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Elements and Performance Criteria

Required Skills

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

Ethical issues in management

Ethical issues in natural medicine

How herbal medicine works with the conventional medical model

Industry standards

Management issues and responsibilities

WHS requirements in the workplace

Philosophical tradition of science western medicine

Sociology of health and the health care system

Team development issues

The current political context of healthcare

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

The herbalist integration of these approaches to health

The history of herbal medicine

The philosophies principles practices and tools of herbal medicine practice

The philosophy principles and practices of other alternative and complementary therapies

The qualitative quantitative cultural and traditional lines of evidence used in herbal medicine

The rationalistic analytical approach to an understanding of disease

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

Communicate in onetoone and group settings

Correctly identify information needs

Demonstrate documentation skills

Demonstrate management skills

Demonstrate team development skills

Explain clinic guidelines and legislation

Explain relevant products and services

Identify ethical issues

Model work which demonstrates an understanding of underpinning values and philosophies in the herbal medicine framework

Promote implement and manage work attitudes and practices that reflect awareness of the importance of a range of aspects of sustainability

Provide leadership coaching andor mentorship

Seek out and implement new industry findings and practices

Undertake performance reviews

Evidence Required



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 practitioners workplace scope of practice as detailed in the qualification and component competency units holisticintegrated 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 relevant texts or medical manuals relevant paperbasedvideo assessment instruments appropriate assessment environment skilled assessors

Method of assessment	Observation in the work place if possible Written assignmentsprojects Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice Questioning Role play simulation and practical demonstrations Short tests and essays

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 culturally and linguistically diverse CALD environments 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 andor Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Range Statement



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.

The major and minor forms of herbal medicine diagnosis may include:	Observation Discussion Taking temperature Taking pulse and blood pressure Palpation and auscultation Percussion External physical examination Urine tests Assessment of growth (e.g. height, weight and head circumference) and development Overview of system by enquiring about the presence of previously diagnosed organic diseases and functional disorders Any other method in which the practitioner has been trained to a competent standard Procedure which is conducted according to legislative and regulatory require

Herbal medicine treatment practices may include:	Prescription of herbal medicines Dispensing of extemporaneous preparations

Measures are implemented could refer to:	Supervision of practice Financial documentation Documentation of medicine prescription and supply Case notes Practitioner qualification Performance reviews Current certification for special services offered, where appropriate Organisation standards and procedures

Effective communication and interpersonal skills may include:	Active listening skills Ability to establish rapport and trust Eye contact Verbal communication skills Written communication skills Empathy and respect Ability to clarify needs Conflict resolution skills Negotiation skills Presentation Honesty and integrity

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 Participation in research projects Attendance at association meetings Subscription to professional journals Clinic supervision Provision of or participation in training Study, distance-based learning