The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

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

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

Observation of performance in the workplace or a simulated workplace (defined as a supervised clinic)

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace

Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

Assessment may contain both theoretical and practical components and examples covering a range of clinical situations

Assessment of sole practitioners must include a range of clinical situations and different client groups covering at minimum, age, culture and gender

Assessment of sole practitioners must consider their unique workplace context, including:

interaction with others in the broader professional community as part of the sole practitioner's workplace

scope of practice as detailed in the qualification and component competency units

holistic/integrated assessment including:

working within the practice framework

performing a health assessment

assessing the client

planning treatment

providing treatment

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

An appropriately stocked and equipped clinic or simulated clinic environment

Relevant texts or medical manuals

Relevant paper-based/video assessment instruments

Appropriate assessment environment

Demonstration model/client

Method of assessment

Observation in the work place

Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge

Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice

Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting
If successful, a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision

Explanations of technique

Oral questioning and discussion

Access and equity considerations:

All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work

All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment

In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Related units:

This unit should be assessed in conjunction with the following related units:

HLTCOM404C Communicate effectively with clients

HLTFA301C Apply first aid

HLTIN301C Comply with infection control policies and procedures

HLTOHS300B Contribute to OHS processes

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

Essential knowledge:

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes knowledge of:

Basic assessment procedures and options

Environmental physiology and the effects of drugs on the individual

Ethical and legal implications of enquiry and treatment

Functions of major muscle groups

Fundamental human physiology

Indications and contra-indications for massage

Indications for massage

Pathology and symptomology

Reproduction as it relates to massage

Skeletal musculature

The articular system, classification of joints and types and ranges of motion

The ethical and legal implications of the practice of massage

The organisation of the body

The organisation of the nervous system

The philosophies and beliefs of a massage framework

The systems and regions of the body

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes the ability to:

Apply basic assessment techniques

Apply commonly used treatment techniques listed under the range of variables

Apply commonly used treatment techniques listed under the range of variables

Comprehend common medical terminology

Demonstrate communication skills to gain and convey required information

Ensure all treatment or care delivered is consistent with legislative and regulatory requirements

Ensure client responses to treatment provided are documented

Ensure treatment incorporates the philosophies and beliefs of a massage framework

Ensure treatment is provided according to the individual, the condition and the presence of complicating factors

Identify prominent bones, structures and muscle groups through palpation.

Manage time throughout consultation and treatment

Prepare client for treatment according to massage principles

Suggest alternative health care professionals when case is outside practitioner's competence

Suggest alternative health care professionals when case is outside practitioner's competence

Transcribe assessment findings and treatment in a client history

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that 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.

Factors which interfere with the effectiveness of treatment may include:

Other medical treatment being undertaken

Client's physical and psychological readiness and/or wellness

Cultural factors

Contra-indications to treatment

Post massage activity

Mode of administration may include:

Exposure of sections of the body

Rotating of exposure around the body

Use of oils and treatments

Requirement for feedback and interaction

Massage technique

Variations in application intensity

Requirement of specified positioning of client

Reactions may include:

Pain and/or discomfort

Feedback - verbal, tactile, visual

Muscular spasms

Allergy to oils or treatments used

Temperature discomfort

Joint sounds (spontaneous cavitation)

Client relaxation

Emotional release

Responses to reactions may include:

Adjusting treatment accordingly

Seeking appropriate expertise

Discussing reaction with the client

Adherence 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

Maintaining a senior first aid certificate which is renewed at least every three years

Accessing local emergency services

Consent for treatment refers to:

Informed consent according to local and national regulations and legal guidelines

Massage techniques includes:

Massage techniques to be performed in a variety of positions, ie standing, seated, prone, supine and side recumbent lying, and through clothing as well as conventional table massage.
This may include:

Passive joint movement techniques

joints are moved through their range of movement, ie, to the point of mild tissue resistance

Passive soft tissue movement

technique is applied with palmer surfaces of the hand, heel of hand and/or fingers

jostling: shaking of the muscle from origin to insertion

Gliding techniques

effleurage

broad superficial strokes using the entire palmer surface of the hands to cover large surface areas of the body

Longitudinal stroking

deep gliding movement is applied in the direction of the muscle fibres through focal pressure using any of the following; fingers, palm, heel of hands, forearm and/or knuckles

transverse gliding

cross over stroke: pulling and pushing of the tissue using the hands in a criss-cross manner

Kneading

technique is applied with palm surface of the hand, heel of hand and/or fingers

Soft tissue is mobilised with rhythmical circular rolling, squeezing or pulling movements

Friction techniques

superficial tissue is moved over an underlying structure in circular, longitudinal or transverse directions

deep repetitive movements of short amplitude are applied usually with thumbs, fingers and knuckles

Friction techniques are believed to be beneficial in releasing adherent/scar tissue

Continued:

Massage techniques includes Cont:

Compressive techniques

digital pressure

compression: successive and rapid pressure, ie, a series of short duration compressions, is applied to soft tissue between two structures, ie, underlying bone structures and therapist's hand, or hand to hand

rhythmically using the hands

percussion: cupping, tapping, hacking, pummelling and flicking are applied

Petrissage

Temperature therapy

conduction, eg heat packs and immersion baths

radiation, eg ray lamps

friction

topical applications

Stretching techniques

Advise and resource the client refers to:

Providing relevant literature or information materials

Referring client to other information sources

Advising client of suggested resources

Suggestion of referrals to other health professionals