Elements and Performance Criteria

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 naturopathy is:
Naturopathy is a distinct method of healing, underpinned by a philosophical perspective which recognises that all living forms possess a self-regulatory, inherent ability for self-healing
This inherent ability, or vital force, operates in an intelligent, orderly fashion
Naturopathic approaches to health care are aimed at supporting and enhancing the body's own ability to heal itself


Central philosophies of naturopathy are:
Vis medicatrix naturae (the healing power of nature)
Tolle causam (identify and treat the cause)
Docere (doctor as teacher)
Treat the whole person
Prevention


Major methods of treatment include:
Nutrition therapies including the use of specific micronutrient supplements and food therapy
Herbal medicine
Homeopathy
Bodywork eg massage, reflexology, shiatsu,
Counselling


Other complementary therapies may include:
Aromatherapy
Flower essence therapy
Therapies in which the practitioner is trained


Traditionally used methods of healing include:
Fresh air
Pure water
Fresh, whole foods
Diet therapy
Detoxification
Herbs
Sunlight
Rest and relaxation
Exercise
Massage
Hydrotherapy


Appropriate assessment techniques may include:
Observation
Discussion
Taking temperature
Taking pulse and blood pressure
Palpation and auscultation
Percussion
External physical examination
Iridology techniques
Urine tests
Assessment of growth (height, weight, head circumference) and development
Overview of system - enquiring about the presence of previously diagnosed organic diseases and functional disorders
Any other method in which the practitioner has been trained to a competent standard
Procedure which is conducted according to legislative and regulatory requirements


Other healing systems may include:
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Ayurveda


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's 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)
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 may contain both theoretical and practical components and examples covering a range of clinical situations
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


Context of and specific resources for assessment:
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
Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice.
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


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