Required skills

The following skills must be assessed as part of this unit

technical skills to

interpret treatment plan and adapt treatment to accommodate changes in clients physical condition

select an appropriate needle or probe size angle depth electrical current level and duration for a diathermy treatment on a variety of skin treatment areas

safely apply diathermy equipment and currents to the treatment of dilated capillaries in a variety of skin treatment areas according to a treatment plan

respond to contraindications and adverse effects

communication skills to

seek feedback and respond to questions

provide information and reassurance to client throughout the service

literacy skills to read and apply

relevant workplace documents

manufacturers equipment and product information

safety data sheets

Required knowledge

The following knowledge must be assessed as part of this unit

relevant health and hygiene regulations and requirements and skin penetration legislation

relevant occupational health and safety regulations and requirements

infection control procedures and the application of universal precautions

correct and environmentally sound disposal methods for diathermy treatment waste that also comply with skin penetration regulations

workplace policies and procedures in regard to diathermy treatments

appearance of contraindications and adverse effects

effects and benefits of a defined range of skin care products

effects and benefits of diathermy treatments

anatomy and physiology of the skin and skin structures as they relate to diathermy treatments including

simplified crosssection of skin

glands as they relate to basic skin function

skin chemicals including sebum and sweat production

normal and abnormal

collagen

elastin

lipids

microscopic anatomy of the epidermis dermis and hypodermis

phases of growth cell renewal healing of skin and factors affecting epidermal mitosis

normal process of skin ageing and structural change

normal skin response to irritation and trauma

scars including hypertrophic and keloid their origin and evolution and abnormal scar tissue

effects of treatments on the physical structure of the skin

wound healing in different skin types and locations

body systems in regard to their interdependence and purpose in relation to a healthy body and their relationship to the skin muscles and nerves including

nervous system and its relationship to skin sensations

basic nutrition guidelines

relationship between nutrition and healthy skin particularly foods that may

have an effect on the skin

affect diathermy treatment when combined with relevant skin conditions products or dietrelated diseases

operators legal and insurance liabilities and responsibilities in regard to services and the use and preparation of treatment products

physical appearance of

various skin types

normal skin

abnormal skin conditions

minor skin blemishes

skin diseases

typical medical treatments drugs and side effects relevant to diathermy

relevant electrical equipment including

properties and use of electrical energy electrostatics and electrical current in diathermy

use of alternating current for high frequency treatments

sources and effects of laser treatment in diathermy

safe practices and management

factors affecting diathermy treatment outcomes

clients pain tolerance

needle or probe size selection

accurate probing including duration angle and depth

correct probing and successful treatment outcomes

safety and comfort

current intensity and method choice

causes of skin damage

workplace product and equipment range and manufacturer instructions and safety data sheets

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package

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

Evidence of the following is essential

applying the requirements of federal state or territory Acts and local regulations relating to skin penetration and infection control workplace policies and procedures

applying safe work practices in regard to diathermy services

interpreting a treatment plan including adapting the treatment to accommodate changes in clients condition

recognising and managing contraindications and adverse effects

selecting an appropriate needle or probe size angle depth electrical current level and duration for a diathermy treatment along with safely applying diathermy techniques for a variety of treatment areas

consistently using effective questioning and active listening techniques to consult reassure and negotiate with clients throughout the treatment while maintaining discretion and confidentiality

evaluating a diathermy treatment and advising the client on future treatments home care and complementary products

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure

that competency is consistently demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor or the technical expert working in partnership with the assessor as described in the Assessment Guidelines

that competency is demonstrated in a simulated workplace environment in a range of real work situations which may include client interruptions and involvement in other related activities normally expected in the workplace

Assessment must ensure access to

a private and fully equipped diathermy services treatment area which includes as a minimum

individual client workstations

electrical supply to each workstation

adjustable treatment couch with operator safe working access at head foot and each side

access to sterilised skin penetration small tools and equipment

high frequency equipment

blend current equipment

disposable needles or probes

disposable swabs

personal protective equipement including disposable gloves

appropriate cleaning sterilisation and disinfection products and equipment

relevant workplace documentation including

manufacturers equipment instructions

product instructions

manufacturer safety data sheets

workplace policies and procedures manuals

a range of clients with different diathermy requirements

For further information on an appropriate simulated environment refer to the Assessment Guidelines in this Training Package

Methods of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge The following examples are appropriate for this unit

observation of learners performing a range of tasks in a simulated work environment over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies including

discussing variations to treatment plan with client

selecting current of machine according to agreed treatment plan

conducting a patch test

disposing of waste according to workplace policies and procedures

applying infection control and skin penetration procedures

obtaining and recording feedback from client on the outcomes of the treatment

written and oral questioning appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner to assess knowledge and understanding of diathermy procedures including a knowledge of the safe use of electrical currents and of anatomy and physiology

completion of workplace documentation relevant to providing diathermy services

thirdparty reports from technical experts

completion of selfpaced learning materials including personal reflection and feedback from trainer coach or supervisor

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role is recommended for example

SIBBCCSA Develop treatment plans

SIBBCCS405A Develop treatment plans

SIBBCCSA Use electricity in beauty therapy treatments

SIBBCCS406A Use electricity in beauty therapy treatments

SIBBHRSA Provide electrolysis treatments

SIBBHRS504A Provide electrolysis treatments.

Treatment plan must include:

Variations to the treatment plan may include:

Clients may include:

Treatment procedure must identify:

Relevant legislationand codes may include:

Workplace policies and procedures may include:

Equipment must include:

Patch test must include:

Treatment area may include:

Infection controlprocedures must include:

Skin penetration procedures must include:

Treatment waste may include:

Client feedback may include:

Relevant outcomes of treatment may include:

Future treatment program may include:

Home-care advice may include:

Adverse effects may include:

Source of referral may include: