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:

relevant texts or medical manuals

relevant paper-based/video assessment instruments

appropriate assessment environment

skilled assessors

Method of assessment

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

Observation in the work place

Questioning

Role play simulation

Written assignments/projects

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:

Ayurvedic bodywork

Basic knowledge of a range of alternative and complementary therapies

Basic knowledge of the philosophy, principles and practices of other alternative and complementary therapies such as homeopathy, herbal medicine, nutrition and bodywork

Ethical issues in management

How ayurveda works with the conventional medical model

Industry standards

Management issues and responsibilities

Occupational health and safety requirements in the workplace

Other recently discovered scientific theories

Philosophical tradition of ayurvedic medicine

Team development issues

The Ashtanga Hridaya Samhitta

The Charaka Samhitta

The development of ayurveda from ancient times

The Five Elements (Pancha Mahabhutas)

The Four Vedas, (Rig, Yajur, Sama, Atharva Vedas)

The history of ayurvedic medicine

The philosophies, principles and tools of ayurvedic practice

The subtle life force (Prana)

The Sushruta Samhitta

Tridosha

Vedic and Indus Valley heritage

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:

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

Demonstrate management skills

Explain clinic guidelines and legislation

Explain relevant products and services

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

Use communication skills in one-on-one and group settings

Use documentation skills

Use team development skills

Work or model work which demonstrates an understanding of underpinning values and philosophies in the ayurvedic framework

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.

Major and minor forms of diagnosisinclude:

Trividha Pariksha (Threefold examination method)

Darshana (Observation)

Prashna (Questioning)

Sparshana (Touch)

Eightfold examination method

Nadi Pariksha (Pulse diagnosis)

Druka Pariksha ((Eye diagnosis)

Sparshana (Palpation)

Jivha Pariksha (Tongue diagnosis)

Mala Pariksha (Stool examination)

Mutra Pariksha (Urine examination)

Shabda Pariksha (Voice examination)

Akriti Pariksha ( General physical features, ie height, weight, deformation of limbs, nails, skin etc)

Any other method in which the practitioner has been trained to a competent standard

Procedure which is conducted according to legislative and regulatory requirements

ayurvedic differential diagnosis

Treatment practicesinclude:

Abhyanga (Massage or Oleation treatment)

Aharatatva (Treatment according to ayurvedic Dietary and Nutrition principles based on Rasa and Guna Siddhanta)

Dravyaguna (Treatment by means of ayurvedic preparations based on herbs, minerals and metals)

Langhana Chikitsa (Fasting or restricted diet or food intake)

Pancha Karma (Five-fold ayurvedic cleansing process)

Rasayana Chikitsa (Rejuvenation Treatment

Shamana Chikitsa (Pacification or palliation)

Shodhana Chikitsa (Purification or Detoxification treatment)

Definition of Ayurveda:

Ayurveda is translated as the 'Science of Life' and is a comprehensive approach to physical, mental and spiritual well-being that takes into account each individual's uniqueness and is concerned with self understanding and self responsibility.

Central philosophies of Ayurveda are:

Concepts of natural harmony and constitutional balance

Constitutional types (Vata, Pitta&Kapha)

Ojas tejas, prana

The 3 prime qualities or Gunas: Sattva - wholeness, integration, clarity, purity, lightness, 'being'; Rajas - activity, energy, passion, goal oriented, 'doing'; and Tamas - inertia, heaviness, dullness inconscience, 'sleep'

The 5 basic elements - space, air, fire, water, earth

The 'digestive fire' (Agni); the health and integrity of the digestive system; the integrity of the tissues (Dhatus); and the flow of 'life forces' through subtle energy channels (Nadis)

The recognition of ourselves as spiritual beings, with an innate connection to the universal spirit/consciousness

Measures are implemented could refer to:

Case notes

Clinic standards and procedures

Current certification for special services offered - where appropriate

Documentation of medicine prescription and supply

Financial documentation

Performance reviews

Practitioner qualification

Supervision of practice

Effective communication and interpersonal skills may include:

Ability to clarify needs

Ability to establish rapport and trust

Active listening skills

Conflict resolution skills

Empathy and respect

Eye contact

Honesty and integrity

Negotiation skills

Presentation

Verbal communication skills

Written communication skills

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

Attendance of association meetings

Clinic supervision

Participation in research projects

Provision of, or attendance in, training

Study, distance-based learning

Subscription to professional journals