Application
This unit may apply to work in aromatherapy in a range of health settings |
Prerequisites
Not Applicable
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Demonstrate commitment to the central philosophies of aromatherapy | 1.1 Define aromatherapy and aromatherapy practice 1.2 Provide an outline of the historical development of aromatherapy 1.3 Identify and explain the central philosophies of aromatherapy 1.4 Apply aromatherapy philosophy to own health practices 1.5 Use aromatherapy philosophy to interpret health issues |
2. Identify and describe the principles and practices aromatherapy | 2.1 Identify and describe aromatherapy assessment techniques 2.2 Identify, describe and compare the major methods of treatment used in aromatherapy 2.3 Identify and describe other complementary therapies used in aromatherapy |
3. Develop knowledge of complementary therapies | 3.1 Provide information other complementary therapies 3.2 Identify the relationship between therapies |
4. Represent aromatherapy framework to the community | 4.1 Explain the practices and principles of aromatherapy in an easily understood way in a one-to-one and group setting 4.2 Clarify enquiries and provide appropriate information 4.3 Appropriately requests client to bring relevant data to the consultation 4.4 Discuss alternative sources of information/advice with the client |
5. Work within clinic and regulation guidelines | 5.1 Access and follow clinic guidelines 5.2 Access and follow legal and regulatory guidelines 5.3 Document relevant information/records |
Required Skills
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 and development of aromatherapy Effects of aromatherapy application to the body Fundamental theories of aromatherapy Basic aromatherapy terminology and pronunciation Sociology of health and the health care system Ethical issues in natural medicine OHS requirements in the workplace Current political context of health care Dynamic interchange between the physical, mental, social, environmental and spiritual landscape Rationalistic, analytical approach to an understanding of disease Vitalistic, empirical approach to health Aromatherapy integration of these approaches to health Qualitative, quantitative, cultural and traditional lines of evidence used in aromatherapy Philosophy, principles and practices of other alternative and complementary therapies for example shiatsu, naturopathy, massage Principles of aromatherapy and its epistemology within the therapeutic systems of the east and west How aromatherapy works with the conventional medical model Philosophies, principles and tools of aromatherapy practice A range of alternative and complementary therapies |
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: Communicate in group and one-to-one settings Correctly identify client information needs Provide client with required information Appropriately record details of client enquiries according to clinic guidelines Work or model work which demonstrates an understanding of underpinning values and philosophies in the aromatherapy framework Explain relevant products and services Demonstrate communication skills in a one-to-one and group setting |
Evidence Required
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: appropriate assessment environment an appropriately stocked and equipped clinic or simulated clinic environment relevant texts or medical manuals relevant paper-based/video assessment instruments skilled assessors |
Method of assessment | Observation in the workplace Practical demonstrations and simulations Written assignments/projects including short tests and essays 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 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 |
Range Statement
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. | |
Central philosophies must include: | Mind/body connection Holistic approach to health Personal wellbeing Attitude adjustment Therapeutic partnership |
Major methods of treatment must include: | Baths including full bath, foot and hand and sitz bath Vapourisation both direct e.g. inhalation and indirect e.g. burner and snozelene room (aged care and special needs) Compress, hot and cold Floral mists Poultices Dermal applications including ointments, creams and lotions How to perform a patch test for potential client skin sensitivity How to prepare appropriate dosages and dosage ratios and may include: Massage techniques including full body, foot and health, head and scalp |
Other Contemporary therapies may include | Therapies in which the practitioner is trained or informed |
Aromatherapy assessment techniques may include but are not limited to | Examination of physical features Palpation Observation Listening and smelling Taking of blood pressure, temperature, radial pulse rate and quality Percussion Discussion/questioning Any other method in which the practitioner has been trained to a competent standard Procedure which is conducted according to legislative and regulatory requirements |
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 |
Relationships between therapies may include: | Contraindications 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: | OHS guidelines Anti-discrimination legislation Privacy Act Infection control |
Relevant documentation may include: | Nature of enquiry Client contact details Recording of incidents Appointment details |
Sectors
Not Applicable
Employability Skills
This unit contains Employability Skills |
Licensing Information
Not Applicable