Application
This unit applies to work undertaken within a naturopathic framework |
Prerequisites
Not Applicable
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Communicate knowledge of naturopathic philosophy, principles and practices | 1.1 Communicate major and minor forms of diagnosis and treatment practices effectively on a one-to-one or group basis 1.2 Explain definition, central philosophies and historical developments of naturopathy 1.3 Integrate recent developments and new practices into client services |
2. Demonstrate commitment to ethical work practices | 2.1 Maintain confidentiality of client information by storing and disposing of records according to clinic requirements 2.2 Review work practices periodically to ensure skills and practices are kept current 2.3 Ensure work practices show respect for staff and client rights 2.4 Ensure work practices adhere to legal, regulatory and clinic guidelines 2.5 Implement measures to ensure accountability for professional practices |
3. Manage workplace relationships | 3.1 Use effective communication and interpersonal skills to ensure all workplace interactions contribute to the achievement of clinic objectives and the promotion of the practice 3.2 Ensure workplace relations reflect consideration of the full range of individual and cultural differences 3.3 Deal with any issues related to the well-being of work colleagues promptly and in accordance with clinic procedures 3.4 Handle potential and actual workplace conflicts to minimise disruption |
4. Manage the achievement of quality standards | 4.1 Establish personal hygiene and infection control guidelines and ensure they are practiced throughout the organisation 4.2 Undertake hazard control measures and reporting procedures according to clinic guidelines 4.3 Review individual and clinic performance against established standards |
5. Ensure ongoing development of self and team | 5.1 Monitor own performance regularly against workplans, clinic objectives and client needs 5.2 Seek out and access opportunities for formal and informal development of skills and knowledge to optimise performance 5.3 Monitor and develop individual performances to enhance team performance where appropriate 5.4 Ensure coaching and mentoring contributes effectively to development of workplace knowledge, skills and attitudes |
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: A range of alternative and complementary therapies Ethical issues in management Ethical issues in natural medicine How naturopathy works with the conventional medical model Industry standards Management issues and responsibilities WHS requirements in the workplace Philosophical tradition of science/western medicine Philosophy, principles and practices of the practice Sociology of health and the health care system Team development issues The current political context of health care The dynamic interchange between the physical, mental, social, environmental and spiritual landscape The naturopathic integration of these approaches to health The philosophies, principles and tools of naturopathic practice The philosophy, principles and practices of other alternative and complementary therapies including homeopathy, herbal medicine, nutrition and bodywork The principles of naturopathic practice: vis medicatrix naturae (the healing power of nature); tolle causam (identify and treat the cause); docere (doctor as teacher); treat the whole person; prevention The qualitative, quantitative, cultural and traditional lines of evidence used in naturopathy The rationalistic, analytical approach to an understanding of disease The vitalistic, empirical approach to health |
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: Apply team development skills Correctly identify information needs Demonstrate communication skills in a one-to-one and group setting Demonstrate documentation skills Demonstrate management skills Explain clinic guidelines and legislation Explain relevant products and services Identify ethical issues Promote, implement and manage work attitudes and practices that reflect awareness of the importance of a range of aspects of sustainability Provide leadership, coaching and/or mentorship Seek out and implement new industry findings and practices Undertake performance reviews Work or model work which demonstrates an understanding of underpinning values and philosophies in the naturopathy framework |
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: | 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 |
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 |
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. | |
The major and minor forms of diagnosis may include: | Observation Discussion Taking temperature Taking pulse and blood pressure Palpation and auscultation Percussion External physical examination Iridology techniques Urine tests Assessment of growth (height, weight, head circumference) and development Overview of system - enquiring about the presence of previously diagnosed organic diseases and functional disorders Any other method in which the practitioner has been trained to a competent standard Procedure which is conducted according to legislative and regulatory requirements |
Treatment practices may include: | Nutrition therapies including the use of specific micronutrient supplements and food therapy Herbal medicine Homeopathy Bodywork eg massage, reflexology, shiatsu Counselling |
Definition of naturopathy is: | Naturopathy is a distinct method of healing, underpinned by a philosophical perspective which recognises that all living forms possess a self-regulatory, inherent ability for self-healing This inherent ability, or vital force, operates in an intelligent, orderly fashion. naturopathic approaches to health care are aimed at supporting and enhancing the body's own ability to heal itself |
Central philosophies include: | Vis medicatrix naturae (the healing power of nature) Tolle causam (identify and treat the cause) Docere (doctor as teacher) Treat the whole person Prevention |
Measures are implemented could refer to: | Supervision of practice Financial documentation Documentation of medicine prescription and supply Case notes Practitioner qualification Performance reviews Current certification for special services offered - where appropriate Organisation standards and procedures |
Effective communication and interpersonal skills may include: | Active listening skills Ability to establish rapport and trust Eye contact Verbal communication skills Written communication skills Empathy and respect Ability to clarify needs Conflict resolution skills Negotiation skills Presentation Honesty and integrity |
Opportunities for formal and informal development of skills and knowledge may include: | Articles, public presentations, interviews and other communications Attendance at lectures or other education activities Participation in research projects Attendance at association meetings Subscription to professional journals Clinic supervision Provision of or attendance at training Study, distance-based learning |
Sectors
Not Applicable
Employability Skills
This unit contains Employability Skills |
Licensing Information
Not Applicable