The evidence guide describes the underpinning knowledge and skills that must be demonstrated to prove competence. It is essential for assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, the range statement and the assessment guidelines of the relevant Training Package.

Overview of assessment

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit of competency must be able to diagnose specific hair loss problems, using microscopy if necessary. She/he must decide appropriate therapies based on the patients problem and case history, determine the need for referral to other professionals and communicate information to the patient in a simple, reassuring manner.

Specific evidence requirements

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

knowledge and consistent application of relevant workplace policies and procedures

consistently applying the use of microscopy as a tool in hair loss diagnosis and treatment

consistently applying patient diagnosis to assess where therapeutic hair loss treatment therapies are indicated

consistently applying available therapies in therapeutic hair loss treatment

ability to plan and implement hair loss treatment therapy programs involving topical treatments and/or nutritional therapies

consistently referring patients to other professionals where indicated

consistently and sensitively counselling patients at all stages of the program

accurately and legibly recording relevant data on patient histories.

Context of assessment

For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, competency should be consistently demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor and/or the technical expert working in partnership with the assessor. The technical expert may include the trichologist and/or an experienced person at the workplace.

Competency should be demonstrated in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment in a range of situations that may include client interruptions and involvement in other related activities normally expected in the workplace. For further guidance on the use of an appropriate simulated environment, refer to the Assessment Guidelines in this Training Package.

Specific resources for assessment

Competency for this unit should be assessed through access to:

relevant documentation such as:

workplace policy and procedures manuals

workplace forms

occupational health and safety legislation and regulations

an appropriately stocked and equipped clinic or simulated clinic environment

relevant learning materials

a qualified workplace assessor or assessment team.

Relationship to other units

This unit is a co-requisite for a range of trichology units. It requires an assessment outcome that includes evidence of the application of knowledge of hair loss diagnosis, nutrition and topical treatment therapies to the performance of one or more trichological treatments.

:

none.

:

WRHHS406A Develop and apply scalp treatment therapies

WRHHS407A Perform hair loss diagnosis

WRHHS408A Design and provide nutritional therapies.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested.

Observation of the learner performing a range of tasks in an actual or simulated work environment, over sufficient time to demonstrate his/her handling of a range of contingencies. Tasks may include:

identifying patient problem

developing and implementing a hair loss therapy plan including nutritional supplements and topical treatments according to an assessment of client needs

providing complementary advice according to client needs.

Written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding of the relationship between nutrition and healthy hair and scalp.

Case studies and scenarios involving referrals to and teamwork with other professionals.

Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance

For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, evidence should be gathered through a range of methods to indicate consistent performance.

It can be gathered from assessment of the unit of competency alone, through an integrated assessment activity or through a combination of both.

Evidence should be gathered as part of the learning process.

Assessing employability skills

Employability skills are integral to effective performance in the workplace and are broadly consistent across industry sectors. How these skills are applied varies between occupations and qualifications due to the different work functions and contexts.

Employability skills embedded in this unit should be assessed holistically in the context of the job role and with other relevant units that make up the skill set or qualification.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Skills may include:

ability to diagnose various hair loss problems

ability to use a microscope as a tool to aid diagnosis when necessary

ability to recognise which therapy, if any, is indicated for specific problems

client consultation that takes into account the culture, background and physical abilities of the client while demonstrating knowledge of the following communication techniques:

using open and closed questions

speaking clearly and concisely

using appropriate language

non-verbal communication

written communication

consistent and sensitive ongoing client counselling that:

puts patients at ease and reassures them

explains treatment or non-treatment prognosis and options

explains each stage of the treatment program

language, literacy and numeracy skills relevant to the role and workplace requirements.

Knowledge may include:

provisions of relevant health and hygiene legislation and regulations

provisions of relevant occupational health and safety legislation and regulations

the role and function of the following body systems:

endocrine

autonomic nervous

circulatory

immune

digestive

nutrition

microscopy

relevant hair loss symptoms and therapies including:

signs and symptoms

causes

available therapies.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that will affect performance.

The following variables 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. Bold italicised text from the performance criteria is detailed here.

Hair loss therapy is limited to treatment for:

genetic hair loss in men and women

loose anagen syndrome

diffuse hair loss as a result of:

iron deficiency

essential fatty acid deficiency

thyroid problems

blood sugar problems

alopecia areata.

Patients may include:

men

women

children

new or regular patients with routine or special needs

patients from a range of social, cultural or ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Topical treatments may include:

Dithranol

Rogaine

anti-yeast and anti-bacterial scalp creams.

Nutritional supplements may include:

tyrosine

vitamins

minerals

essential fatty acids

digestive aids.

A therapeutic treatment plan may include:

type of treatment

frequency of use

length of use

how to manage possible adverse effects

time span for improvement in hair loss.

Therapeutic treatments may include:

nutritional supplements

application of topical creams

ultraviolet radiation

lifestyle changes.

Legislative requirements may include:

federal, state and local health and hygiene

occupational health and safety.

Workplace policies and procedures may include:

health and hygiene

comfort and privacy

timeframes for the completion of the service

quality assurance.

Lifestyle adjustments may include:

changing diet

ceasing or moderating alcohol consumption

ceasing or moderating tobacco consumption

increasing exercise

reducing exposure to sunlight

other measures to reduce personal stress.