This unit may apply to work in reflexology in a range of settings and contexts

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Manage the treatment

1.1 Explain factors which may interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment

1.2 Explain to the client the mode of administration and management of the treatment

1.3 Inform the client of possible physical or emotional reactions during the treatment

1.4 Inform the client of possible physical or emotional reactions following a session and the appropriate course of action to take

1.5 Recognise reactions to treatment and respond promptly if necessary

1.6 Drape client for warmth with feet and hands exposed as appropriate

1.7 Provide reflexology according to treatment plan

1.8 Clearly explain the time, location and content of future sessions to the client

1.9 Document recommendations

1.10 Record client and practitioner comments on treatment

2. Apply reflexology and relaxation techniques

2.1 Apply a range of relaxation techniques

2.2 Apply a range of reflexology techniques according to the reflexology worked, general health of the client, tissue condition, age , health and sensitivity

2.3 Use leverage and appropriate pressure as required to work specific techniques, while holding and supporting the foot adequately

2.4 Work on all reflexology of both feet according to body systems or utilising an appropriate sequence

2.5 Ensure the length of the session time is appropriate for the client and for the techniques and sequence used

3. Advise and resource the client

3.1 Answer client queries with clarity and using appropriate language

3.2 Use honesty and integrity when explaining treatment plans and recommendations to client

3.3 Use appropriate interpersonal skills when explaining treatment plans and recommendations to clients

3.4 Promote client independence and responsibility in treatment whenever possible

4. Review the treatment

4.1 Evaluate progress with the client

4.2 Identify and record effects of previous treatment

4.3 Review the previous treatment plan

4.4 Evaluate the need for ongoing and/or additional treatment

4.5 Negotiate changes to the treatment plan with the client to ensure optimal outcomes

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:

Best practice reflexology principles

Fundamental structure and function of anatomical systems

Legal and regulatory implications to treatment

Possible reactions and contraindications to treatment

The history, philosophies and beliefs of reflexology

Understanding of anatomy and physiology in relation to a reflexology framework

Understanding of the fundamental principles of biomechanics

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 commonly used treatment techniques listed under the range of variables

Communicate effectively with clients

Demonstrate and provide reflexology plan for self help for client

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

Gather and interpret information through the tactile senses

Identify prominent bones/structure, muscles, ligaments and tendons of the feet through palpation

Incorporate the philosophies and beliefs of a reflexology framework into treatment

Manage time throughout consultation and treatment

Prepare client for treatment according to reflexology principles

Provide treatment according to the individual, condition and the presence of complicating factors

Provide treatment and record client responses

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

Use equipment and resources competently and safely

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) is essential for assessment of this unit

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 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:

Relevant texts or medical manuals

Relevant paper based/video assessment instruments

Appropriate assessment environment

Qualified assessor who is recognised by an Australian Reflexology peak association

Method of assessment

Observation in the workplace

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

Short tests and essays

Oral questioning and discussions

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

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 after or in conjunction with the following related competency units:

HLTCOM404C Communicate effectively with clients

HLTFA311A Apply first aid

HLTHIR301C Communicate and work effectively in health

HLTIN301C Comply with infection control policies and procedures

HLTWHS300B Contribute to WHS processes

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:

Medical treatment being undertaken

Client's physical and psychological readiness and/or wellness

Cultural factors

Contraindications to treatment

Post reflexology activity

Mode of administration may include:

Use of oils, creams, lotion, talcum powder, corn starch

Requirement for feedback and interaction

Range of relaxation and reflexology techniques

Variations in hold, leverage and pressure intensity according to tissue condition, age, health and sensitivity of client

Requirements of specified positioning of client

Requirements of finishing techniques

Reaction and responses during a session may include:

Discomfort

Emotional reactions

feedback - verbal, tactile, visual

Muscular spasms

Body temperature discomfort

Deep relaxation

Alleviation of presenting symptoms

Reaction and response following a session may include:

Feeling of wellbeing

Relief of symptoms

Increased urination

Slight headache, nausea, malaise

Increased bowel symptoms

Temporary exacerbation of symptoms

Increased energy

Improved sleep

Practitioner responses to reactions may include:

Adjusting treatment accordingly

Seeking appropriate expertise

Discussing reactions with the client

Adherence to clinic guidelines for response to accidents and emergencies

Use of first aid procedures according to a St Johns, Australian Red Cross or other appropriate first aid training

Maintaining a senior First Aid Certificate which is renewed every three years

Accessing local emergency services

Consent to treatment refers to:

Understanding of what is involved in reflexology treatment according to the principles of a reflexology framework

informed consent according to local and national regulations and legal guidelines

Relaxation techniques:

Must include:

Stroking and effleurage techniques

Friction light and deep

Holding

Breathing

Knuckling

Rotation and loosening

Stretching

Kneading

Twisting and wringing

Diaphragm relaxer

Spinal twist

Toe rotation

And may include:

Breathing

Percussion

Knuckling

Reflexology techniques:

Must include:

Thumb and finger walking

Microrotation with thumbs and fingers

Sedating light or deep

Hook in and back up

Palpating

And may include:

Knuckling

Sweeping

Rocking

Holding/balancing

Sliding

Holding and supporting the foot may mean:

Holding hand may act as an adjunctive to working hand for support

Holding hand to create taut or soft surface over which techniques are applied

Holding hand to adjust angle of foot for support

Holding hand to provide maximum client comfort and security

Leverage may mean:

Thumbs and fingers of working hand provide pressure in opposition to each other

Heels of hands may provide leverage for working fingers

Pressure may mean:

Light pressure is utilised for the elderly, infants or debilitated

Light pressure is utilised for poor tissue condition

Light pressure is utilised over surface vein areas

Light pressure is utilised over acutely sensitive areas

Average to heavy pressure may be utilised according to client health and comfort

Client comfort to be given highest priority when applying pressure

Specific techniques may mean

Techniques as appropriate to specific reflexology

Reflexology worked on both feet according to body systems or sequence may mean:

Both feet are completely worked for maximum effect

Specific attention is given to particular reflexology areas in relation to client's state of well being

Feet may be worked in relation to body systems

Feet may be worked one at a time

Length of session time as appropriate to client may mean:

A general session of reflexology may be of one hour's duration or more

Shorter sessions are appropriate for the elderly, infants and the very debilitated

Shorter sessions may also be appropriate for acute situations, daily maintenance and for sessions delivered at the workplace

Sessions longer than one hour may be appropriate according to the client's health and needs and/or the combination of techniques applied

Advise and resource the client refers to::

Providing relevant literature or information materials

Referring client to other information sources

Providing and demonstrating plan of self reflexology treatment for client

Suggestion of referrals to other health professions

This unit contains Employability Skills