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.


Definition of Ayurveda:
Ayurveda is translated as the 'Science of Life', and is a comprehensive approach to physical, mental and spiritual well-being, that regards the individual as paramount and is concerned with self understanding and self responsibility


Central philosophies of Ayurveda are:
Concepts of natural harmony and constitutional balance
The 5 elements-space, air, fire, water, earth (pancha mahabhutani) , constitutional types (Tri-Dosha theory) - Vata, Pitta&Kapha
The 3 prime qualities or Gunas: Sattva - wholeness, integration, full consciousness, lightness, 'being'; Rajas - activity, energy, passion, partial consciousness, 'doing'; and Tamas - inertia, heaviness, dullness inconscience, 'sleep'
The 'digestive fire' (Agni); the health and integrity of the digestive system; the integrity of the tissues (Dhatus); and the flow of 'life forces' through subtle energy channels (Nadis)
The recognition of ourselves as spiritual beings (Atma), with an innate connection to, and oneness with, universal intelligence/spirit/consciousness (Purusha/Brahman)


Appropriate assessment techniques may include:
Trividha Pariksha (Threefold examination method)
Darshana (observation)
Prashna (questioning)
Sparshana (touch)
Any other method in which the lifestyle consultant has been trained to a competent standard
Procedure which is conducted according to legislative and regulatory requirements


Major areas of advice include:
Advice on lifestyle
Recommendation of basic meditation practices
Recommendation of basic yoga practices
Advice on self application of oil (abhyanga)
Dietary advice
Advice on ayurvedic cooking
Counselling within and ayurvedic framework


Other complementary therapies may include:
Therapies in which the practitioner is trained


Other healing systems my include:
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Naturopathy
Shiatsu
Yoga therapy


Information on other complementary therapies may include:
Historical development
Current availability
Tools and techniques
Interactions between different therapies
When therapies may be used
Underpinning philosophy


Relationship between therapies may include:
Contra-indications to treatment
Effects of one treatment over or with another
Treatment according to stage of condition


Enquiries may require explanation of:
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 service
Provision for hospital visits


Appropriate information may include:
Confirmation of appointment date and time
Clinic location and directions
Cost of initial consultation
Payment options


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:
WHS guidelines
Anti-discrimination legislation
Privacy Act
Infection control


Relevant documentation may include:
Nature of enquiry
Client contact details
Recording of incidents
Appointment details

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 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


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:
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 in the work place (if possible)
Written assignments/projects
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice.
Questioning and discussion
Role play simulation
Short tests and essays


Related units:
This unit should be assessed in conjunction with the following related competency unit:
HLTHIR301C Communicate and work effectively in health