Elements and Performance Criteria

Definition of Naturopathy is:
Naturopathy is a distinct method of healing, underpinned by a philosophical perspective which recognises that all living forms possess a self-regulatory, inherent ability for self-healing. This inherent ability, or vital force, operates in an intelligent, orderly fashion. Naturopathic approaches to health care are aimed at supporting and enhancing the body's own ability to heal itself.

Central philosophies of naturopathy are:
Vis medicatrix naturae (the healing power of nature)
Tolle causam (identify and treat the cause)
Docere (doctor as teacher)
Treat the whole person
Prevention

Major methods of treatment include:
Nutrition therapies including the use of specific micronutrient supplements and food therapy
Herbal medicine
Homoeopathy
Bodywork eg massage, reflexology, shiatsu,
Counselling

Other complementary therapies may include:
Aromatherapy
Flower essence therapy
Therapies in which the practitioner is trained

Traditionally used methods of healing include:
Fresh air
Pure Water
Fresh, whole foods
Diet therapy
Detoxification
Herbs
Sunlight
Rest and relaxation
Exercise
Massage
Hydrotherapy

Appropriate assessment techniques may include:
Observation
Discussion
Taking temperature
Taking pulse and blood pressure
Palpation and auscultation
Percussion
External physical examination
Iridology techniques
Urine tests
Assessment of growth (height, weight, head circumference) and development
Overview of system - inquiring about the presence of previously diagnosed organic diseases and functional disorders
Any other method in which the practitioner has been trained to a competent standard
Procedure which is conducted according to legislative and regulatory requirements

Other healing systems may include:
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Ayurveda

Information on other complementary therapies may include:
Historical development
Current availability
Tools and techniques
Interactions between different therapies
When therapies may be used
Underpinning philosophy

Relationship between therapies may include:
Contra-indications to treatment
Effects of one treatment over or with another
Treatment according to stage of condition

Enquiries may require explanation of:
Duration of treatment
Expected treatment outcomes
Possible approaches to treatment
Estimated cost of treatment
Availability of health fund rebates
Work cover eligibility
Professional status of practitioner
Availability of home visits
After hours service
Provision for hospital visits

Appropriate information may include:
Confirmation of appointment date and time
Clinic location and directions
Cost of initial consultation
Payment options

Clinic's guidelines may include:
Procedures and guidelines
Purpose or mission statement
Code of ethics or practice
Level of competency and degree of supervision
Partnership/group decisions, agreed practice

Legal and regulatory guidelines may include:
OHS guidelines
Anti-discrimination legislation
Privacy Act
Infection control

Relevant documentation may include:
Nature of enquiry
Client/patient contact details
Recording of incidents
Appointment details

Critical aspects of assessment:
Ability to work or model work which demonstrates an understanding of underpinning values and philosophies in the naturopathy framework
Knowledge of the philosophies, principles and tools of naturopathic practice
Knowledge of a range of alternative and complementary therapies
Demonstrated ability to correctly identify client/patient information needs
Demonstrated ability to provide client/patient with required information
Demonstrated ability to appropriately record details of client/patient enquiries according to clinic guidelines
Demonstrated ability to explain relevant products and services
Demonstrated communication skills in a one-to-one and group setting

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units:
Work effectively in the health industry

Underpinning knowledge and skills:
Knowledge of philosophical tradition of science/western medicine
Knowledge of sociology of health and the health care system
Knowledge of ethical issues in natural medicine
Knowledge of OHS requirements in the workplace
Knowledge of the current political context of health care
Knowledge of the dynamic interchange between the physical, mental, social, environmental and spiritual landscape
Knowledge of the rationalistic, analytical approach to an understanding of disease
Knowledge of the vitalistic, empirical approach to health
Knowledge of the naturopathic integration of these approaches to health
Knowledge of the qualitative, quantitative, cultural and traditional lines of evidence used in naturopathy
Knowledge of the philosophy, principles and practices of other alternative and complementary therapies including homeopathy, herbal medicine, nutrition and bodywork
Knowledge of the principles of naturopathic practice: vis medicatrix naturae (the healing power of nature); tolle causam (identify and treat the cause); docere (doctor as teacher); treat the whole person; prevention
Knowledge of how naturopathy works with the conventional medical model
Communication skills

Resource implications
Resource requirements may include:
An appropriately stocked and equipped clinic or simulated clinic environment
Relevant texts or medical manuals
Relevant paper-based/video assessment instruments
Appropriate assessment environment
Skilled assessors

Method of assessment
Assessment may include:
Practical demonstration and simulations
Short tests and essays
Oral questioning and discussion
Case studies and scenarios

Context of assessment:
This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of work conditions. Assessment may contain both theoretical and practical components and examples of a range of clinical situations.