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

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:

Assessment should replicate workplace conditions as far as possible

Simulations may be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

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

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

demonstration model/client

Method of assessment

Observation in the work place

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

Related units:

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

HLTCOM404C Communicate effectively with clients

HLTHIR301B Communicate and work effectively in health

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:

Best practice ayurvedic therapy principles

Fundamental structure and function of anatomical systems

History, philosophy and beliefs of the ayurvedic therapy framework

Legal and regulatory implications of treatment

Massage oils and powders

Physiology and anatomy according to ayurveda

Possible reactions and contra-indications to treatment

Technical and practical knowledge of treatment

The fundamental principles of biomechanics

Tri-dosha theory

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 effectively with client

Implement treatment plans to achieve optimal health, rehabilitation, or to improve quality of life which involve:

treatment of a range of conditions/disease states

incorporation of the philosophies and beliefs of an ayurvedic framework

demonstration of the application of commonly used treatment techniques listed under the range of variables

treatment according to the individual, the condition and the presence of complicating factors. it must be the safest, most efficacious method that is also cost effective to the client

the use of counselling as a treatment method, where competence exists

a case requiring referral to another health care professional

preparation of the client for treatment according to ayurvedic principles

provision of treatment

complete documentation of all recommendations and client responses

review of treatment plan

all treatment or care delivered is consistent with legislative and regulatory requirements

Manage time throughout consultation and treatment

Use equipment and resources competently and safely

Write referrals, appraisal letters for insurance companies and other documentation

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 massage activity

Mode of administration may include:

Exposure of sections of body

Rotating of exposure around the body

Use of oils and treatments

Requirement for feedback and interaction

Massage technique

Variations in application intensity

Requirement of specified positioning of client

Reactions may include:

Pain and/or discomfort

Feedback - verbal, tactile, visual

Muscular spasms

Allergy to oils or treatments used

Temperature discomfort

Responses to reactions may include:

Adjusting treatment accordingly as needed

Seeking appropriate expertise

Discussing reaction with the client

Adherence to clinic guidelines for response to accidents and emergencies

Use of first aid procedures according to a 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

Relaxation techniques may include:

Snehana

ayurvedic stroking techniques

Effleurage

Cross over stroke

Longitudinal stroking

Passive joint movement techniques

Passive soft tissue movement

Gliding techniques

Kneading

Friction techniques

Compressive techniques

Percussion techniques

Mobilising techniques

Use of essential oils

Use of herbalised oils/tailla

Advise and resource the client refers to:

Providing relevant literature or information materials

Referring client to other information sources

Providing advice regarding self-care

Advising client of sources of suggested resources

Providing details which help to fully inform client of relevant information

Providing referrals to other health professionals

Availability of products required or suggested for treatment

Practical techniques that promote and maintain optimal health may include:

Postural improvement strategies e.g. ideal posture for activities

Discussion of causes of poor posture

Simple follow-up activities and/or strategies to work on between sessions

Activities and/or tasks to avoid

Self-massage techniques