Application
This unit applies to work undertaken within a naturopathic framework |
Prerequisites
Not Applicable
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Manage treatment | 1.1 Explain factors which may interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment 1.2 Explain mode of administration and management of the treatment to the client 1.3 Request client to monitor reactions and contact practitioner as required 1.4 Ensure consent for treatment 1.5 Recognise and promptly respond to reactions (adverse or otherwise) to treatment if necessary 1.6 Explain time, location and content of future sessions clearly to the client 1.7 Document recommendations 1.8 Provide treatment according to the treatment plan |
2. Apply therapeutic techniques | 2.1 Apply, recommend, dispense or prescribe herbal medicines, extemporaneous preparations, herbal plasters, poultices, ointments or other topical applications 2.2 Deliver treatment according to regulations 2.3 Refer to or collaborate with other health care professionals as required |
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 appropriate interpersonal skills when explaining treatment plans and recommendations to the client 3.4 Promote client independence and responsibility in treatment wherever possible 3.5 Provide counselling within a herbal medicine framework when appropriate |
4. Review treatment | 4.1 Review 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: Common disease states and functional problems of each bodily system and the principles and practice of treating each system/condition Contra-indications of treatment Contra-indications, adverse reactions, drug-herb interactions Dosage principles Drug interactions How to correctly prepare and dispense herbal medicines How to select best treatment/medicine within best current practice Medical reports and diagnostic procedures Methods of preparing treatment and management plans (knowledge and understanding) Supplementary measures in the management of the conditions (dietary considerations, exercise) The active principles of the main herbal medicines used for each system/condition The correct preparations required for specific treatment The function and contra-indications of each herb disponded The possible responses to treatments The principles of formulation (including dosage and duration 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: Access and interpret up-to-date information on health practices and medicines Access reference material on the effects of current conventional drug therapies and their withdrawal Apply methods of treating and managing the disease process of each system using herbal medicine Demonstrate interpersonal and questioning skills Demonstrate interpersonal skills Develop and implement treatment plans to achieve optimal health, rehabilitation, or to improve quality of life these involve: appropriate preparation of the client for treatment complete documentation of all recommendations and client responses demonstration of the application of commonly used treatment practices incorporation of the philosophies of the practice of herbal medicine provision of the safest, most efficient and cost effective treatment method provision of treatment in accordance with the individual, the condition and the presence of complicating factors. provision of treatment in accordance with the treatment plan the use of counselling within herbal medicine consultation as an aid to treatment treatment of a range of conditions/disease states understanding of the function and contraindications of each herb disponded review of treatment plan Write referrals, appraisal letters for insurance companies and other documentation |
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) 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. Explanations of technique Oral questioning and discussion |
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 the following related units: HLTCOM404C Communicate effectively with clients HLTHER606C Prepare and dispense western herbal medicine |
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 factors Contra-indications to treatment Post treatment activity |
Mode of administration may be: | Oral Topical Inhaled |
Responses to reactions may include: | Adjusting treatment accordingly Seeking appropriate expertise Discussing reaction with the client Adhering to clinic guidelines for response to accidents and emergencies Using First Aid procedures according to St John, Australian Red Cross or other appropriate First Aid training Accessing local emergency services |
Consent for treatment refers to: | Informed consent according to the local and national regulations and legal guidelines |
Regulations may include: | Hygiene and infection control regulations OHS regulations Clinic or professional practice guidelines Complying with state and national legislation pertinent to naturopathy |
Advise and resource the client refers to: | Providing relevant literature or information materials Referring client to other information sources Providing advise regarding self-care 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: | Nutritional advice Advice on lifestyle modification Exercise suggestions Stress management techniques |
Sectors
Not Applicable
Employability Skills
This unit contains Employability Skills |
Licensing Information
Not Applicable