Elements and Performance Criteria

Signs and symptoms of condition may include:
Biological phenomena
Emotional phenomena
Psychological phenomena
Social phenomena
Spiritual phenomena
Test or examination results
Sensations
Onset
Duration
Location
Causation
Direction of chief complaint
Ameliorating and aggravating factors
Symptom qualities (intensity, severity, nature of complaint)
Non-verbal signs and symptoms
Functional and pathological disturbances

Patterns may refer to:
Patterns of disharmony

Critical aspects of assessment include:
Ability to demonstrate the application of the 'four methods'; the eight principles of diagnosis; the six channels and the san jiao, Qi Blood and fluids, zang fu organ syndromes
Ability to determine patterns of disharmony according to TCM
Knowledge of data analysis techniques
Demonstrated ability to interpret investigative findings
Demonstrated differential diagnostic skills
Ability to prioritise presenting conditions
Knowledge of referral process
Establishment of urgency for treatment required

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units:
Perform health assessment
Communicate effectively with clients

Underpinning knowledge and skills:
Knowledge of the fundamental theories of TCM including qi xue, jin-ye, shen and jing, yin and yang, wu xing, jing luo, zang fu, curious fu, TCM diagnosis and the concept of patterns of disharmony, function and dysfunction according to TCM, major points and functions, origins and development of disease
Knowledge of the methods of differentiation which refine aetiology and pathology of disease
Knowledge of the pattern differentiation in the formulation of treatment principles
Knowledge of the influence of lifestyle, diet, personal history, values and attitudes on health
Knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the body systems
Knowledge of relevant testing and assessment options and procedures
Knowledge of signs and symptoms of condition
Knowledge of disease process
Ability to apply differential assessment
Knowledge and understanding of types of further investigation available
Ability to write referrals, appraisal letters for insurance companies and other documentation
Knowledge of the contribution of the different schools of thought and historical theories of clinical practice

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

Method of assessment
Assessment may include:
Written assignment with practical demonstration
Diagnosis from assessment notes or simulated assessments
Oral questioning
Case studies and scenarios as a basis for discussion of diagnostic technique
Short answer tests

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.