The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

confirming treatment plan and adapting treatment to accommodate changes in client's condition

preparing massage area and client for aromatherapy massage treatments

reading, interpreting and applying product specifications for pre-blended oils

knowledge and skill in application of pre-blended oils along with a variety of massage routines and movements

evaluating an aromatherapy massage treatment and advising client on future treatments, home care and complementary products

accurately and legibly recording relevant data on client treatment plans.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

that competency is consistently demonstrated over a period of time and observed by assessor or technical expert working in partnership with assessor as described in Assessment Guidelines

that competency is demonstrated in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment in a range of real work situations which may include client interruptions and involvement in other related activities normally expected in the workplace.

Assessment must ensure access to:

a simulated environment, which includes as a minimum:

individual client workstations

adjustable massage table

apprppriate supply of towels

client gown

client cover

trolley

a range of pre-blended oils from a professional range

appropriate cleaning and disinfection products and equipment

relevant workplace documentation including:

manufacturer's equipment instructions

product instructions

manufacturer safety data sheets

workplace policies and procedures manuals

a range of clients with different aromatherapy treatment requirements.

For further guidance on the use of an appropriate simulated environment, refer to the Assessment Guidelines in this Training Package.

Methods of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

observing learner performing a range of tasks in the workplace or a simulated work environment, over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies, including:

discussing variations to treatment plan with client

selecting and sequencing massage routines according to client's needs

handling and storing pre-blended oils according to workplace policies and procedures

providing post-treatment advice and making treatment recommendations to the client

written and oral questioning appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner, to assess knowledge and understanding of:

effects and benefits of a defined range of treatment products and pre-blended oils

anatomy and physiology of the skin and skin structures as they relate to aesthetic aromatic treatments, including percutaneous absorption and factors affecting penetration of essential oils

appearance of contraindications and adverse effects

ingredients in relevant oils particularly in regard to likely effects on the skin and possible contraindications in combination with other oils or circumstances

causes of skin reactions and allergies in regard to aromatic aesthetic treatments

safe use of pre-blended oils

safe storage and handling of essential oils

completion of workplace documentation relevant to providing aromatherapy massage services

third-party reports from technical experts

completion of self-paced learning materials, including personal reflection and feedback from a trainer, workplace coach or supervisor.

Holistic assessment incorporating other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

SIBBCCS404A Work in a skin therapies framework.

Required skills

The following skills must be assessed as part of this unit:

technical skills to:

recognise and respond to contraindications and adverse effects

interpret treatment plan and adapt treatment to accommodate changes in client's physical condition

apply a defined range of massage movements and routines according to agreed treatment plan

apply a range of treatment products and pre-blended oils suitable to client's needs

communication skills to:

seek feedback and respond to questions

provide information and reassurance to client throughout the service

literacy skills to:

read and apply relevant workplace documents and manufacturers' product information and safety data sheets

read, interpret and adjust treatment plans as appropriate

time-management skills to manage time throughout treatment.

Required knowledge

The following knowledge must be assessed as part of this unit:

infection control procedures and application of universal precautions

workplace policies and procedures in regard to aromatherapy massage

effects and benefits of a defined range of treatment products, essential oils and pre-blended oils

anatomy and physiology of the skin and skin structures as they relate to aesthetic aromatic treatments, including percutaneous absorption and factors affecting penetration of essential oils and other aromatic treatment products

contraindications and adverse effects

ingredients in pre-mixed oils particularly in regard to their effects on the skin and possible contraindications in combination with other products or circumstances

causes of skin reactions and allergies in regard to aromatic aesthetic treatments

correct and environmentally sound disposal methods for all types of waste and in particular for hazardous substances.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. 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) may also be included.

Treatment plan must include:

treatment duration

products

massage routine

massage movements

tools and equipment

contraindications

relevant medical history and medications

outcomes of previous treatments.

Contraindications may include:

infectious disease suggested by fever, lethargy and nausea until reviewed and cleared by a medical practitioner

symptoms that do not have a logical explanation and should be referred to a medical practitioner, including:

pain: local, sharp, dull, deep and surface

extreme fatigue

inflammation

lumps and tissue changes

severe oedema

infection

bleeding and bruising

hot or cold extremes of body temperature

factors that may restrict treatment or require adaptation of the body massage, such as:

skin trauma

lesions

rashes.

Clients may include:

new or regular clients with routine or special needs

female or male clients

people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with varying physical and mental abilities.

Necessary action may include:

the following actions across a range of clients:

encouraging client to seek medical advice

explaining why service cannot be carried out

modifying body massage service

refusing unsuitable client.

Effects and benefits may include:

relaxation

rejuvenation of skin

skin healing

muscular tension relief

improved sleeping pattern.

Treatment objectives may include:

relaxation

rejuvenation of skin

skin healing

muscular tension relief

improved sleeping pattern.

Workplace requirements may include:

health and hygiene

service area and product set-up

environmental control.

Pre-blended oils may include:

combinations of the following oils:

lavender

juniper

chamomile

rosemary

eucalyptus

geranium

citrus: lemon, lime, mandarin, grapefruit and tangerine

melaleuca, tea tree, cajuput and niaouli

frankincense

rose

sandalwood

clary sage.

Care, handling and storage may include:

clear and accurate labelling

decanting and resealing

protection from light

temperature control.

Treatment area may include:

torso

back

neck

décolletage

arms

legs.

Massage movements must include combination of movements designed to achieve client treatment objectives, and should be drawn from the following:

passive soft tissue movement

gliding techniques

longitudinal stroking

kneading

soft tissue being mobilised with rhythmical circular rolling movements

friction techniques

compressive techniques

petrissage

superficial lymph drainage techniques.

Massage routine must include:

rhythm

repetition

variation.

Reactions may include:

pain or discomfort

verbal, tactile or visual feedback

muscular spasms

allergy or reactions to body oils or treatments

skin blemishes due to massage stimulation

bruising

temperature discomfort

joint sounds

client relaxation

emotional release.

Responses may include:

adjusting treatment accordingly

seeking appropriate expertise

discussing reaction with client

adhering to workplace guidelines for dealing with emergencies

accessing local emergency services.

Client feedback may include:

comments

suggestions

enquiries.

Outcomes of treatment may include:

client satisfaction

adverse effects.

Future treatment program may include:

further body treatments

complementary treatments

number and frequency of future aromatherapy treatments

variation in type of pre-blended oils.

Post-treatment adverse effects may include:

erythema or inflammation arising from pre-blended oils or treatment products

skin blemishes due to massage stimulation

nausea, headache, dizziness and drowsiness

allergic reactions of skin or body to treatment products.

Home-care advice may include:

basic exercises

nutrition advice

rest.