SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Provide information about Tuberculosis and directly observed treatment (DOTS) 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
117017  Provide information about Tuberculosis and directly observed treatment (DOTS) 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Ancillary Health Care 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services Curative Health 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 1  NQF Level 01  3 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is for persons required to provide basic information about tuberculosis to community members of similar cultural background and mother tongue and to facilitate treatment compliance for the person who has tuberculosis. Persons wanting to be DOT supporters should have knowledge of the community and the ability to communicate effectively within their cultural context. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning:

The learner who has worked in the field and requests RPL will be required to meet the criteria set out under the assessment criteria and assessment notes in this standard. The learner must also provide proof of practical experience as a DOTS supporter. 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
Basic knowledge pertaining to Tuberculosis and Directly Observed Treatment Short Course (DOTS) within the context of the learner's everyday environment

This unit standard applies to persons involved in DOTS programmes under the supervision of a professional health worker.

This unit standard should form an integral part of any learning about HIV & AIDS & STIs as they are all very closely linked. 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the risk factors, manifestation and treatment of tuberculosis. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
Tuberculosis is explained in terms of the rist factors and ways in which it is transmitted. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
TB is described in terms of its signs and symptoms. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The factors causing reactivation of the TB micro-organisms are explained in terms of the risk of infection. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The prevention of tuberculosis is described in terms of actions taken. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The effects of tuberculosis are understood in terms of possible complications and risk to the patient. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
The difference between non-infectious and infectious persons with tuberculosis is explained in terms of the risk to persons who come into contact with the patient. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
The methods of testing for tuberculosis are explained in terms of reliability of the test and the difficulties that occur in the case of youngh children and people with advanced AIDS. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
The method of collecting sputum samples is demonstrated according to recommended principles. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
The treatment of tuberculosis is explained in terms of the consequences of non-treatment, adherence to treatment plan and the side effects of the medicines. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
Explain the factors that have an effect on the person with tuberculosis, the family and the community. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
Myths and misconceptions about tuberculosis are identified and dispelled in accordance with medical science. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
Cultural beliefs and the role of traditional medicine are explained in terms of their effect on the treatment of tuberculosis. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The link between tuberculosis and a weak immune system is explained in terms of the high risk of infection. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
Confusion arising from a false negative result is dealt with in accordance with current accepted medical practice. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The link between treatment non-compliance and Multi-drug resistant (MDR) TB is explained in terms of increased risks to the patient, the family and the community. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
Facilitate local support systems for the person suffering from tuberculosis. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The role of the DOTS-supporter is explained in terms of functions and responsibilities. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
Principles of the DOTS strategy are applied in accordance with accepted medical practice. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The importance of treatment as it would be given to the individual is explained in terms of administration and compliance. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
Treatment is administered in accordance with the client's treatment plan. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
Family and community awareness programmes are conducted in accordance with the identified needs. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
Local community support groups for tuberculosis and related illnesses are identified in terms of their contribution to the fight against tuberculosis. 


UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing the learner against this unit standard must be a registered assessor with the relevant ETQA
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited with the HWSETA
  • The moderation of this standard will also be conducted by the HWSETA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The practitioner is able to demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of:
  • Anatomy (building) and physiology (functioning) of the body systems
  • Transmission of harmful microorganisms
  • Cause, signs and symptoms and complications of tuberculosis
  • The community and cultural views and influences on tuberculosis
  • HIV and Multiple Drug Resistance and their influence on the disease pattern in the community
  • Role and function of the DOTS-supporter
  • Methods of education on tuberculosis
  • Local community support systems for tuberculosis 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify health-related problems and promote problem solving in a community context.

    Assessment Criteria:
  • TB is described in terms of its signs and symptoms.
  • The factors causing reactivation of the TB micro-organisms are explained in terms of the risk of infection.
  • The prevention of tuberculosis is described in terms of actions taken.
  • The effects of tuberculosis are understood in terms of possible complications and risk to the patient.
  • The difference between non-infectious and infectious persons with tuberculosis is explained in terms of the risk to persons who come into contact with the patient.
  • The methods of testing for tuberculosis are explained in terms of reliability of the test and the difficulties that occur in the case of youngh children and people with advanced AIDS.
  • The method of collecting sputum samples is demonstrated according to recommended principles.
  • Myths and misconceptions about tuberculosis are identified and dispelled in accordance with medical science.
  • Cultural beliefs and the role of traditional medicine are explained in terms of their effect on the treatment of tuberculosis.
  • The link between tuberculosis and a weak immune system is explained in terms of the high risk of infection.
  • Confusion arising from a false negative result is dealt with in accordance with current accepted medical practice.
  • The role of the DOTS-supporter is explained in terms of functions and responsibilities.
  • Family and community awareness programmes are conducted in accordance with the identified needs.
  • Local community support groups for tuberculosis and related illnesses are identified in terms of their contribution to the fight against tuberculosis. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with the community.

    Assessment Criteria:
  • Myths and misconceptions about tuberculosis are identified and dispelled in accordance with medical science.
  • Cultural beliefs and the role of traditional medicine are explained in terms of their effect on the treatment of tuberculosis.
  • The link between tuberculosis and a weak immune system is explained in terms of the high risk of infection.
  • Confusion arising from a false negative result is dealt with in accordance with current accepted medical practice.
  • The importance of treatment as it would be given to the individual is explained in terms of administration and compliance.
  • Treatment is administered in accordance with the client's treatment plan.
  • Family and community awareness programmes are conducted in accordance with the identified needs. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities to work effectively within the context of their communities.

    Assessment Criteria:
  • The role of the DOTS-supporter is explained in terms of functions and responsibilities.
  • Principles of the DOTS strategy are applied in accordance with accepted medical practice.
  • The importance of treatment as it would be given to the individual is explained in terms of administration and compliance.
  • Treatment is administered in accordance with the client's treatment plan.
  • Family and community awareness programmes are conducted in accordance with the identified needs.
  • Local community support groups for tuberculosis and related illnesses are identified in terms of their contribution to the fight against tuberculosis. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information about tuberculosis.

    Assessment Criteria:
  • Tuberculosis is explained in terms of the rist factors and ways in which it is transmitted.
  • TB is described in terms of its signs and symptoms.
  • The factors causing reactivation of the TB micro-organisms are explained in terms of the risk of infection.
  • The prevention of tuberculosis is described in terms of actions taken.
  • The effects of tuberculosis are understood in terms of possible complications and risk to the patient.
  • The difference between non-infectious and infectious persons with tuberculosis is explained in terms of the risk to persons who come into contact with the patient.
  • The methods of testing for tuberculosis are explained in terms of reliability of the test and the difficulties that occur in the case of youngh children and people with advanced AIDS.
  • The method of collecting sputum samples is demonstrated according to recommended principles.
  • Myths and misconceptions about tuberculosis are identified and dispelled in accordance with medical science.
  • Cultural beliefs and the role of traditional medicine are explained in terms of their effect on the treatment of tuberculosis.
  • The link between tuberculosis and a weak immune system is explained in terms of the high risk of infection.
  • Confusion arising from a false negative result is dealt with in accordance with current accepted medical practice. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively with persons suffering from tuberculosis and community members in order to create an awareness of issues around tuberculosis within the community.

    Assessment Criteria:
  • Myths and misconceptions about tuberculosis are identified and dispelled in accordance with medical science.
  • Cultural beliefs and the role of traditional medicine are explained in terms of their effect on the treatment of tuberculosis.
  • The link between tuberculosis and a weak immune system is explained in terms of the high risk of infection.
  • Confusion arising from a false negative result is dealt with in accordance with current accepted medical practice.
  • The importance of treatment as it would be given to the individual is explained in terms of administration and compliance.
  • Treatment is administered in accordance with the client's treatment plan.
  • Family and community awareness programmes are conducted in accordance with the identified needs.
  • Local community support groups for tuberculosis and related illnesses are identified in terms of their contribution to the fight against tuberculosis. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems and the impact of tuberculosis on these systems.

    Assessment Criteria:
  • Tuberculosis is explained in terms of the rist factors and ways in which it is transmitted.
  • TB is described in terms of its signs and symptoms.
  • The factors causing reactivation of the TB micro-organisms are explained in terms of the risk of infection.
  • The prevention of tuberculosis is described in terms of actions taken.
  • The effects of tuberculosis are understood in terms of possible complications and risk to the patient.
  • The difference between non-infectious and infectious persons with tuberculosis is explained in terms of the risk to persons who come into contact with the patient.
  • The methods of testing for tuberculosis are explained in terms of reliability of the test and the difficulties that occur in the case of youngh children and people with advanced AIDS.
  • The method of collecting sputum samples is demonstrated according to recommended principles.
  • Myths and misconceptions about tuberculosis are identified and dispelled in accordance with medical science.
  • Cultural beliefs and the role of traditional medicine are explained in terms of their effect on the treatment of tuberculosis.
  • The link between tuberculosis and a weak immune system is explained in terms of the high risk of infection.
  • Confusion arising from a false negative result is dealt with in accordance with current accepted medical practice.
  • The role of the DOTS-supporter is explained in terms of functions and responsibilities.
  • Principles of the DOTS strategy are applied in accordance with accepted medical practice.
  • The importance of treatment as it would be given to the individual is explained in terms of administration and compliance.
  • Treatment is administered in accordance with the client's treatment plan.
  • Family and community awareness programmes are conducted in accordance with the identified needs.
  • Local community support groups for tuberculosis and related illnesses are identified in terms of their contribution to the fight against tuberculosis. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    It is recommended that assessment should include:
  • Evidence of the practical application of the standard in particular for the Tick sheets that verify that DOT has been satisfactorily performed
  • Evidence of sputum samples correctly collected
  • Community workshop/s to inform the local community about TB


    Specified Requirements

    Specified requirements include legal and workplace requirements and are contained in one or more of the following documents:

    Legal:
  • The South African Tuberculosis Control Programme
  • Patient rights charter
  • Scope of practice for the AHC Worker

    Site Specific
  • Employer's work specifications, policies and procedures

    Credit Allocation

    Total hours required by the learner to achieve the required outcomes:
  • Classroom learning: 6 hours
  • On-the-job learning: 10 hours
  • Self directed learning: 5 hours
  • Coaching required: 9 hours
  • TOTAL: 30 hours

    Credits Achieved: 3 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  49606   General Education and Training Certificate: Ancillary Health Care  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  HW SETA 
    Core  64749   National Certificate: Community Health Work  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  HW SETA 
    Core  49085   National Certificate: Fundamental Ancillary Health Care  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2009-02-18  Was HW SETA until Last Date for Achievement 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.