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 nursing care to individuals with long term illness 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
252108  Provide nursing care to individuals with long term illness 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Nursing 
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 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  9 
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 will be useful for people working as clinically focused, service orientated, independent, registered staff nurses, who are able to render basic care to persons with stable and uncomplicated general health problems, as determined by the appropriate legislative framework.

This unit standard will recognise the essential knowledge and skills required to provide nursing to individuals with long term illness. It will also recognise networking skills that extend the care base through appropriate utilisation of home based and community support services.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Provide information and education to assist patients with long-term illnesses to manage their condition.
  • Manage the pharmacological treatment for HIV and AIDS and opportunistic infections.
  • Link patients to community and home based care services in a community.
  • Provide support to the carers of long-term patients in the community. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credit calculation is based on the assumption that learners are already competent in terms of the following outcomes or areas of learning when starting to learn towards this unit standard:
  • ID 252082: Carry out a health assessment of an individual of any age group.
  • ID 252100: Develop a care plan in collaboration with patients and or carers.
  • ID 252093: Implement planned nursing care to achieve identified patient outcomes.
  • An awareness of and sensitivity to cultural aspects.
  • Foundational knowledge of the structure/functioning of the human body. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Specific range statements are provided in the body of the unit standard where they apply to particular specific outcomes or assessment criteria. The following scope and context applies to the whole unit standard:
  • The Nurse functions within the scope of practice of a staff nurse as formulated by the SANC and the Nursing Act.
  • Long term illnesses include: HIV/AIDS, TB, cancer, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, diabetes, stroke, asthma. 'Long term' includes chronic illnesses. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Provide information and education to assist patients with long-term illnesses to manage their condition. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Information provided to patients with long-term illnesses, and their families or care givers, is accurate, relevant to their needs, and consistent with generally accepted medical usage. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Information includes:
  • Presentation; specific diagnostic procedures; pathophysiology; management; prevention of complications; rehabilitation; opportunistic infections; aetiological factors.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Consequences of long-term illness are identified in partnership with those affected. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Consequences include:
  • Physical, emotional, economic, social.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Strategies identified to mitigate the consequences of long-term illness are realistic in terms of health condition and available support. Strategies are evidence-based and supported by established protocols. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Possibilities for managing the symptoms are identified and described for specific long-term illnesses. The descriptions include reference to ways in which debilitating effects are alleviated, and ability to operate is improved. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The importance of involving employers in arranging more supportive work environments is explained with reference to longer term benefits to the patient and employer. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Manage the pharmacological treatment for HIV and AIDS and opportunistic infections. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The psychological and clinical readiness of the patient for treatment is evaluated in accordance with established treatment protocols. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Prophylactic treatment is managed to promote patient health and well-being in accordance with medical authority guidelines. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Prophylactic treatment includes:
  • Promotion of healthy lifestyles; good nutrition; immune boosters; vitamins.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Support for treatment is appropriate to the particular patient and condition, and delivered timeously. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Support includes:
  • Monitoring compliance; dealing with side effects; laboratory testing; advice.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The nutritional status of the patient is monitored and evaluated in terms of enhanced immunity and ability to tolerate treatment regimens and side-effects. Nutrition is managed to improve immunity and toleration of treatment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Testing carried out at scheduled intervals identifies signs of the progress of the disease. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Pharmacological treatment for HIV and AIDS and opportunistic infections is managed according to established treatment protocols. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Link patients to community and home based care services in a community. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Home based care services are identified and described in terms of scope and type of services provided and their role in the overall provision of care to communities. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Home based care services include:
  • Lay persons, NGO, CBO, FBO.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Own interaction with home based care services is described in terms of the support provided to extend and improve the service network. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Interaction includes:
  • Monitoring care standards; teaching care-givers.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Community services are identified and described in terms of scope and type of services provided and their role in the overall provision of care to communities. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Community services include:
  • Support groups (mental health, old age, diabetes, schizophrenics); counselling; clinics; formal/informal community health facilities; hospices; residential facilities; crèches.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Links are established between service providers, and between service providers and health care users, to promote community involvement in health issues, as well as extensive, cost-effective support and care. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Referrals to home based care and/or community services are appropriate in terms of the patient needs and the services provided. Referrals are provided together with essential information regarding use, expectations and costs. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Provide support to the carers of long-term patients in the community. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Care givers' need for support are timeously identified. Supportive interventions are appropriate to the care giver and particular need and are provided within prevailing constraints. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Interventions include:
  • Support groups, respite care, counselling.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Consultancy and/or advice is provided to support care givers through existing structures, in accordance with health authority guidelines or institutional procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Support provided to carers enables them to recognise early warning signs, identify the needs of their patients more accurately, and access help and support timeously. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Support provided addresses both the professional and emotional needs and concerns of carers, and is characterised by practical advice and encouragement. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Carers are linked where possible to promote mutual support and appropriate referrals. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Accreditation Option: Providers of learning towards this unit standard will need to meet the accreditation requirements of the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation Option: The moderation requirements of the relevant ETQA must be met in order to award credit to learners for this unit standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The following essential embedded knowledge will be assessed through assessment of the specific outcomes in terms of the stipulated assessment criteria. Candidates are unlikely to achieve all the specific outcomes, to the standards described in the assessment criteria, without knowledge of the listed embedded knowledge. This means that for the most part, the possession or lack of the knowledge can be directly inferred from the quality of the candidate's performance. Where direct assessment of knowledge is required, assessment criteria have been included in the body of the unit standard:
  • Application of knowledge in meeting the needs of individuals and their families/carers with long-term illness.
  • Knowledge of long term and chronic illnesses related to body systems. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking.
  • Note: Nursing care to patients with long term illness implies problem-solving and effective decision making. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.
  • Note: Health care provision is team based. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Note: Implementing long term health care requires effective organisation. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • Note: Central to monitoring and evaluation components long term. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations.
  • Note: Core competence. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
  • Note: Used in assessment and monitoring long term. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
  • Note: Body as a system; part of the broader health care system. 
    		•

    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 
    Notes to Assessors:

    Assessors should keep the following general principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.
  • Make sure that evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Rather make sure the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.
  • The assessment criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgements should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be assessment criteria to specify the standard required.
  • The task of the assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the candidate can achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent.

    The following particular issues should be taken into consideration when assessing against this unit standard:
  • The SANC guidelines are used as a reference for integrated assessment.
  • Formative Assessment: A variety of assessment strategies and/or approaches integrating theory and practice must be used. These could be tests, assignments, projects, demonstrations or clinical assessments or any other applicable method.
  • Summative: This could take a form of oral, written and/or practical assessments as agreed to with the relevant ETQA.

    Definition of Terms:

    Terms have been clarified as far as possible through the use of range statements. Further clarification of terms is provided as follows:
  • FBO: Faith based organisations.
  • NGO: Non-governmental organisations.
  • CBO: Community based organisations.
  • The terms "patient" and "health care user" are used interchangeably in this unit standard. The term patient is used internationally, and the term health care user is used in the Nursing Act 33 of 2005, as well as the National Health Act 61 of 2003. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  59236   National Diploma: Nursing  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2020-07-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Core  59257   Bachelor of Nursing  Level 7  NQF Level 08  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    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.