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

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

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:

a fully stocked and equipped clinic or simulated clinic environment

relevant texts or medical manuals

relevant paper-based/video assessment instruments

Appropriate assessment environment

Method of assessment may include:

Observation in the work place

Practical demonstration

Written assignments/projects and research

Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice

Oral questioning and discussion

Role play simulation

Explanation for plan preparations

Journals and portfolios

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 in conjunction with the following related competency units:

HLTARO511B Provide specific aromatherapy assessment and care

HLTARO510B Monitor and evaluate aromatherapy treatments

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:

A minimum of 40 essential and carrier oils and may include the following essential oils:

Aniseed Pimpinella anisum

Bay Laurel Laurus nobilis

Benzoin Styrax benzoe

CaJeput Melaleuca cajeputi

Carrot Seed Daucus carota

Cedarwood Virginian Juniperus virginiana

Celery Seed Apium graveolens

Chamomile Maroc Ormenis multicaulis

Cinnamon Cinnamomum zeylanicum

Citronella Cymbogon nardus

Clove Eugenia caryophyllata

Dill Anethum graveolens

Eucalyptus Eucalyptus radiata

Eucalyptus Peppermint Eucalyptus dives

Everlasting Helichrysum angustifolium

Hyssop Hyssopus officinalis

Lavandin Lavendula x intermedia

Lavender Spike Lavandula latifolia

Lemon Verbena Lippia citridora

Lime Cold Pressed Citrus medica

May Chang Litsea cubeba

Myrtle Myrtus communis

Niaouli Melaleuca viridflora

Nutmeg Myristica fragrans

Orange Sweet Citrus sinensis

Oregano Thymus mastichina

Palmarosa Cymbopogon martini

Rosemary Camphor Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosemary Verbenone Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosewood Aniba rosaeodora

Sage Common Salvia officinalis

Sandalwood Australian Santalum spicatum

Sandalwood Indian Santalum album

Spearmint Mentha spicata

Spikenard Nardostachys jatamansi

Tagetes Tagetes minuta

Tangerine Citrus reticulata blanco

continued ...

Essential knowledge (contd):

Essential oils may include (contd):

Thyme Lemon Thymus citriodora

Thyme Spanish Thymus zygis

Thyme Wild Thymus serpyllum

Valerian Valeriana officinalis

A range of alternative and complementary therapies

Common disease states and functional problems of each bodily system, and the principles and practice of treating each system/condition

Contra-indications of treatment

How to correctly prepare and dispense essential oils

How to select best treatment/medicine within best current practice

Knowledge and understanding of methods of preparing treatment and management plans

Less common disease states and functional problems of particular groups in society with specific needs including, but not limited to infants, children, adolescents, elderly, peri- and post- menopausal, pregnant and lactating women

Less common disease states and functional problems of the reproductive system of women and men

Medical reports and diagnostic procedure

Relevant reference works and information sources

Research issues, priorities and their uses

Statistical analysis

Supplementary measures in the management of the conditions e.g. dietary considerations and exercise

The correct preparations required for specific treatment

The possible responses to treatments

The principles of formulation (including dosage and duration 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:

Access and critically evaluate reference material on the effects of current conventional drug therapies and their withdrawal

Access and interpret up-to-date information

Analyse a complex clinical problem utilising an aromatherapy model of clinical reasoning, and utilising literature review techniques to understand the nature of the problem and its management

Appropriately record details of client enquiries according to clinic guidelines

Communicate information through written or verbal media

Correctly identify client information needs

Critically evaluate research

Demonstrate age appropriate communication skills in a one-to-one and group setting

Determine 'level of concern' in relation to risk of complications, severity of disease process, lifestyle factors and their impact on treatment strategies, timeframe of treatment, and other factors

Explain relevant services and case management program

Extrapolate case study information to new cases

Identify and effectively monitor 'high level of concern client's

Integrate knowledge of the historical, theoretical and philosophical aspects of aromatherapy into clinical practice

Provide client with required information

Provide treatment appropriate to age and specific needs of clients

Use interpersonal and questioning skills

Work or model work which demonstrates an ability to apply the underpinning values and philosophies of aromatherapy within clinical practice

Write referrals, appraisal letters for insurance companies and other documentation

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.

Specialised aromatherapy treatment includes:

Using a high level of aromatherapy knowledge to enable extrapolation of case study information to new cases

Using research including literature reviews and critical assessment of research, as a tool in providing treatment

Knowledge and understanding of aromatherapy medicine treatment of conditions/disease states of particular groups in society with specific needs

Knowledge and understanding of hazardous essential oils

Applying recommending, dispensing or prescribing essential oils, extemporaneous preparations, poultices, ointments or other topical applications

All treatment or care delivered meets the requirements of relevant legislation and regulations

Collaborating with or referring to other health care professionals as required

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 treatment activity

Responses to reactions may include:

Adjusting treatment accordingly

Seeking appropriate expertise

Discussing reaction with the client

Adhering to clinic guidelines for response to accidents and emergencies

Using of First Aid procedures according to 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

Documentation of assessment and recommendations may include:

Client contact details

Nature of presenting symptoms - acute and chronic

Health history

Medications and supplements, both prescribed or otherwise

Health reports and referrals

Contra-indications

Client feedback

Adverse reactions

Home care advice

Treatment application and proposed program

Response to enquiries may include:

Providing (or directing to) information material

Answering questions

Following up with further information

Providing of referrals

The treatment plan may include:

Use and dispensing of essential oils

Methods of administration including:

vaporisation

floral mists

massage

baths

compresses

douches

dermal applications

Assessment of the case may include:

Antenatal, birth and post natal period information, APGAR score, birth weight and feeding method and frequency

Family history, maternal and paternal

Growth and growth patterns

Height, weight and head circumference measurements

Changes in the pattern of growth over a series of measurements

Recognise major milestones in development

Relate the major milestones in personal and social skills fine motor skills, general motor skills and language development to a simplified standard milestone chart

Life stages refer to:

Neonate (birth to 28 days)

Children

Adolescence (puberty to adulthood)

Adulthood

Old Age

Pregnancy and post natal period for women

Peri-menopausal and post menopausal state for women