The evidence guide describes the underpinning knowledge and skills that must be demonstrated to prove competence. It is essential for assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, the range statement and the assessment guidelines of the relevant Training Package.

Overview of assessment

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit of competency must be able to conduct a full hair loss diagnosis, recognise the most likely causes of hair loss and the potential to arrest hair loss through hair loss therapy and/or through referral to another professional.

Specific evidence requirements

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

knowledge and consistent application of relevant workplace policies and procedures

knowledge and consistent application of federal, state and local health and hygiene legislation and regulations

demonstrated consistent application of patient consultation according to workplace procedures

consistent application of accurate patient assessments based on examination and/or microscopic analysis

consistent maintenance of accurate, relevant and well-organised recorded patient information that can be readily interpreted by other professionals

consistent, sensitive and clear communication of patient diagnosis and options that takes into account any cultural or physical requirements of the patient.

Context of assessment

For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, competency should be consistently demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor and/or the technical expert working in partnership with the assessor. The technical expert may include the hairdresser and/or an experienced person at the workplace.

Competency should be demonstrated in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment in a range of situations that may include client interruptions and involvement in other related activities normally expected in the workplace. For further guidance on the use of an appropriate simulated environment, refer to the Assessment Guidelines in this Training Package.

Specific resources for assessment

Competency for this unit should be assessed through access to:

relevant documentation such as:

workplace policy and procedures manuals

relevant occupational health and safety legislation and regulations

client history systems

a range of clients with hair loss problems

equipment suitable to microscopic analysis of hair

a qualified workplace assessor or assessment team.

Relationship to other units

This unit is a co-requisite for a range of trichology units. It requires an assessment outcome that includes evidence of the application of knowledge of nutrition and skin and hair science in the performance of trichological treatments.

:

none.

:

WRHHS403A Apply knowledge of hair and scalp problems to trichological consultations

WRHHS404A Perform trichological assessments

WRHHS405A Apply the principles of nutrition

WRHHS408A Design and provide nutritional therapies

WRHHS409A Design and apply hair loss therapies.

Method of assessment

The following assessment method is suggested.

Observation of the learner performing a range of tasks in an actual or simulated work environment, over sufficient time to demonstrate his/her handling of a range of contingencies. Tasks may include:

consultation with patients

counselling patients

physical, visual and microscopic examination of hair

diagnosis based on evidence gathered, including observations and analysis

communicating diagnosis and negotiating options with patients

referring to other professionals where appropriate.

Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance

For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, evidence should be gathered through a range of methods to indicate consistent performance.

It can be gathered from assessment of the unit of competency alone, through an integrated assessment activity or through a combination of both.

Evidence should be gathered as part of the learning process.

Assessing employability skills

Employability skills are integral to effective performance in the workplace and are broadly consistent across industry sectors. How these skills are applied varies between occupations and qualifications due to the different work functions and contexts.

Employability skills embedded in this unit should be assessed holistically in the context of the job role and with other relevant units that make up the skill set or qualification.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Skills may include:

client consultation that takes into account the culture, background and physical abilities of the client while demonstrating knowledge of the following communication techniques:

using open and closed questions

speaking clearly and concisely

using appropriate language

non-verbal communication

written communication

client consultation and analysis that takes into account:

a full client history

visual examination

microscopic hair analysis

microscopic hair analysis procedures, including:

epilating hairs in the direction of hair growth

mounting hair

examining hair bulbs

examining hair shafts and tips

determining the hair growth cycle phase for each hair bulb examined

identifying the anagen/telogen ratio to determine the presence of diffuse hair loss

client counselling that includes:

explaining likely cause of hair loss

explaining treatment/non-treatment prognosis and options

referral to other practitioners where indicated

confirmation of a treatment program where indicated

language, literacy and numeracy skills relevant to the role and workplace requirements.

Knowledge may include:

the functions and dysfunctions of the circulatory system, including:

the interrelationship between the circulatory and endocrine systems

the relationship of the circulatory system to the health of hair

the functions and dysfunctions of the immune system, including:

auto-immune disorders

the relationship of the auto-immune system to the health of hair

types of hair loss and their treatment prognosis

provisions of relevant health and hygiene legislation and regulations

provisions of relevant occupational health and safety legislation and regulations

workplace policies and procedures with regard to the conduct of patient hair loss diagnosis.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that will affect performance.

The following variables 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. Bold italicised text from the performance criteria is detailed here.

Recorded history may include:

date of presentation

identifying personal details

source of referral, if applicable

main presenting complaint or reason for consultation

presenting signs and symptoms, which may include pictures to record symptoms

hair loss history

other current medical or therapeutic treatments

general state of health, including dietary picture

observations arising from physical and visual examination

outcomes of microscopic analysis (where conducted).

Patients may include:

men

women

children

new or regular patients with routine or special needs

patients from a range of social, cultural or ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Relevant legislation may include:

federal, state and local health and hygiene

occupational health and safety.

Workplace policies and procedures may include:

health and hygiene

comfort and privacy

timeframes for the completion of the service

quality assurance.

Microscopic hair analysis may include:

epilating hairs in the direction of hair growth

mounting hair

examining hair bulbs

examining hair shafts and tips

determining the hair growth cycle phase for each hair bulb examined

identifying the anagen/telogen ratio to determine the presence of diffuse hair loss.

Type of hair loss may include:

patchy hair loss

alopecia:

areata

totalis

universalis

cicatricial

folliculitis

pseudopelade

lichen planus

lupus

scleroderma

traction alopecia

trichotillomania

diffuse hair loss

temporary self-correcting

permanent until causative factor corrected

androgenetic hair loss

male pattern baldness

female pattern thinning.

Treatment prognosis may include:

treatable hair loss

untreatable hair loss

referral to other practitioners.

Other professionals may include:

medical practitioner

dietician

natural therapist.