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

This unit is can be assessed in the workplace, in a classroom setting or in a distance learning context. Assessment will mostly contain theoretical components and examples covering a range of clinical situations

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace

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:

Relevant texts, manuals or research papers

Relevant journals

Relevant paper based/video assessment instruments

Access to internet or on-line research information

Appropriate assessment environment

Skilled assessors

Method of assessment

Observation in the workplace (if possible)

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 (laboratory). If successful, a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision

Oral questioning

Presentations and discussion

Case studies and scenarios

Presentation of research review results

Written questioning

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:

Relevant reference works and information sources

Research issues and their uses

Research methodologies commonly used in medical, allied health and complementary medicine research

Research priorities

Up-to-date information on relevant medical, allied health and complementary medicine research

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 complementary medicines and treatments on various health conditions and clinical presentations and in the maintenance of well-being

Access and critically evaluate reference material on the effects of current conventional drug therapies and their withdrawal, interactions between complementary medicines and drugs, interactions between complementary medicines, adverse effects and contra-indications of complementary medicines and treatments

Access and interpret up-to-date information

Appropriately record details of information findings

Communicate information through written or verbal media

Critically evaluate information with regard to validity and credibility

Critically evaluate research

Demonstrate interpersonal and questioning skills

Extrapolate case study information to new cases

Identify and access a range of primary, secondary, new and established information sources

Identify and access relevant reference works and information sources

Identify information needs and plan information gathering strategies

Interpret common terminology used in statistical analysis

Prioritise usefulness of information to treatment of individual cases

Recognise common terminology used in medical, allied health and complementary medicine research

Recognise statistical terminology and understand the significance of common statistical analysis

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

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.

Clinical information needs:

Information on pathology of specific conditions/diseases

Information on latest treatment pathology options for specific conditions/diseases

Research data on treatment, symptoms, complementary medicines, complementary treatment techniques

Clinical information to assist in meeting specific client health outcomes

Primary information sources:

Clinical research studies

Medical and allied health journals (peer reviewed)

Complementary medicine journals (peer reviewed)

Reference texts

Peer reviewed conference presentations

Secondary information sources:

Other journals

Abstracts

Popular media (magazines, newsletters, books)

Other conferences and presentations

Internet

Established information sources:

Clinical texts

Reference works

Recognised teachings

Evaluate refers to:

Establish the validity and credibility

Establish relevance to meeting information needs

Assess the level of industry recognition

Assess usefulness

Check references

Implement refers to:

Include new findings in clinical treatment strategies

Use information to reassess treatment plans