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

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Essential knowledge:

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes knowledge of:

History, philosophy and beliefs of the Aromatherapy framework

Understanding of physiology and anatomy according to Aromatherapy

Best practice Aromatherapy principles

Massage oils and powders

Fundamental structure and function of anatomical systems

Understanding of the fundamental principles of biomechanics

Technical and practical knowledge of treatment

Possible reactions and contra-indications to treatment

Legal and regulatory implications of treatment

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes the ability to:

Demonstrate the application of commonly used treatment techniques listed under the range of variables

Manage time throughout consultation and treatment

Write referrals, appraisal letters for insurance companies and other documentation

Use equipment and resources competently and safely

Communicate effectively with client

Implement treatment plans to achieve optimal health, rehabilitation, or to improve quality of life

Demonstrate the application of commonly used treatment techniques listed under the range of variables

Refer to other health care professional

Prepare client for treatment according to Aromatherapy principles

Provide treatment

Document recommendations and client responses

Review treatment plan

Deliver treatment or care which is consistent with legislative and regulatory requirements

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