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.

Questioning and discussion

Role play simulation

Short tests and essays

Related units:

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

HLTHIR301B Communicate and work effectively in health

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:

Ayurvedic disease process

Ayurvedic lifestyle

Basic knowledge about the philosophy, principles and practices of other alternative and complementary therapies such as homeopathy, herbal medicine, nutrition and bodywork

Basic knowledge of other recently discovered scientific theories

Basic knowledge of the Ashtanga Hridaya Samhitta

Basic knowledge of the Charaka Samhita

Basic knowledge of the Sushruta Samhita

Ethical issues in natural medicine

OHS requirements in the workplace

Philosophical tradition of ayurvedic health care

Prakruti - individual constitution

Sociology of health and the health care system

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

The Five Elements (Pancha Mahabhutas)

The history of ayurvedic health care and its development from ancient times

The Primordial Energy: (Prana)

The Tanmatras

Tridosha, the ayurvedic concept of the three controlling principles found throughout nature (Vata Pitta and Kapha)

Triguna, the three prime qualities of nature

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:

Apply knowledge of a range of alternative and complementary therapies

Apply knowledge of the philosophies, principles and tools of ayurvedic lifestyle consultancy

Appropriately record details of client enquiries according to clinic guidelines

Correctly identify client information needs

Explain relevant products and services

Provide client with required information

Use communication skills in one-to-one and group settings

Work or model work which demonstrates an understanding of underpinning values and philosophies in the ayurvedic framework

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.

Definition of Ayurveda:

Ayurveda is translated as the 'Science of Life', and is a comprehensive approach to physical, mental and spiritual well-being, that regards the individual as paramount and is concerned with self understanding and self responsibility

Central philosophies of Ayurveda are:

Concepts of natural harmony and constitutional balance

The 5 elements-space, air, fire, water, earth (pancha mahabhutani) , constitutional types (Tri-Dosha theory) - Vata, Pitta&Kapha

The 3 prime qualities or Gunas: Sattva - wholeness, integration, full consciousness, lightness, 'being'; Rajas - activity, energy, passion, partial consciousness, 'doing'; and Tamas - inertia, heaviness, dullness inconscience, 'sleep'

The 'digestive fire' (Agni); the health and integrity of the digestive system; the integrity of the tissues (Dhatus); and the flow of 'life forces' through subtle energy channels (Nadis)

The recognition of ourselves as spiritual beings (Atma), with an innate connection to, and oneness with, universal intelligence/spirit/consciousness (Purusha/Brahman)

Appropriate assessment techniques may include:

Trividha Pariksha (Threefold examination method)

Darshana (observation)

Prashna (questioning)

Sparshana (touch)

Any other method in which the lifestyle consultant has been trained to a competent standard

Procedure which is conducted according to legislative and regulatory requirements

Major areas of advice include:

Advice on lifestyle

Recommendation of basic meditation practices

Recommendation of basic yoga practices

Advice on self application of oil (abhyanga)

Dietary advice

Advice on ayurvedic cooking

Counselling within and ayurvedic framework

Other complementary therapies may include:

Therapies in which the practitioner is trained

Other healing systems my include:

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Naturopathy

Shiatsu

Yoga therapy

Information on other complementary therapies may include:

Historical development

Current availability

Tools and techniques

Interactions between different therapies

When therapies may be used

Underpinning philosophy

Relationship between therapies may include:

Contra-indications to treatment

Effects of one treatment over or with another

Treatment according to stage of condition

Enquiries may require explanation of:

Duration of treatment

Expected treatment outcomes

Possible approaches to treatment

Estimated cost of treatment

Availability of health fund rebates

Work cover eligibility

Professional status of practitioner

Availability of home visits

After hours service

Provision for hospital visits

Appropriate information may include:

Confirmation of appointment date and time

Clinic location and directions

Cost of initial consultation

Payment options

Clinic guidelines may include:

Procedures and guidelines

Purpose or mission statement

Code of ethics or practice

Level of competency and degree of supervision

Partnership/group decisions, agreed practice

Legal and regulatory guidelines may include:

OHS guidelines

Anti-discrimination legislation

Privacy Act

Infection control

Relevant documentation may include:

Nature of enquiry

Client contact details

Recording of incidents

Appointment details