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

Brief intervention techniques

Contraindications associated with use of NRT including recent cardiac events unstable angina and pregnancy

Evidence based key strategies for smoking cessation including the World Health Organisation Evidencebased Recommendations on the Treatment of Tobacco Dependence and the Australian National Drug Strategy Smoking cessation interventionsReview of evidence and implications for best practice in healthcare settings

Evidencebased aspects of dosage and duration of use of nicotine replacement therapies NRT

Intensive counselling techniques suitable for smoking cessation interventions

Interaction of nicotine with various medications

Interaction of NRT with medications and other drugs eg caffeine alcohol insulin

Internationally accepted definitions of nicotine dependence including the DSMIV Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders th Ed and the WHO International Classification of Disease ICD

Motivational interviewing techniques

Physiological links between mental illness and nicotine dependence

Process of neuroadaptation to nicotine

Processes of titration of nicotine dose and smoker compensation practices

Use of non prescription such as NRT and prescriptiononly such as slowrelease bupropion pharmacotherapies

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 locate existing statenationalinternational print and electronic primary sources of evidence relating to assessment and treatment of nicotine dependence

Apply active listening including questioning

Apply negotiation skills

Apply problem solving skills

Assess the needs of clients who are nicotine dependent

Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills

Establish rapport

Implement a range of smoking cessation interventions

Provide information on smoking and smoking cessation to the client

Provide referral to appropriate services

Undertake networking and liaison with other services and service providers

Work with a range of clients

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

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

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit may be assessed on the job or through simulation

Consistency in performance should consider the work environment workers role and responsibilities in the workplace

Access is required to equipment and resources normally used in the workplace

Method of assessment

Assessment may include

Observation

Interview and questioning

Simulation

Workplace documentation of practice

Portfolio

Testimonial

Related units

This unit should be assessed after or in conjunction with related unit

HLTPOPC Provide information on smoking and smoking cessation

HLTPOP403C Provide information on smoking and smoking cessation

It is also recommended that this unit be undertaken in conjunction with

HLTPOPC Assess readiness for and effect behaviour change

HLTPOP402C Assess readiness for and effect behaviour change

This unit may also be assessed in conjunction with

CHCCSB Provide brief intervention

CHCCS403B Provide brief intervention

CHCGROUPD Plan and conduct group activities

CHCGROUP403D Plan and conduct group activities

CHCTCA Provide clientcentred telephone counselling

CHCTC302A Provide client-centred telephone counselling

Historical, social, political and economic context includes:

Client history relevant to smoking includes:

Smoking cessation interventions may include:

Pharmacotherapy includes:

A commitment to access and equity must be demonstrated by:

Validated methods for assessing nicotine dependence include:

Social, political and economic context of tobacco smoking may include reference to: