This unit applies to work in western herbal medicine

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Analyse and interpret information received

1.1 Correlate results of the health assessment with case history

1.2 Recognise signs and symptoms of condition in the client and identify as pre-requisites for treatment/care

1.3 Assess information gathered and assign priorities in consultation with the client using the knowledge and experience and theoretical principles

1.4 Gather, record and organise information in a way which can be interpreted readily by other professionals

1.5 Analyse patterns and differentiate by assessing signs and symptoms

1.6 Identify condition according to stage and related implications (eg acute/chronic) by applying principles of diagnosis

1.7 Use professional judgement to draw sound conclusions and prognosis from the data collected

1.8 Elicit all diagnostic signs and symptoms in a thorough and objective manner to avoid premature conclusions

1.9 Systematically monitor client progress in order to confirm the initial diagnosis or clinical impression

2. Critically evaluate the diagnosis

2.1 Apply an ongoing critical evaluation of diagnosis

2.2 Select appropriate diagnostic tools/methods

2.3 Carry out a re-evaluation of the case whenever considered necessary

2.4 Effectively combine history and clinical data to obtain a differential diagnosis, diagnosis and prognosis

3. Inform the client

3.1 Discuss rationale of the diagnosis/prognosis with the client

3.2 Respond to client enquiries using language the client understands

3.3 Discuss referral and collaborative with the client if necessary

3.4 Respond appropriately to client feedback and complaints

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:

Anatomy and physiology of the body systems

Disease process

Knowledge and understanding of types of further investigation available

Relevant testing and assessment options and procedures

Signs and symptoms of disease and disorder/dysfunction

The contribution of the different schools of thought and historical theories of clinical practice

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

Apply differential assessment

Apply knowledge of referral process

Demonstrate differential diagnostic skills

Establish urgency for treatment required

Interpret investigative findings

Prioritise presenting conditions

Write referrals, appraisal letters for insurance companies and other documentation

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

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 assessment instruments

Appropriate assessment environment

Method of assessment:

Observation in the work place (if possible)

Written assignments/projects with practical demonstration

Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of diagnostic technique and strategies to contribute to best practice

Questioning

Role play simulation

Diagnosis from assessment notes or simulated assessments

Short answer tests

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

Related units:

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

HLTHER604C Perform a western herbal medicine health assessment

HLTCOM404C Communicate effectively with clients

HLTHER602B CManage work within the western herbal medicine 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.

Signs and symptoms of condition may include:

Physical evidence

Behavioural evidence

States of disorder

Test or examination results

Sensations

Onset

Duration

Location

Causation

Ameliorating and aggravating factors

Symptom qualities (intensity, severity, nature of complaint)

Non-verbal signs and symptoms

Functional and pathological disturbances

Patterns may refer to:

Temperaments - humoural theory - eg choleric/sanguine

Constitutional states eg neuresthenic

Syndromes eg adrenal exhaustion

Functional disorders eg functional hypoglycemea

Disease/conditions

This unit contains Employability Skills