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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Elements define the essential outcomes.
2. The Performance Criteria specify the level of performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the Element.
3. Screen clients for smoking
   • Discuss the client’s tobacco use
   • Assess client’s nicotine dependence using a validated method
   • Record client results according to organisation policy and procedure
   • Maintain client records professionally and accurately
   • Observe and maintain client confidentiality in all interactions
4. Provide information on smoking and its effects
   • Provide client with information about smoking and its effects relevant to client’s individual circumstances and background
   • Promote health benefits to the client of quitting smoking relevant to client’s specific individual circumstances and background
5. Provide information on smoking cessation treatments and their outcomes
   • Identify and promote national and international best practice strategies for smoking cessation
   • Take into account needs of special groups in promoting smoking cessation programs
   • Provide clients with self-help materials
   • Provide referral to telephone counselling and other support services
   • Provide follow-up information as requested by the client

Performance Evidence

The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be demonstrated evidence that the candidate has:

provided at least 3 clients or groups assessed as nicotine dependent with information about smoking and smoking cessation, including promoting benefits of quitting, strategies for smoking cessation and referral services.

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:

the social, political and economic context of tobacco use in Australian society

prevalence of smoking in the Australian population, including gender, age and cultural distribution

cultural and gender factors associated with tobacco use in Australia, including variations in smoking methods and prevalence between culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) groups and particular demographic groups

particular problems and needs associated with smoking among special groups, including pregnant and lactating women, adolescents, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with smoking related diseases and people with a mental illness

behavioural and pharmacological determinants of smoking behaviour

barriers to quitting smoking

basic human anatomy and physiology, particularly the brain, the lungs and the circulatory system as it relates to smoking and its effects

broad characteristics of the chemical constituents in tobacco smoke

common behavioural triggers associated with smoking

common symptoms of nicotine withdrawal and their relationship to physical recovery

evidence-based key strategies for smoking cessation

interaction of nicotine with various medications

internationally accepted definitions of nicotine dependence

physiological links between mental illness and nicotine dependence

process of neuro-adaptation to nicotine

processes of titration of nicotine dose and smoker compensation practices

short and long-term known health effects of active and passive smoking

validated nicotine dependence screening methods

smoking cessation self-help and support material and referral agencies.

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