Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.


Factors which interfere with the effectiveness of treatment may include:
Other medical treatment being undertaken
Client physical and psychological readiness and/or wellness
Cultural factors
Contra-indications to treatment
Post treatment activity


Mode of administration may be:
Oral
Topical
Inhaled


Responses to reactions may include:
Adjusting treatment accordingly
Seeking appropriate expertise
Discussing reaction with the client
Adhering to clinic guidelines for response to accidents and emergencies
Using First Aid procedures according to St Johns, Australian Red Cross or other appropriate First Aid training
Accessing local, emergency services


Appropriate consent for treatment refers to:
Informed consent according to the local and national regulations and legal guidelines
Treatment is given to minors/wards of state when only parent/guardian is present


Regulations may include:
Hygiene and infection control regulations
Work health and safety (WHS) regulations
Clinic or professional practice guidelines
State or national legislation


Advise and resource the client refers to:
Providing relevant literature or information materials
Referring client to other information sources
Providing advice regarding self-care
Advising client of suggested resources
Providing details which help to fully inform client/client of relevant information
Providing referrals to other health professionals
Availability of products required or suggested for treatment


Practical techniques that promote and maintain optimal health may include:
Nutritional advice
Advice on lifestyle modification
Exercise suggestions
Stress management techniques

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
Observation of performance in the workplace or a simulated workplace (defined as a supervised clinic) is essential for assessment of this unit
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over a range of workplace situations
Assessment may contain both theoretical and practical components and examples covering a range of clinical situations
Evidence is required of both knowledge and skills application
Assessment of sole practitioners must include a range of clinical situations and different client groups covering at minimum, age, culture and gender
Assessment of sole practitioners must consider their unique workplace context, including:
interaction with others in the broader professional community as part of the sole practitioner's workplace
scope of practice as detailed in the qualification and component competency units
holistic/integrated assessment including:
working within the practice framework
performing a health assessment
assessing the client
planning treatment
providing treatment


Context of and specific resources for assessment:
Assessment should replicate workplace conditions as far as possible
Simulations may be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
Where, for reasons of safety, access to equipment and resources and space, assessment takes place away from the workplace, simulations should be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
Resources essential for assessment include:
an appropriately stocked and equipped clinic or simulated clinic environment
relevant texts or medical manuals
relevant paper-based/video assessment instruments
appropriate assessment environment
skilled assessors


Method of assessment:
Observation and practical demonstration in the work place
Written assignments/projects
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice.
Questioning
Role play simulation
Explanations of technique


Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities


Related units:
This unit should be assessed in conjunction with the following related competency units:
HLTCOM404C Communicate effectively with clients
HLTHER606D Prepare and dispense herbal medicines
HLTHIR301C Communicate and work effectively in health
HLTIN301C Comply with infection control policies and procedures