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

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 range of alternative and complementary therapies

Ethical issues in natural medicine

How naturopathy works with the conventional medical model

WHS requirements in the workplace

Philosophical tradition of science/western medicine

Sociology of health and the health care system

The current political context of health care

The dynamic interchange between the physical, mental, social, environmental and spiritual landscape

The naturopathic integration of these approaches to health

The philosophies, principles and tools of naturopathic practice

The philosophy, principles and practices of other alternative and complementary therapies including homeopathy, herbal medicine, nutrition and bodywork

The principles of naturopathic practice: vis medicatrix naturae (the healing power of nature); tolle causam (identify and treat the cause); docere (doctor as teacher); treat the whole person; prevention

The qualitative, quantitative, cultural and traditional lines of evidence used in naturopathy

The rationalistic, analytical approach to an understanding of disease

The vitalistic, empirical approach to health

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:

Appropriately record details of client enquiries according to clinic guidelines

Correctly identify client information needs

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

Explain relevant products and services

Provide client with required information

Work or model work which demonstrates an understanding of underpinning values and philosophies in the naturopathy framework

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