Elements and Performance Criteria

Definition of homoeopathy:
Homoeopathy is a system of therapeutics based on the principle of the law of similars. This requires the selection and prescription of a medicine (remedy) that, through prior testing on healthy people and from clinical experience and observation, is known to be capable of producing a set of symptoms most similar to the symptom picture of the patient. The medicine is prescribed in the minimum dose required to bring about (stimulate) healing. This therapeutic methodology in no way limits the scope of homoeopaths in the provision of ancillary or emergency care, where this accords with homoeopathic principles and is required for the well-being of the patient.

The central philosophy of homoeopathy is based:
The law of similars - the principle that an individual case of disease with a given set of symptoms can be cured by a medicine which is known to produce the most similar set of symptoms when trailed/proven on healthy individuals.

Major method of treatment:
The prescription of a single homoeopathic medicine

Other methods of treatment refers to:
Nutritional guidance
Personal hygiene advice
Counselling
Removing obstacles to cure
Other medical therapies

Appropriate homoeopathic diagnostic techniques may include:
Homoeopathic case taking
Repertorisation
Observation
Physical examination
Specimen collection and testing

Homoeopathic diagnostic tools may include:
Homoeopathic materia medica and/or repertory
Related medical texts
Glucometer/test strips/lancets
Peak flow meter
Stethoscope
Opthalmoscope
Percussion hammer
Transluminator
Thermometer
Sphygmomanometer
Scales
Height measure
Length measure
Urine test stix
Spirometers
Torches
Otoscope
Any other instrument as appropriate

Other therapies may include:
Naturopathy or other alternative/complementary therapies
Osteopathy
Chiropractic
Physiotherapy
Medical
Counselling

Basic information on other therapies may include:
Recommended sources
Basic tools and techniques

Relationship between homoeopathy and other therapies may include:
Contra-indications to treatment
Effects of one treatment over or with another
Treatment according to stage of condition
Interactions between different therapies
When other therapies may be useful

Enquiries may require:
Duration of treatment
Expected treatment outcomes
Possible approaches to treatment
Estimated cost of treatment
Availability of health fund rebates
Work cover eligibility
Professional status of practitioner
Availability of home visits
After hours/locum service
Provision for hospital visits

Appropriate information may include:
Confirmation of appointment date and time
Clinic location and directions
Cost of consultations and/or prescriptions
Payment options

Relevant data may include:
Source of referral
Patient questionnaire
Medical reports
Medication
Biological specimens

Clinic guidelines may include:
Procedures and guidelines
Purpose or mission statement
Code of ethics or practice
Level of competency and degree of supervision
Partnership/group decisions, agreed practice

Legal and regulatory guidelines may include:
OHS guidelines
Anti-discrimination legislation
Privacy Act
Infection control

Relevant documentation may include:
Nature of enquiry
Client/patient contact details
Incident reports
Appointment details

Critical aspects of assessment:
Ability to work or model work which demonstrates an understanding of underpinning values and philosophies in the homoeopathic framework
Knowledge of the philosophies, principles and tools of homoeopathic practice
Knowledge of a range of therapies
Demonstrated ability to correctly identify client/patient information needs
Demonstrated ability to provide client/patient with required information
Demonstrated ability to appropriately record details of client/patient enquiries according to clinic guidelines
Demonstrated ability to explain relevant services
Demonstrated communication skills in a one-to-one and group setting

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units:
Work effectively in the health industry

Underpinning knowledge and skills:
Basic knowledge of the history, central philosophies and principles of homoeopathy
Basic knowledge of philosophical tradition of science / conventional / western medicine
Basic knowledge of sociology of health and the health care system
Knowledge of ethical issues in medicine
Knowledge of OHS requirements in the workplace
Basic knowledge of the current political context of health care
Basic knowledge of the practices of other therapies
Knowledge of relationship between homoeopathy and other therapies
Ability to communicate essentials of homoeopathic practice in one-to-one and group settings

Resource implications:
Resource requirements may include:
Relevant texts or medical manuals
Relevant paper-based/video assessment instruments
Appropriate assessment environment
Skilled assessors

Method of assessment:
Assessment may include:
Short tests and essays
Oral questioning and discussion

Context of assessment
This unit is most appropriately assessed in a classroom environment. Assessment may contain theoretical emphasis and examples covering a range of clinical situations.