Elements and Performance Criteria

History of the client/patient may include:
Date of presentation
Identifying personal details
Source of referral (if applicable)
Main presenting complaint or reason for consultation
Presenting symptom picture
General state of health
Physical
Emotional
Allergies
Dietary picture
Sleep pattern
Exercise
Leisure activities
Childhood and adulthood illness
Accidents, injuries, operations
Hospitalisations
Occupational history and environment
Other current medical treatment
Medication, supplements and natural remedies - current and previous
Social lifestyle including social drug usage
Family history

Health assessment may include:
Trividha Pariksha (threefold examination method):
Darshana (observation)
Prashna (questioning)
Sparshana (touch), including basic Nadi Vignan (pulse assessment)

Manage means that:
Factors which may interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment are explained
Mode of administration and management of the treatment are explained to the client/patient
Consent for treatment is ensured
Reactions (adverse or otherwise) to treatment are recognised and promptly responded to if necessary
Time, location and content of future sessions are clearly explained to the client/patient
Recommendations are fully documented

Advice may include:
Advice on lifestyle
Advice on living environment (Vasta Shastra)
Recommendation of basic meditation practices
Recommendation of basic yoga practices such as : asanas, pranayama, relaxation, dhyana
Dietary advice
Cooking advice
Advice on awareness of the three Gunas in daily life
Counselling within an Ayurvedic framework
Advice on self administration of oils (Abhyanga)

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/services required or suggested for treatment

Review advice:
Progress is reviewed with the client/patient
Effects of previous advice are identified and recorded
Need for ongoing and/or additional advice is evaluated
Changes to the advice are negotiated with the client/patient to ensure optimal outcomes

Critical aspects of assessment:
Appropriate advice is provided
Advice is delivered according to regulations
Other health care professionals are referred to or collaborated with as required
The client/patient is educated in relevant and practical techniques for promotion and maintenance of optimum health
Client/patient queries are answered with clarity, using appropriate language
Appropriate interpersonal skills are used when explaining treatment plans and recommendations to the client/patient
Client/patient independence and responsibility in compliance with advice are promoted wherever possible
Counselling within an Ayurvedic framework is provided when appropriate

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units:
Communicate effectively with clients
Make referrals

Underpinning knowledge and skills:
Basic knowledge of Jatharagni, immune essence (Ojas), twenty attributes (Gunas)
Knowledge of Tridosha theory
Knowledge of the six tastes (Raas)
Knowledge of dietary impact on health and symptoms
Knowledge of Ayurvedic assessment techniques
Knowledge of philosophy of Ayurvedic assessments
Ability to perform observation (Darshana)
Ability to perform palpation (Sparshana)
Ability to perform questioning (Prashna).
Ability to use equipment and technology competently and safely
Demonstrated ability to access and interpret up-to-date information
Knowledge of the legal and ethical requirements for confidentiality
Knowledge of time management requirements during consultation
Ability to communicate effectively to gain required information
Knowledge of ethical and legal implications of enquiry
Basic knowledge of the Five forms of Vata (Air) - Prana, Udana, Samana, Vyana, Apana, Five forms of Pitta (Fire) -Sadhaka, Bhrajaka, Pachaka, Alochaka, Ranjaka Five forms of Kapha (Water) - Tarpaka, Avalambaka, Kledaka, Bodhaka, Sleshaka
Knowledge of diet according to prakruti
Knowledge of diet according to vikruti
Knowledge of the use of churnas
Basic knowledge about reduction and tonification therapies.
Knowledge of abhyanga
Basic knowledge of Ayurvedic counselling,
Ayurvedic psychology and spirituality
Knowledge of supplementary measures in the management of common conditions (dietary considerations, exercise, meditation)
Knowledge of the role of nutrition in health and ability to determine the nutritional and dietary needs of a client/patient
Basic knowledge of the process of digestion, absorption and metabolism
Basic knowledge and understanding of components of food and food/dietary supplements
Knowledge of appropriate dietary treatment of common disorders according to Ayurvedic principles
Knowledge about types of diets (omnivore, vegetarian, lacto-vegetarian, vegan, fruitarian, zen macrobiotic)
Knowledge of the use of basic yoga postures, breathing techniques and relaxation techniques
Knowledge of the principles of basic meditation and the means of teaching it.
Ability to read medical reports
Demonstrated ability to access and interpret up-to-date information
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.