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

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

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