Elements and Performance Criteria

RANGE STATEMENT

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 aromatherapy massage activity


Mode of administration may include:
Exposure of sections of body
Rotating of exposure around the body
Use of oils and treatments
Requirement for feedback and interaction
Massage techniques may include:
effeurage
kneading
neuro-muscular
lymphatic drainage
acupressure
reflexology
polarity therapy techniques
Variations in application intensity
Requirement of specified positioning of client


Reactions may include:
Pain and/or discomfort
Feedback - verbal, tactile, visual
Muscular spasms
Allergy to oils or treatments used
Temperature discomfort


Responses to reactions may include:
Adjusting treatment accordingly as needed
Seeking appropriate expertise
Discussing reaction with the client
Adherence to clinic guidelines for response to accidents and emergencies
Use of first aid procedures according to a St John, 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


Relaxation techniques may include:
Effleurage
Cross over stroke
Longitudinal stroking
Passive joint movement techniques
Passive soft tissue movement
Gliding techniques
Kneading
Friction techniques
Compressive techniques
Percussion techniques
Mobilising techniques


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 sources of suggested resources
Providing details which help to fully inform 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:
Postural improvement strategies e.g. ideal posture for activities
Discussion of causes of poor posture
Simple follow-up activities and/or strategies to work on between sessions
Activities and/or tasks to avoid
Self-massage techniques

EVIDENCE GUIDE

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 the required range of situations relevant to the workplace
Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
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


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


Context of and specific resources for assessment:
Resources essential for assessment include:
An appropriately stocked and equipped clinic or simulated clinic environment
Relevant texts and manuals
Skilled assessors


Method of assessment
Observation in the work place
Explanations of technique
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
Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting. If successful, a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision


Related units:
This unit should be assessed after or in conjunction with related unit:
HLTARO401B Work within an aromatherapy framework