Elements and Performance Criteria

Patients may include:
women
men
children
new or regular patients with routine or special needs
people from a range of social, cultural or ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Relevant information may include:
patient area of concern
previous treatments
outcomes of previous treatments
required treatments
time constraints
budgetary constraints.

Relevant patient details and history may include:

date of presentation

identifying personal details

source of referral, if applicable

main presenting complaint or reason for consultation

presenting symptom picture

other current medical or therapeutic treatment

general state of health:

physical

emotional

allergies

dietary picture

sleep pattern

exercise

leisure activities

observations arising from physical and visual examination

outcomes of microscopic analysis (where conducted).

Physical and visual examination may include:
observation of hair and scalp condition.

Relevant legislation may include:
federal, state and local health and hygiene
occupational health and safety.

Workplace procedures may include:
health and hygiene
comfort and privacy
timeframes for the completion of the service
quality assurance.

Abnormal hair and scalp conditions may include:
head lice
scabies
ringworm
dry or oily dandruff
seborrhoea
psoriasis.

Trichological problem/s may include:
dandruff
seborrhoeic dermatitis
psoriasis
pityriasis amiantacea
tinea capitis
traction alopecia
alopecia areata
androgenetic alopecia
diffuse hair loss
loose anagen syndrome.

Other professionals may include:
medical practitioner
dietician
natural therapist.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
knowledge and consistent application of relevant workplace policies and procedures
knowledge and consistent application of federal, state and local health and hygiene legislation and regulations
demonstrated consistent application of patient consultation according to workplace procedures
consistent application of patient assessments based on examination and/or microscopic analysis
consistently accurate, relevant and well-organised recorded patient information that can be readily interpreted by other professionals
consistent, sensitive and clear communication of patient diagnosis and options that takes into account any cultural or physical requirements.

Context of assessment
For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, competency should be consistently demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor and/or the technical expert working in partnership with the assessor. The technical expert may include the trichologist and/or an experienced person at the workplace.
Competency should be demonstrated in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment in a range of situations that may include client interruptions and involvement in other related activities normally expected in the workplace. For further guidance on the use of an appropriate simulated environment, refer to the Assessment Guidelines in this Training Package.

Specific resources for assessment
Competency for this unit should be assessed through access to:
relevant documentation such as:
workplace policy and procedures manuals
occupational health and safety legislation and regulations
client history systems
a range of patients with different requirements
a range of equipment suitable to the provision of trichological consultations
a qualified workplace assessor or assessment team.

Relationship to other units
This unit is a co-requisite for a range of trichology units. It requires an assessment outcome that includes evidence of the application of knowledge of skin and hair science and nutrition in the performance of trichological treatments.
none.
WRHHS403A Apply knowledge of hair and scalp problems to trichological consultations
WRHHS405A Apply the principles of nutrition
WRHHS406A Develop and apply scalp treatment therapies.

Method of assessment
The following assessment method is suggested.
Observation of the learner performing a range of tasks in an actual or simulated work environment, over sufficient time to demonstrate his or her handling of a range of contingencies. Tasks may include:
consultation with patients
recording client details and history
physical and visual examination of hair and scalp
diagnosis based on information gathered, including observations and analysis
communicating diagnosis and negotiating options with patients.

Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance
For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, evidence should be gathered through a range of methods to indicate consistent performance.
It can be gathered from assessment of the unit of competency alone, through an integrated assessment activity or through a combination of both.
Evidence should be gathered as part of the learning process.

Communicating ideas and information
Clearly communicating the outcomes of trichological assessments to patients requires the communication of ideas and information. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Conducting trichological assessments requires information to be collected, analysed and organised. (3)

Planning and organising activities
Confirming treatment options and costs with patients requires activities to be planned and organised. (3)

Working with others and in teams
Identifying contraindications and referring patients to appropriate professionals require teamwork. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Estimating treatment time, frequency and cost of treatment requires mathematical ideas and techniques. (1)

Solving problems
Negotiating with the client on proposed treatment options requires problem solving skills. (3)

Using technology
Recording patient history and treatment options may require the use of technology. (1)