HLTARO403B
Provide aromatherapy treatment

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to administer aromatherapy treatment according to the philosophy and practices of an aromatherapy therapeutic framework

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. Manage treatment

1.1 Explain the factors which may interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment

1.2 Explain how treatment is delivered and managed to the client

1.3 Request the client to monitor reactions and contact practitioner as required

1.4 Ensure consent for treatment is obtained

1.5 Provide aromatherapy treatment according to the treatment plan

1.6 Recognise reactions to treatment and promptly responded to if necessary

1.7 Clearly explain the time, location and content of future sessions to the client

1.8 Document recommendations

2. Apply therapeutic techniques

2.1 Apply aromatherapy techniques

2.2 Position correctly to optimise their comfort and support while allowing optimum application of techniques

2.3 Maintain appropriate postures to ensure a controlled distribution of body weight throughout the treatment

2.4 Maintain focused attention throughout the treatment session

2.5 Determine treatment sequence, location and degree of pressure applied by assessment indications

3. Advise and resource the client

3.1 Educate client in relevant and practical techniques for promotion and maintenance of optimum health

3.2 Answer client queries with clarity, using appropriate language

3.3 Use honesty and integrity when explaining treatment plans and recommendations to the client

3.4 Use appropriate interpersonal skills when explaining treatment plans and recommendations to the client.

3.5 Promote client independence and responsibility in treatment wherever possible

4. Review treatment

4.1 Evaluate progress with the client

4.2 Identify and record effects of previous treatment

4.3 Review previous treatment plan

4.4 Evaluate need for ongoing and/or additional treatment

4.5 Negotiate changes to the plan with the client to ensure optimal outcomes

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:

Range of conditions/disease states

The fundamental philosophies and beliefs of an aromatherapy framework

History, philosophy and beliefs of the aromatherapy framework

Physiology and anatomy

Fundamental structure and function of anatomical systems

Fundamental principles of biomechanics

Practical and technical knowledge of treatment strategies

Possible reactions and consequences of 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:

Identify prominent bones/structure and major muscle groups

Gather and interpret information through tactile senses

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 clients

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

Assessment may contain both theoretical and practical components and examples covering a range of clinical situations

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

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

Provision of treatment according to the individual, the condition and the presence of complicating factors. It must be the safest, most effective and cost effective for the client

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 or medical manuals

relevant paper-based/video assessment instruments

anatomical models

demonstration model client

Method of assessment

Observation in the work place

Practical demonstration

Explanations of techniques

Written assignments/projects

Case studies 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

Related units:

This unit should be assessed in conjunction with the following related competency unit:

BSBWOR203A Work effectively with others


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.

Factors which interfere with the effectiveness of treatment may include:

Other medical treatment being undertaken

Client's physical and psychological readiness and/or wellness

Cultural and/or religious factors

Contraindications to treatment

Post treatment activity

Overeating

Intoxication

Mode of administration may include:

Requirements for feedback and interaction

Various aromatherapy treatment techniques including:

vaporisation

floral mists

massage

bath

compress

douches

dermal applications

variations in application intensity

Requirement of specified positioning of client

Reactions may include:

Pain and/or discomfort

Feedback - verbal, tactile, visual

Muscular spasms

Temperature discomfort

Interactions with other treatments

Skin reactions

Responses to reactions may include:

Adjusting treatment accordingly

Seeking appropriate expertise

Discussing reaction with the client

Discussing reaction with other health professional if appropriate/relevant

Adhering to clinic guidelines for response to accidents and emergencies

Using first aid procedures as appropriate

Accessing local emergency services

Consent for treatment refers to:

Informed consent according to the local and national regulations and legal guidelines

Attendance of appropriate adult for wards of State and minors as appropriate

Appropriate postures refers to:

Balanced distribution of body weight

Comfort and safety

Relaxation of the body

Size, mobility and flexibility

Aromatherapy techniques may 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

Knowing how to perform a patch test for potential skin sensitivity

Knowing how to prepare appropriate dosages and dosage ratios

Massage techniques including full body, foot and health, head and scalp

Advice and resource the client refers to:

Providing relevant literature or information materials

Referring client to other information sources

Providing advice regarding self-care

Stress management resources

Environmental modifications

Counselling within the parameters of training

Advising client of suggested resources

Providing of details which help to fully inform client of relevant information

Providing of 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

Discussion of causes of condition and suggestion of prevention strategies

Simple follow-up activities and/or strategies to work on between sessions

Activities and/or tasks to avoid

Dietary suggestions

Environmental or lifestyle modifications

Stress management strategies


Sectors

Not Applicable


Employability Skills

This unit contains Employability Skills


Licensing Information

Not Applicable