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:

Observation of performance in the workplace or a simulated workplace (defined as a supervised clinic) is essential for assessment of this unit

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

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

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

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

documented process to enable the access and interpretation of up-to-date information

relevant assessment instruments

appropriate assessment environment

skilled assessors

Method of assessment

Observation in the work place and practical demonstration

Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge

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

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

Explanations for techniques

Research work

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

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:

Own personal and professional strengths and weaknesses

Professional development activities available

Recent issues and events affecting the industry

Relevant reference works

Research issues and their application

Research strategies

Research techniques

Statistical analysis

The historical, theoretical and philosophical aspects of the field of practice

Time management strategies

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:

Collect, organise and analyse research data

Demonstrate competence in communicating industry specific information

Demonstrate literacy, numeracy and computer skills

Demonstrate presentation skills

Demonstrate report writing skills

Identify and communicate research findings with others

Participate in professional development activities listed in the range of variables

Write reports

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.

Professional development activities may include:

Articles, public presentations, interviews and other communications

Attendance at association meetings

Attendance at lectures or other education activities

Clinic supervision

Mentoring

Participation in provings

Participation in research projects

Provision of or participation in training

Study, distance-based learning

Subscription to professional journals

Monitored may refer to:

Accreditation to professional associations

Assessment of clinic results

Client surveys

Feedback from colleagues

Monitoring of client attendance and business success

Peer discussions

Supervisory feedback

Workplace assessments

Research strategies include:

Case history

Participant recruitment

Recognised research techniques

Research validation, peer review, reputability

Selecting and defining hypotheses according to standard research practice

Surveys and questionnaires

Research requirements may include:

Arranging times and places for collection of information

Collecting and storing information

Designing and making available material and other aids needed to conduct research e.g. questionnaires

Identifying all relevant information sources

Maintaining confidentiality where appropriate

Report research includes:

Presenting research, methodology and findings to industry peers

Providing analysis of the data, issues and needs arising during research

Providing an analysis of methodology used