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 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

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

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 assessors

Method of assessment

Observation in the work place (if possible)

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

Short tests and essays

Oral questioning and discussion

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

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

Related units:

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

HLTHIR501C Maintain an effective health work environment

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:

A range of alternative and complementary therapies

Basic TCM remedial massage terminology and pronunciation

Ethical issues in natural medicine

How TCM remedial massage works with the conventional medical model

WHS requirements in the workplace

Philosophical tradition of western and eastern massage

Sociology of health and the health care system

The current political context of health care

The dynamic interchange between the physical, mental, social, environmental and spiritual landscape

The effects of TCM remedial massage application to the body surface

The fundamental theories of TCM remedial massage including qi xue, jin-ye, shen and jing, yin and yang, wu xing, jing luo, zang fu, curious fu, TCM remedial massage diagnosis and the concept of patterns of disharmony, function and dysfunction according to TCM remedial massage, major points and functions, origins and development of disease

The history and development of TCM remedial massage

The philosophies, principles and tools of TCM remedial massage practice

The philosophy, principles and practices of other alternative and complementary therapies including Shiatsu, Naturopathy, massage

The principles of TCM remedial massage therapy and its epistemology within the therapeutic systems of the east and west

The qualitative, quantitative, cultural and traditional lines of evidence used in TCM remedial massage

The rationalistic, analytical approach to an understanding of disease

The TCM remedial massage integration of these approaches to health

The vitalistic, empirical approach to health

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:

Appropriately record details of client enquiries according to clinic guidelines

Correctly identify client information needs

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

Explain relevant products and services

Provide client with required information

Work or model work which demonstrates an understanding of underpinning values and philosophies in the TCM remedial massage 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.

Central philosophies of Traditional Chinese Massage (TCM) remedial massage include:

Qi xue

Jin-ye

Shen and jing

Yin and yang

Wu xing

Jing luo

Zang fu

Curious fu

Patterns of disharmony

Causes of illnesses

Major methods of treatment include:

Acupressure

An mo

Tui na

Gua sha

Moxibustion

Cupping

A range of TCM remedial massage sequences and techniques

Other complementary therapies may include:

Therapies in which the practitioner is trained or informed

TCM remedial massage assessment techniques may include:

Examination of physical features

Palpation

Observation

Listening and smelling

Taking of blood pressure, temperature, radial pulse rate and quality

Percussion

Listening to heart and chest sounds using a stethoscope

TCM pattern differentiation

Discussion/questioning

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

Procedure which is conducted according to legislative and regulatory requirements

Information on other complementary therapies may include:

Historical development

Current availability

Tools and techniques

Interactions between different therapies

When therapies may be used

Underpinning philosophy

Relationship between therapies may include:

Contra-indications to treatment

Effects of one treatment over or with another

Treatment according to stage of condition

Enquiries may require explanation of:

Duration of treatment

Expected treatment outcomes

Possible approaches to treatment

Estimated cost of treatment

Availability of health fund rebates

Work cover eligibility

Professional status of practitioner

Availability of home visits

After hours service

Provision for hospital visits

Appropriate information may include:

Confirmation of appointment date and time

Clinic location and directions

Cost of initial consultation

Payment options

Clinic's guidelines may include:

Procedures and guidelines

Purpose or mission statement

Code of ethics or practice

Level of competency and degree of supervision

Partnership/group decisions, agreed practice

Legal and regulatory guidelines may include:

WHS guidelines

Anti-discrimination legislation

Privacy Act

Infection control

Relevant documentation may include:

Nature of enquiry

Client contact details

Recording of incidents

Appointment details