The application of knowledge and skills described in this unit relate to independent practice

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Identify a range of chronic diseases and conditions

1.1 Discuss the type and nature of a range of chronic diseases or conditions

1.2 Review current approaches to treatment/care

1.3 Discuss mainstream and complementary health approaches to management of a range of chronic diseases or conditions

2. Identify the impact of chronic diseases or conditions on the client and their family

2.1 Identify the chronic diseases or conditions and its effect on the body

2.2 Discuss the different physical and/or psychological impacts of the chronic diseases or conditions can have on the client, their family and their lifestyle

2.3 Refer or discuss the chronic diseases or conditions with other health care professionals as appropriate

3. Develop a care/treatment plan

3.1 Gather and record data for inclusion in care plan

3.2 Conduct physical examination if relevant/appropriate

3.3 Use knowledge of relevant complementary and alternative health care modality to identify an appropriate care/treatment plan

3.4 Take into account factors which may interfere with the effectiveness of the care/treatment for each

3.5 Take into account possible care/treatment reactions and contraindications

4. Provide service/treatment according to care/treatment plan

4.1 Fully explain care/treatment to the client and respond to all enquiries

4.2 Ensure consent for treatment

4.3 Deliver service/treatment according to the care/treatment plan

4.4 Ensure clients are treated with dignity and respect

4.5 Respect cultural and religious differences

4.6 Recognise and promptly respond to reactions to treatment (adverse or otherwise) if necessary

4.7 Review the treatment plan and negotiate continuing care with the client

4.8 Fully document assessments and recommendations

5. Evaluate services/treatment

5.1 Build and maintain a relationship of trust with the client, with active promotion of and strict adherence to confidentiality

5.2 Undertake monitoring of client health in line with plan of care

5.3 Question client/carer to ascertain their level of comfort and compliance with the treatment

5.4 Ascertain degree of improvement or changes in the client's condition and compare with expectations in the plan of care

5.5 Provide client with clear information about their level of improvement in relation to their plan of care

5.6 Assess and review of treatment as required

5.7 Document progress according to requirements

5.8 Evaluate impact of ongoing treatment in relation to client's physical, mental and emotional condition and behaviour

5.9 Encourage clients to maintain their health by active involvement in their treatment and plan of care

5.10 Consult with other treatment practitioners as necessary and appropriate

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 broad range of chronic diseases and conditions and their implications

Broad knowledge of other complementary and alternative health care treatments able to be used in the treatment of chronic diseases/conditions

Broad knowledge of possible mainstream treatments being used to treat chronic diseases

Detailed knowledge of therapies/treatment and/or care strategies used by the complementary and alternative health care modality being delivered

Emergency care and first aid procedures

Health terminology

Legal requirements for practice

Occupational health and safety procedures

Possible contraindications and interactions with other treatments

Principles of confidentiality

Relevant codes of practice

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 effectively with clients and colleagues

Demonstrate communication and negotiation skills

Identify treatment/care options and establish treatment/care regimes

Negotiate strategies to overcome any obstacles to cure

Prepare treatment plans

Provide treatment/care

Read and interpret medical reports and other data relevant to the case

Refer to other health professionals if relevant

Reflect upon own practice

Use interpersonal and questioning skills

Use problem solving processes

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 workplace performance 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

Method of assessment

Observation in the work place (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

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

Related units:

This unit should be assessed in conjunction with competency unit(s) related to planning/delivery of the specific complementary and alternative health care service being undertaken

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.

Chronic diseases and conditions include but are not limited to::

Arthritis

Asthma

Autoimmune diseases

Cancer

Chronic kidney disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic renal disease

Coronary heart disease

Depression

Diabetes

Oral diseases

Osteoporosis

Stroke

Contraindications may include but is not limited to:

Ability or willingness to comply with treatment/care

Acute health episodes

Life-threatening situations

Personal or life circumstances

Client compliance refers to:

Ability to follow instructions or suggestions

Visual impairment

Willingness to follow instructions or suggestions

This unit contains Employability Skills