invasive techniques or robotic spine surgery procedures allows reducing risks and shorten patients' recovery time.

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wound closure techniques

Wound healing techniques such as inflammation, tissue formation, tissue remodeling and skin anatomy, and the suturing materials used such as staples, synthetic sutures, absorbables, tapes, and adhesive compounds.

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Sector-specific

4 competences
clinical reports

The methods, assessment practices, credentials and opinions gathering procedures necessary for writing clinical reports.

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customer service

Processes and principles related to the customer, client, service user and to personal services; these may include procedures to evaluate customer's or service user's satisfaction.

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e-procurement

The functioning and methods used to manage electronic purchases.

digital
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radiological procedures

The radiological procedures with digital imaging and other imaging techniques.

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Cross-sector

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Optional skills and competences 14 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

9 competences
analyse X-ray imagery

Analyse X-ray imagery in order to locate the sources of patients` difficulties and interpret the findings.

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assist patients with special needs

Respond appropriately and communicate effectively with patients with special needs such as learning disabilities and difficulties, physical disabilities, mental illness, memory loss, bereavement, terminal illness, distress or anger.

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assist with hemostasis

Use the appropriate techniques and tools to stop bleeding, applying haemostatic agents and vessel loops.

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collect biological samples from patients

Follow recommended processes to collect bodily fluids or samples from patients for further laboratory testing, assisting the patient as required.

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conduct polysomnography

Perform a sleep study in order to diagnose sleep disorders, recording measures of the sleep cycles and stages, including air flow in and out of the lungs, the level of oxygen in the blood, brain waves, electrical activity of muscles, and eye movement.

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perform venepuncture procedures

Perform venipuncture procedures by selecting a suitable site to puncture the patients` veins, preparing the puncture site, explaining the procedure to the patient, extracting the blood and collecting it in an appropriate container.

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supervise medical office support workers

Supervise the work of office support workers in the medical field such as medical receptionists and support them in any administrative related business.

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take blood samples

Collect blood from patients in an efficient and hygienic manner according to the phlebotomy guidelines and techniques. Sterilise the equipment if necessary.

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use venepuncture procedure equipment

Make use of the instruments and tools such as tourniquet, alcohol wipes, gauze sponges, sterilized needles and syringes, adhesive bandages, gloves and evacuated collection tubes, used in the procedure for collecting blood from patients.

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Cross-sector

5 competences
administer appointments

Accept, schedule and cancel appointments.

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offer advice on diet-related concerns

Offer advice on dietary concerns such as overweight or elevated cholesterol levels.

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perform procurement processes

Undertake ordering of services, equipment, goods or ingredients, compare costs and check the quality to ensure optimal payoff for the organisation.

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record healthcare users' billing information

Record the healthcare user`s information for the billing of provided medical services.

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use foreign languages in patient care

Communicate in foreign languages with healthcare users, their carers, or services providers. Use foreign languages to faciliate patient care according to the needs of the patient.

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