Elements and Performance Criteria

Factors which interfere with the effectiveness of treatment may include:
Other medical treatment being undertaken
Client/patient physical and psychological readiness and/or wellness
Cultural factors
Contra-indications to treatment
Post treatment activity

Mode of administration may be:
Oral
Topical
Inhaled

Responses to reactions may include:
Adjusting treatment accordingly
Seeking appropriate expertise
Discussing reaction with the client/patient
Adhering to clinic guidelines for response to accidents and emergencies
Using First Aid procedures according to St Johns, Australian Red Cross or other appropriate First Aid training
Accessing local, emergency services

Appropriate consent for treatment refers to:
Informed consent according to the local and national regulations and legal guidelines
Treatment is given to minors/wards of state when only parent/guardian is present

Regulations may include:
Hygiene and infection control regulations
OHS regulations
Clinic or professional practice guidelines
State or national legislation

Advise and resource the client/patient refers to:
Providing relevant literature or information materials
Referring client/patient to other information sources
Providing advice regarding self-care
Advising client/patient of suggested resources
Providing details which help to fully inform patient/client of relevant information
Providing referrals to other health professionals
Availability of products required or suggested for treatment

Practical techniques that promote and maintain optimal health may include:
Nutritional advice
Advice on lifestyle modification
Exercise suggestions
Stress management techniques

Critical aspects of evidence
Treatment plans are implemented to achieve optimal health, rehabilitation, or to improve quality of life. These involve:
Appropriate preparation of client/patient for treatment
Treatment of a range of conditions/disease states
Incorporation of the philosophies of the practice of herbal medicine
Demonstration of the application of commonly used treatment practices
Provision of treatment in accordance with the individual, condition and presence of complicating factors.
Provision of the safest, most efficacious and cost effective treatment method
Use of counselling within herbal medicine consultation as an aid to treatment
Provision of treatment in accordance with the treatment plan
Complete documentation of all recommendations and client/patient responses
Review of treatment plan
Demonstrated interpersonal skills

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units:
Communicate effectively with clients
Contribute to the control of infection
Work effectively within the health industry
Prepare and dispense herbal medicines

Underpinning knowledge and skills:
Knowledge of common disease states and functional problems of each bodily system and the principles and practice of treating each system/condition
Knowledge of the active principles of the main herbal medicines used for each system/condition
Knowledge of the principles of formulation (including dosage and duration of treatment)
Knowledge of supplementary measures in the management of the conditions eg dietary considerations and exercise
Ability to apply methods of treating and managing disease process of each system using herbal medicine
Knowledge of how to select best treatment/medicine within best current practice
Knowledge of how to correctly prepare and dispense herbal medicines
Knowledge of medical reports and diagnostic procedures
Knowledge of the possible responses to treatments
Knowledge of contra-indications of treatment
Knowledge of drug interactions
Knowledge of pathogenesis of the remedies administered
Ability to access reference material on the effects of current conventional drug therapies and their withdrawal
Knowledge and understanding of methods of preparing treatment and management plans
Knowledge of the correct preparations required for specific treatment
Knowledge of dosage principles
Demonstrated ability to access and interpret up-to- date information on health practices and medicines
Interpersonal and questioning skills
Ability to write referrals, appraisal letters for insurance companies and other documentation

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
Simulations
Explanations of technique
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 covering a range of clinical situations.