List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements define the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Determine scope of client needs | 1.1 Explore and clarify client expectations 1.2 Provide clear information about scope and limits of services to be provided 1.3 Collect accurate and relevant information and record in a form which can be interpreted readily by other professionals 1.4 Recognise needs that are beyond scope of own practice and make referrals to other health care professionals as required 1.5 Identify and respond to any barriers to information gathering and assessment 1.6 Seek client information respectfully and sensitively, using purposeful, systematic and diplomatic questions 1.7 Manage information in a confidential and secure way |
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2. Assess presenting signs and symptoms of condition | 2.1 Provide information about the physical assessment process and obtain client consent to proceed 2.2 Follow clinical and practitioner hygiene procedures 2.3 Seek client feedback on comfort levels and maintain client dignity at all times 2.4 Assess client through palpation 2.5 Integrate observation and sensory information gathering techniques 2.6 Use ongoing questioning with client to gain further information as required |
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3. Develop holistic aromatherapy treatment plan | 3.1 Correlate results of physical assessment of presenting condition with case history 3.2 Consider available western medical or current aromatherapy research information and incorporate into analysis within scope of own practice 3.3 Identify condition according to stage and related implications 3.4 Identify indication or contraindication precautions determined by assessment as part of treatment planning 3.5 Select appropriate aromatherapy compounds in accordance with optimal methods of administration based on client assessment indications 3.6 Determine dose, duration and frequency of treatments 3.7 Use professional judgement to draw sound conclusions about treatment needs 3.8 Accurately document proposed treatment plan |
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4. Confirm assessment and treatment plan with client | 4.1 Discuss assessment and rationale with the client 4.2 Assign and agree priorities and expectations in consultation with the client 4.3 Respond to client enquiries using language the client understands 4.4 Discuss referral and collaborative options with the client as required |
The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:
performed the activities outlined in the performance criteria of this unit during a period of at least 120 hours of aromatherapy client consultation work
prepared for and managed at least 60 different aromatherapy assessments. Clients must include males and females from different stages of life with varied presentations
used an aromatherapy framework to assess the therapeutic needs of clients using all of the following techniques:
observation
palpation
skin inspection
interacted effectively with clients:
clearly articulated information about services, treatment options and rationale
engaged clients in decision making
The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:
legal and ethical considerations (national and state/territory) for client assessment:
codes of conduct
duty of care
informed consent
mandatory reporting
practitioner/client boundaries
privacy, confidentiality and disclosure
records management
work role boundaries
working within scope of practice
presenting symptoms that require referral to a medical practitioner
work health and safety
referral options for practitioners:
professional health services including complementary health modalities
community resources and support services
types and availability of further medical testing
factors and barriers that may impact on assessment
physical
psychological
cultural
factors that affect individual health status:
constitution
lifestyle
diet
personal and medical history
values and attitudes
balance of rest and activity
physical environment
social environment
client information required for assessment and the scope and depth of information needed around:
client objectives and expectations
client history and its components
client current state of health
signs and symptoms
onset
duration
location
quality and severity
non-verbal
different ways that signs and symptoms of conditions present and how these are interpreted in an aromatherapy framework:
physical
psychological
social
spiritual
aromatherapy diagnostic techniques, how and when they are used
observation
palpation
skin inspection
ways in which aromatic plant oils and carrier mediums enter the body:
absorption
metabolism
olfactory
respiratory
orally
via other orifices
degree to which different oils penetrate the epidermis
how essential oils interact with different body systems, including:
integumentary system
respiratory system
neuroendocrine system
immune system
features of aromatic plant oils that benefit disorders of different body systems:
integumentary (eczema, psoriasis, burns, wounds)
respiratory
nervous (olfactory, limbic)
circulatory
muscular
digestive
reproductive
endocrine
aromatherapy materia medica, including the properties and therapeutic uses of at least 60 essential oils
indicators for the use of different administration methods, including:
massage
baths
vapourisation
compresses
topical applications
possible reactions, contra-indications to treatment and/or limitations for aromatherapy assessment and treatment
relational dynamics within and between human behaviour, anatomy and physiology, pathology and the natural world
treatment planning techniques and considerations
Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated clinical environment that reflects workplace conditions. The following conditions must be met for this unit:
use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:
health assessment consultation forms
private consultation area
modelling of industry operating conditions, including provision of services to the general public
clinic supervision by a person who meets the assessor requirements outlined below for at least 80 of the 120 hours of client consultation work
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
In addition, assessors must:
have at least 3 years current experience working as a clinical aromatherapist providing services to the general public
hold practising membership of an Australian professional body that represents clinical aromatherapists
fulfil the continuing professional development requirements of the professional body to which they belong