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 client's 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:

manufacturer's 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

third-party reports from technical experts

completion of self-paced 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:

SIBBCCS405A Develop treatment plans

SIBBCCS406A Use electricity in beauty therapy treatments

SIBBHRS504A Provide electrolysis treatments.

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 client's 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

manufacturer's 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 cross-section 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 diet-related diseases

operator's 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:

client's 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 range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. 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) may also be included.

Treatment plan must include:

treatment areas

contraindications

relevant medical conditions and medications

equipment

products

treatment duration.

Variations to the treatment plan may include:

changes in client's physical condition

changes to client's requirements.

Clients may include:

new or regular clients with routine or special needs

male or female clients

people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and age groups with varying physical and mental abilities.

Treatment procedure must identify:

current duration

current intensity

post-treatment care.

Relevant legislationand codes may include:

state or territory Acts and regulations relating to skin penetration

occupational health and safety

industry codes of practice.

Workplace policies and procedures may include:

workplace practice in response to skin penetration Acts and regulations

infection controls

environmental protection practices, such as:

safe disposal of sharps and other treatment waste

waste minimisation

energy efficiency, e.g. electricity saving devices and practices

resource management

water efficiency

designated time frames for the completion of the service.

Equipment must include:

high frequency

blend current.

Patch test must include:

replication of treatment plan:

procedures

products

equipment.

Treatment area may include:

face

upper chest.

Infection controlprocedures must include:

use of personal protective equipment

equipment sterilisation and disinfection

use of disposable equipment.

Skin penetration procedures must include:

disinfection of treatment area

prevention of blood to blood contact

disposal of sharps

disposal of infectious and non-infectious waste.

Treatment waste may include:

needles or probes

disposable nitrile gloves

swabs.

Client feedback may include:

comments

suggestions

enquiries.

Relevant outcomes of treatment may include:

client's satisfaction with treatment

pain experienced

appearance of treatment area.

Future treatment program may include:

number and frequency of treatments

complementary services or treatments.

Home-care advice may include:

special care of treatment area

sun protection

avoidance of intense physical activity

dietary advice

skin peels.

Adverse effects may include:

inflammation arising from treatment

scarring

over treatment

bruising.

Source of referral may include:

complementary therapist

medical practitioner.