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 practitioner's workplace

scope of practice as detailed in the qualification and component competency units

holistic/integrated assessment including:

working within the practice framework

performing a health assessment

assessing the client

planning treatment

providing treatment

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 and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

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:

an appropriately stocked and equipped clinic or simulated clinic environment

relevant texts or medical manuals

relevant paper-based/video assessment instruments

appropriate assessment environment

skilled assessors

Method of assessment

Observation in the work place (if possible)

Written assignments/projects

Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice.

Oral questioning and discussion

Role play simulation

Practical demonstration

Explanations of technique

Related units:

This unit should be assessed in conjunction with the following related competency units:

HLTCOM404C Communicate effectively with clients

HLTCOM406C Make referrals to other health professionals when appropriate

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:

Basic knowledge of Jatharagni, immune essence:
(Ojas), twenty attributes (Gunas)

Basic knowledge of:

five forms of Vata (Air) - Prana, Udana, Samana, Vyana, Apana

five forms of Pitta (Fire) -Sadhaka, Bhrajaka, Pachaka, Alochaka, Ranjaka

five forms of Kapha (Water) - Tarpaka, Avalambaka, Kledaka, Bodhaka, Sleshaka

Basic knowledge and understanding of components of food and food/dietary supplements

Basic knowledge of ayurvedic counselling, ayurvedic psychology and spirituality

Basic knowledge of the process of digestion, absorption and metabolism

Abhyanga

Appropriate dietary treatment of common disorders according to ayurvedic principles

Ayurvedic assessment techniques

Diet according to prakruti

Diet according to vikruti

Dietary impact on health and symptoms

Ethical and legal implications of enquiry

Philosophy of ayurvedic assessments

Reduction and tonification therapies.

Supplementary measures in the management of common conditions (dietary considerations, exercise, meditation)

The legal and ethical requirements for confidentiality

The principles of basic meditation and the means of teaching it

The role of nutrition in health

The six tastes (Raas)

The use of basic yoga postures, breathing techniques and relaxation techniques

The use of churnas

Time management requirements during consultation

Tridosha theory

Types of diets (ominvore, vegetarian, lacto-vegetarian, vegan, fruitarian, zen macrobiotic)

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 interpret up-to-date information

Answer client queries with clarity, using appropriate language

Communicate effectively to gain required information

Determine the nutritional and dietary needs of a client

Educate the client in relevant and practical techniques for promotion and maintenance of optimum health

Perform observation (darshana)

Perform palpation (sparshana)

Perform questioning (prashna)

Promote client independence and responsibility in compliance with advice are wherever possible

Provide appropriate advice according to regulations

Provide counselling within an ayurvedic framework when appropriate

Read medical reports

Refer to or collaborate with other health care professionals as required

Use appropriate interpersonal skills are used when explaining treatment plans and recommendations to the client

Use equipment and technology competently and safely

Use interpersonal and questioning skills

Write referrals, appraisal letters for insurance companies and other documentation

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.

History of the client may include:

Date of presentation

Identifying personal details

Source of referral (if applicable)

Main presenting complaint or reason for consultation

Presenting symptom picture

General state of health:

physical

emotional

allergies

dietary picture

sleep pattern

exercise

leisure activities

Childhood and adulthood illness

Accidents, injuries, operations

Hospitalisations

Occupational history and environment

Other current medical treatment

Medication, supplements and natural remedies - current and previous

Social lifestyle including social drug usage

Family history

Health assessment may include:

Trividha Pariksha (threefold examination method):

Darshana (observation)

Prashna (questioning)

Sparshana (touch), including basic Nadi Vignan (pulse assessment)

Managemeans that:

Factors which may interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment are explained

Mode of administration and management of the treatment are explained to the client

Consent for treatment is ensured

Reactions (adverse or otherwise) to treatment are recognised and promptly responded to if necessary

Time, location and content of future sessions are clearly explained to the client

Recommendations are fully documented

Advice may include:

Advice on lifestyle

Advice on living environment (Vasta Shastra)

Recommendation of basic meditation practices

Recommendation of basic yoga practices such as : asanas, pranayama, relaxation, dhyana

Dietary advice

Cooking advice

Advice on awareness of the three Gunas in daily life

Counselling within an ayurvedic framework

Advice on self administration of oils (Abhyanga)

Resource the client refers to:

Providing relevant literature or information materials

Referring client to other information sources

Providing advice regarding self-care

Advising client of suggested resources

Providing details which help to fully inform client of relevant information

Providing referrals to other health professionals

Availability of products/services required or suggested for treatment

Review advice:

Progress is reviewed with the client

Effects of previous advice are identified and recorded

Need for ongoing and/or additional advice is evaluated

Changes to the advice are negotiated with the client to ensure optimal outcomes