Elements and Performance Criteria

Factors which interfere with the effectiveness of treatment may include:
Other medical treatment being undertaken
Client/patient's 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/patient
Adherence 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

Consent for treatment refers to:
Informed consent according to the local and national regulations and legal guidelines

Regulations may include:
Hygiene and infection control regulations
OHS regulations
Clinic or professional practice guidelines
Complying with state or national legislation in the practice of naturopathy

Advise and resource the client/patient refers to:
Providing relevant literature or information materials
Referring client/patient to other information sources
Providing advice regarding self-care
Advising client/patient of suggested resources
Providing of details which help to fully inform patient/client of relevant information
Providing of 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

Critical aspects of assessment:
Treatment plans are implemented to achieve optimal health and rehabilitation, or to improve quality of life these involve:
Appropriate preparation of the client/patient for treatment
Treatment of a range of conditions/disease states
Incorporation of the philosophies and beliefs of the practice of naturopathy
Demonstration of the application of commonly used treatment practices
Provision of treatment in accordance with the individual, the condition and the presence of complicating factors
Provision of the safest, most efficious and cost effective treatment method
Use of counselling within naturopathic consultation as an aid to treatment
Provision of treatment in accordance with the treatment plan
Complete documentation of all recommendations and client/patient responses
Review of treatment plan
Demonstrated interpersonal skills

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units:
Communicate effectively with clients
Contribute to the control of infection
Work effectively within the health industry
Prepare and dispense herbal medicines
Homeopathy in a naturopathic framework
Prepare and dispense homeopathic medicines

Underpinning knowledge and skills:
Knowledge of common disease states and functional problems of each bodily system and the principles and practice of treating each system/condition
Knowledge of the active principles of the main naturopathic remedies/treatments used for each system/condition
Knowledge of the principles of formulation (including dosage and duration of treatment)
Knowledge of supplementary measures in the management of conditions (dietary considerations, exercise)
Ability to apply methods of treating and managing the disease process of each system using naturopathic remedies/treatments
Knowledge of how to select best remedies/treatments within best current practice
Knowledge of how to correctly prepare and dispense naturopathic remedies/treatments
Knowledge of the role of nutrition in health and ability to determine the nutritional and dietary needs of a client/patient
Knowledge of the process of digestion, absorption and metabolism
Knowledge and understanding of the components of food and food/dietary supplements
Knowledge of the appropriate dietary treatment of common illnesses and diseases
Knowledge of types of diets (omnivore, vegetarian, lacto-vegetarian, vegan, fruitarian, zen macrobiotic)
Knowledge of medical reports and diagnostic procedures
Knowledge of the possible responses to treatments
Knowledge of contra-indications of treatment
Knowledge of drug interactions
Knowledge of the pathogenesis of the remedies/treatments administered
Ability to access reference material on the effects of current conventional drug therapies and their withdrawal
Knowledge and understanding of methods of preparing treatment and management plans
Knowledge of the correct preparations required for specific treatment
Demonstrated ability to access and interpret up-to-date information
Interpersonal and questioning skills
Ability to write referrals, appraisal letters for insurance companies and other documentation

Resource implications:
Resource requirements may 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:
Assessment may include:
Practical demonstration
Simulations
Explanations of technique
Oral questioning and discussion
Case studies and scenarios

Context of assessment:
This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of work conditions. Assessment may contain both theoretical and practical components and examples covering a range of clinical situations.