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 a range of workplace situations

Assessment may contain both theoretical and practical components and examples covering a range of clinical situations

Evidence is required of both knowledge and skills application

Where, for reasons of safety, access to equipment and resources and space, assessment takes place away from the workplace, simulations should be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

Assessment must be undertaken by an assessor who has skills and knowledge to the standard required for recognition by an appropriate aromatherapy peak body

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:

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 and qualified assessors

Method of assessment:

Observation in the work place and practical demonstration

Written assignments/projects

Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice.

Questioning

Role play simulation

Explanations of technique

Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting (supervised student clinics). If successful, a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision

Related units:

This unit should be assessed after or in conjunction with the following related units:

HLTARO604B Provide the aromatic medicine treatment

HLTARO606B Prepare and dispense aromatic medicines

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

These include knowledge of:

Common disease states and functional problems of each bodily system, and the principles and practice of treating each system/condition

Less common disease states and functional problems of particular groups in society with specific needs including, but not limited to infants, children, adolescents, elderly, peri- and post- menopausal, pregnant and lactating women

Less common disease states and functional problems of the reproductive system of women and men

Knowledge and understanding of an advanced number of aromatic oil as listed in the range of variables

Knowledge and understanding of the less common oils used for each system/condition, including their active principles

Knowledge and understanding of essential oils and aromatic extracts that exhibit potential toxicity at low dosages, appropriate dosages and methods of applications, specific contraindications for use and specific essential oils and aromatic extracts to be avoided for use

How to select best treatment/medicine within best current practice

The principles of formulation (including dosage and duration of treatment)

Knowledge and understanding of methods of preparing treatment and management plans

The correct preparations required for specific treatment

How to correctly prepare and dispense oils

Supplementary measures in the management of the conditions e.g. dietary considerations and exercise

The possible responses to treatments

Contra-indications of treatment

Essential oils and aromatic extracts-drug interactions

Medical reports and diagnostic procedure

Research priorities, issues and uses

Relevant reference works and information sources

Statistical analysis

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

These include the ability to:

Integrate knowledge of the historical, theoretical and philosophical aspects of aromatic medicine into clinical practice

Analyse a complex clinical problem utilising aromatic medicine model of clinical reasoning, and utilising literature review techniques to understand the nature of the problem and its management

Discuss and demonstrate identification and effective monitoring of 'high level of concern' clients

Discuss and demonstrate ability to determine 'level of concern' in relation to risk of complications, severity of disease process, lifestyle factors and their impact on treatment strategies, timeframe of treatment, and other factors

Extrapolate case study information to new cases

Access and interpret up-to-date information

Critically evaluate research

Access and critically evaluate reference material on the effects of current conventional drug therapies and their withdrawal

Use interpersonal and questioning skills

Communicate information through written or verbal media

Write referrals, appraisal letters for insurance companies and other documentation

Work or model work which demonstrates an ability to apply the underpinning values and philosophies of aromatic medicine within clinical practice

Provide treatment appropriate to age and specific needs of clients

Correctly identify client information needs

Provide client with required information

Appropriately record details of client enquiries according to clinic guidelines

Explain relevant services and case management program

Demonstrate age appropriate communication skills in a one-to-one and group setting

Communicate with people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds

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.

Knowledge of aromatic oils which can be used for ingestive purposes must include but are not limited to:

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Bergamot (Citrus aurantium var bergamia)

Cardamon (Elletaria cardomomum)

Carrot Seed (Daucus carota)

Atlas Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica)

German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita CT bisabolol)

Steam distilled (CO2 extract optional)

Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis)

Cinnamon Bark (Cinnamomum cassia or zeylanicum)

Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)

Clove Bud (Sygyzium aromaticum)

Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)

Eucalyptus Australiana (Eucalyptus radiata ssp. radiata) OR

Eucalyptus Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus) or

Eucalyptus Blue Mallee (Eucalyptus polybractea)

Sweet Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare var dulce)

Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)

Steam distilled (CO2 extract optional)

Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Steam distilled (CO2 extract optional)

Juniper Berry (Juniperus communis ssp communis)

Lavender species, including:

Lavandins (Lavandula intermedia various clones)

Spike Lavender (Lavandula latifolia)

True Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lemon (Citrus limon)

Lemongrass (Cympobogon flexuosus or citrates)

continued...

Knowledge of aromatic oils which can be used for ingestive purposes must include but are not limited to:
(continued)

Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)

Sweet Marjoram (Origanum majorana)

Melissa (Melissa officinalis)

Myrrh (Commiphora molmol)

Neroli (Citrus aurantium ssp amara)

True Niaouli (Melaleuca quinquenervia CTI cineole) OR

Cajeput (Melaleuca cajeputi)

Nutme.g. (Myristica fragrans)

Bitter Orange (Citrus auranthium ssp auranthium) OR

Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)

Oregano (Oreganum compactum or vulgare)

Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini var motia)

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)

Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)

Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris)

Damask Rose (Rosa damascene)

Rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora) OR

Sweet Thyme (Thymus vulgaris CT linalool) OR

Ho Leaf (Cinnamomum camphora HO-SHO) OR

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis CT 1 camphor CT 2 cineole&CT 3 verbenone)

Wild Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Sandalwood (Santalum album) OR

Australian Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum)

Spearmint (Mentha spicata)

Spruce (Picea mariana) OR

Fir (balsamica or siberica)

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Thyme Red (Thymus vulgaris CT thymol)

Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides)

Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata forma genuine)

Knowledge of hazardous oils including:

Boldo Peumus boldo (1)

Buchu Agothosma betulina (1)

Calamus Acorus calamus (2)

Camphor Cinnamomum camphora (1)

Cinnamon leaf Cinnamomum zeylanicum (4)

Clove Bud Sygyzium aromaticum (4)

Costus Saussurea costus (3)

Elecampane Inula helenium (3)

Mugwort Artemisia vulgaris (1)

Mustard Brassica nigra (1)

Oregano Oreganum vulgare (4)

Parsley seed Petroselinum sativum

Pennyroyal Mentha pulegium

Red Thyme Thymus vulgaris or zygis (4)

Rue Ruta graveolens (1)

Savin Juniperus sabina (1)

Tansy Tanacetum vulgare (1)

Thuja Thuja occidentalis (1)

Wild Thyme Thymus serpyllum (4)

Wintergreen Gaultheria procumbens (1)

Wormseed Chenopodium ambrosioides (1)

Wormwood Artemisia absinthium (1)

Specialised aromatic medicine treatment includes:

Using a high level of aromatic medicine knowledge to enable extrapolation of case study information to new cases

Using research including literature reviews and critical assessment of research, as a tool in providing treatment

Knowledge and understanding of the aromatic medicine treatment of conditions/disease states of particular groups in society with specific needs

Knowledge and understanding of the scheduling of essential oils and aromatic extracts in the standard for the uniform scheduling of drugs and poisons and how this relates to the use of such essential oils and aromatic extracts in practice (see #1)

Applying ingestive recommending, dispensing or prescribing essential oils and aromatic extracts , extemporaneous preparations, poultices, ointments or other topical applications

All treatment or care delivered meets the requirements of relevant legislation and regulations

Collaborating with or referring to other health care professionals as required

Knowledge of essential oils and aromatic extracts that can be toxic at low dosages (< 1 gram per kilogram of body weight), including knowledge of specific toxicity. (see list on previous page with #1 written next to them)

Knowledge of essential oils and aromatic extracts that have been demonstrated to have significant carcinogenic effects in laboratory animal studies (see list #2)

Knowledge of essential oils and aromatic extracts that have been demonstrated to have significant allergenic effects when applied to the skin (see #3)

Knowledge of essential oils and aromatic extracts that have been demonstrated to have significant irritant effects when applied to the skin and/or mucous membranes at specific concentrations
(see #4)

Factors which interfere with the effectiveness of treatment may include:

Other medical treatment being undertaken

Client physical and psychological readiness and/or wellness

Cultural factors

Contra-indications to treatment

Post treatment activity

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 of First Aid procedures according to St Johns, 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

Response to enquiries may include:

Providing (or directing to) information material

Answering questions

Following up with further information

Providing of referrals

The treatment plan may include:

Prescription of essential oils and aromatic extracts

Dispensing of extemporaneous preparations

Assessment of the case may include:

Antenatal, birth and post natal period information, APGAR score, birth weight and feeding method and frequency

Family history, maternal and paternal

Growth and growth patterns

Height, weight and head circumference measurements

Changes in the pattern of growth over a series of measurements

Recognise major milestones in development

Relate the major milestones in personal and social skills fine motor skills, general motor skills and language development to a simplified standard milestone chart

Life stages refers to:

Neonate (birth to 28 days)

Children

Adolescence (puberty to adulthood)

Adulthood

Old Age

Pregnancy and post natal period for women

Peri-menopausal and post menopausal state for women