HLTHOM602C
Conduct basic homeopathic research

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to conduct research relevant to client care and/or the advancement of homœopathic knowledge, using a variety of research methods

Application

This unit applies to work in homœopathy


Prerequisites

Not Applicable


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Consult stakeholders

1.1 Explain the purpose and subject for research is

1.2 Seek a supervisor

1.3 Identify a representative range of stakeholders and consult in appropriate ways

1.4 Identify and address ethical requirements and other issues

1.5 Negotiate research strategies and methods appropriate to the subject and the time constraints

2. Prepare for research

2.1 Establish a timeline for completion of tasks

2.2 Seek research participants and assess for suitability, where applicable.

2.3 Obtain informed consent from eligible participants

2.4 Seek research funding, if required

2.5 Assemble or design and distribute materials needed to conduct the research if required

2.6 Arrange times and places for collection of information

3. Conduct research

3.1 Interview participants, where applicable

3.2 Conduct a search of relevant existing literature

3.3 Collect and organise information in a logical manner

3.4 Collect information from participants is kept confidential and stored securely

4. Record and analyse information

4.1 Confirm raw data with participants

4.2 Record information accurately and comprehensively

4.3 Review and compare with existing literature

4.4 Collect and analyse information

5. Report research

5.1 Report research findings, methodology and limitations accurately and comprehensively

5.2 Acknowledge sources of information

5.3 Present the research to peers and/or published

5.4 Provide opportunities for validation of the findings, where appropriate

Required Skills

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:

Analysis techniques

Appropriate research proposal format for funding

Ethical issues in research

Relevant homœopathic literature, including original provings and aphorisms concerning provings in the Organon of Medicine, 6th edition

Report writing

Research issues and their uses

Research techniques

Validation procedures

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:

Accurately document and publish findings

Adhere to recommended guidelines for research

Analyse data

Conduct research in an ethical, safe and humane way

Construct research strategies

Follow participants through the project to secure an outcome

Fund raise if appropriate

Represent research to and consult with stakeholders

Research and review existing literature

Use data in the most effective way depending on size of research

Write up findings in an accurate and unbiased way

Evidence Required

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 the required range of situations relevant to the workplace

Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

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

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

Relevant texts or medical manuals

Relevant paper-based/video assessment instruments

Appropriate assessment environment

Skilled assessors

Computer and/or paper repertories

Computer data basing and/or analysis program

Method of assessment

Observation in the work place (if possible)

Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge

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

Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting (laboratory). If successful, a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision.

Review of research methodology and findings

Peer review

Oral questioning and discussion

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 competency unit:

HLTCOM502C Develop professional expertise


Range Statement

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.

Supervisor mayinclude:

Specialist/expert in the field

Experienced homœopath

Tutor/lecturer

Stakeholders may include:

Community-based support groups

Manufacturers

Health care providers

Others

Issues may include:

International codes for research

Funding and resource requirements

Maintenance of confidentiality

Prevention of breach in protocol

Research strategies may include:

Case analyses

Participant recruitment

Literature review

Research methods may include:

Blind

Double blind

Un-blind

Informed consent must include:

Outline of the research to be conducted

Researcher's ethical responsibilities

Participant's consent to participate

Parent/guardian consent for a minor to participate

Participant's consent for information gathered to be published

Materials needed may include:

Standardised recording sheets

Diaries for participants

Questionnaires

Homeopathic medicines

Computer analysis software

Other materials

Data analysis may include:

Non-computer generated analysis

Computer generated analysis

Presented to peers and/or published may include:

One to one

Small group presentation

Large group presentation

Forum/conference presentation

Homœopathic journals national and/or international

Non peer journals

Validation may include:

Peer review

Reputability

Making findings available to as many stakeholders as possible

Seminars/professional forums

Publishing in reputable journals

Replication of the study


Sectors

Not Applicable


Employability Skills

This unit contains Employability Skills


Licensing Information

Not Applicable