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

Relevant reference works and information sources

Research issues and their uses

Research methodologies commonly used in medical allied health and complementary medicine research

Research priorities

Uptodate information on relevant medical allied health and complementary medicine research

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

Access and critically evaluate reference material on the effects of complementary medicines and treatments on various health conditions and clinical presentations and in the maintenance of wellbeing

Access and critically evaluate reference material on the effects of current conventional drug therapies and their withdrawal interactions between complementary medicines and drugs interactions between complementary medicines adverse effects and contraindications of complementary medicines and treatments

Access and interpret uptodate information

Appropriately record details of information findings

Communicate information through written or verbal media

Critically evaluate information with regard to validity and credibility

Critically evaluate research

Demonstrate interpersonal and questioning skills

Extrapolate case study information to new cases

Identify and access a range of primary secondary new and established information sources

Identify and access relevant reference works and information sources

Identify information needs and plan information gathering strategies

Interpret common terminology used in statistical analysis

Prioritise usefulness of information to treatment of individual cases

Recognise common terminology used in medical allied health and complementary medicine research

Recognise statistical terminology and understand the significance of common statistical analysis

Work or model work which demonstrates an ability to apply the underpinning values and philosophies of the complementary medicine modality within clinical practice

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

This unit is can be assessed in the workplace in a classroom setting or in a distance learning context Assessment will mostly contain theoretical components and examples covering a range of clinical situations

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace

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

Relevant texts manuals or research papers

Relevant journals

Relevant paper basedvideo assessment instruments

Access to internet or online research information

Appropriate assessment environment

Skilled assessors

Method of assessment

Observation in the workplace if possible

Written assignmentsprojects 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

Oral questioning

Presentations and discussion

Case studies and scenarios

Presentation of research review results

Written questioning

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 andor Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Clinical information needs:

Primary information sources:

Secondary information sources:

Established information sources:

Evaluate refers to:

Implement refers to: