Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to determine an aromatic treatment strategy based on an existing health assessment, provide relevant advice to the client and complete treatment documentation. This unit refers to the use of essential oils for internal preparations. Note that the clinical aromatherapist provides the preparation and relevant accompanying advice but does not administer these aromatic preparations.
This unit applies to experienced clinical aromatherapists using specialised aromatic formulations and therapies.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements define the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Determine treatment strategy | 1.1 Determine the treatment strategy, prognosis and therapeutic expectations according to the health condition, client needs and stage of life 1.2 Evaluate the impact of disease phase or stage on treatment selection 1.3 Consider treatment and advice provided by other health care professionals 1.4 Identify and respond to the need for further research in developing the treatment strategy 1.5 Select aromatic preparations and administration method based on individual case presentation 1.6 Take into account factors which may interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment for each essential oil and aromatic extract 1.7 Take into account possible treatment reactions for each essential oil and aromatic extracts and prescription 1.8 Take into account contra-indications for essential oils, aromatic extracts and prescription |
2. Provide advice and resources to the client | 2.1 Clearly explain treatment rationale and expectations 2.2 Provide clear instructions for taking aromatic preparations, and negotiate according to client needs 2.3 Explain factors which may interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment 2.4 Negotiate the management of selected aromatic preparations in relation to any other current medicines 2.5 Obtain client consent for treatment 2.6 Request client to monitor responses to the aromatic preparations 2.7 Clarify and agree responsibilities of practitioner and client within the treatment plan 2.8 Explain and agree treatment evaluation strategies |
3. Complete treatment documentation | 3.1 Document accurate details of aromatic preparations to be provided 3.2 Record details of treatment recommendations in client file 3.3 Record arrangements for treatment review according to clinic guidelines |
4. Monitor and evaluate treatment | 4.1 Evaluate client progress against agreed evaluation strategies 4.2 Adjust treatment based on evaluation of client progress in consultation with client 4.3 Identify areas for further research to support client outcomes |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:
undertaken a structured process of critical analysis, research and reflection to determine, document and evaluate aromatic therapy treatment strategies that include preparations for internal administration for at least 15 different clients, all of whom must have been seen at least 3 times. Clients must include males and females from different stages of life with varied presentations
interacted effectively with clients through the provision of clear information on the treatment strategy
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:
legal and ethical considerations (national and state/territory) for working with aromatic therapies that include formulations for internal use:
children in the workplace
codes of conduct
duty of care
informed consent
mandatory reporting
practitioner/client boundaries
privacy, confidentiality and disclosure
records management
work role boundaries
working within scope of practice
presenting symptoms that require referral to a medical practitioner
work health and safety
groups of aromatic preparations, how to distinguish between them, according to actions, active constituents, body systems and plant families
interrelationships and incompatibilities (chemical and physical) between aromatic formulation groups
types and features of internal preparations:
water-based preparations using dispersing agents
capsules
absorbent tablets
sub-lingual preparations
eye, ear, nose and throat preparations
inhalations
mixture with herbal tinctures
suppositories
pessaries
at least 30 aromatic oils that can be used for internal applications, preparations or purposes including:
origin
characteristics
therapeutic applications
modes of administration
interactions with other drugs
contraindications to use
essential oils and aromatic extracts:
that exhibit potential toxicity at low dosages
appropriate dosages and methods of applications
specific contraindications for use
specific essential oils and aromatic extracts to be avoided for use
pharmacodynamics of aromatic preparations and pharmaceutical drugs:
drug administration
absorption
distribution
metabolism
excretion
pharmacodynamics of aromatic preparations and pharmaceutical drugs:
theory of drug action
factors modifying drug effect and dosage
drug toxicity and toxicology
pharmacology of aromatic preparations and pharmaceutical drugs, their classifications, usage and side effects
pharmacology of aromatic preparations and their interactions with over the counter (OTC) vitamin, mineral and herbal preparations – usage and side effects
Assessment Conditions
Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated clinical environment that reflects workplace conditions. The following conditions must be met for this unit:
use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:
client information – case history, treatment plan
private consultation area
aromatic medicines
modelling of industry operating conditions, including provision of services to the general public
clinic supervision by a person who meets the assessor requirements outlined below
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
In addition, assessors must:
have at least 5 years current experience working as a clinical aromatherapist providing services to the general public
hold practising membership of an Australian professional body that represents clinical aromatherapists and aromatic medicine
fulfil the continuing professional development requirements of the professional body to which they belong
Foundation Skills
The Foundation Skills describe those required skills (language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills) that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency