Unit of competency details

Descriptor 

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to administer TCM remedial massage treatment specific to the needs of women and children in accordance with the philosophy and practices of a TCM remedial massage therapeutic framework

Application 

This unit applies to work in a range of health settings

Application of this unit should be contextualised to reflect any professional requirements, issues and practices specific to each workplace

Employability Skills 

This unit contains Employability Skills

Elements define the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

The Performance Criteria specify the level of performance required to demonstrate achievement of the Element. Terms in italics are elaborated in the Range Statement.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Assess females according to a TCM Remedial Massage framework

1.1 Discuss client's condition and refer to relevant documentation

1.2 Assess client

1.3 Ensure client comfort and privacy at all times

1.4 Assess presenting signs and symptoms according to TCM framework

1.5 Discuss assessment with the client

2. Assess children according to a TCM Remedial Massage framework

2.1 Obtain appropriate consent

2.2 Assess client

2.3 Ensure client comfort and privacy at all times

2.4 Assess presenting signs and symptoms according to TCM Remedial Massage framework

2.5 Discuss assessment with the client and/or significant others

3. Provide support for women's health

3.1 Provide TCM Remedial Massage women's health  treatment

3.2 Position client correctly to optimise their comfort and support while allowing optimum application of techniques

3.3 Maintain appropriate postures to ensure a controlled distribution of body weight throughout the treatment

3.4 Maintain client-focused attention throughout the treatment session

3.5 Determine treatment sequence, location and degree of pressure applied by assessment indications

4. Provide care for children

4.1 Provide TCM Remedial Massage children's health treatment 

4.2 Position client correctly to optimise their comfort and support while allowing optimum application of techniques

4.3 Maintain appropriate postures to ensure a controlled distribution of body weight throughout the treatment

4.4 Maintain client-focused attention throughout the treatment session

4.5 Determine treatment sequence, location and degree of pressure applied by assessment indications

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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:

• The philosophies, principles and tools of TCM Remedial Massage practice
• The theory of gynaecology and obstetrics according to TCM, including:

• birth options and settings
• contraindications and precautions
• cultural perspectives on birth and birthing
• gestational disorders
• gestational disorders
• gynaecological and obstetric TCM physiology, pathology, aetiology, diagnosis, differentiation of gynaecological conditions
• pre and post-partum disorders
• the development of TCM gynaecology and obstetrics
• the TCM Remedial Massage therapist as part of the neonatal health practitioner team
• the treatment of pain, anxiety and other conditions during labour;
• therapeutic principles and methods

• The theory of paediatric development according to TCM
• The theory of paediatric massage according to TCM, including:

• contraindications and precautions
• paediatric TCM physiology, pathology, aetiology, diagnosis, differentiation of paediatric conditions
• the development of TCM paediatric

• Therapeutic principles and methods

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:

• Appropriately record details of client enquiries according to clinic guidelines
• Correctly identify client information needs
• Provide client with required information about their condition
• Provide treatment appropriate to the needs of the client
• Work or model work which demonstrates an understanding of underpinning values and philosophies in the TCM Remedial Massage framework

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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

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
• Skilled assessors

Method of assessment 

• Observation in the work place (if possible)
• 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 discussion
• Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting (laboratory). 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

RANGE STATEMENT 

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.

Assessment may include :

• Assessment of physical features
• Palpation
• Observation
• Listening and smelling
• Taking of blood pressure, temperature, radial pulse rate and quality
• Percussion
• Listening to heart and chest sounds using a stethoscope
• TCM pattern differentiation
• Discussion/questioning
• Any other method in which the practitioner has been trained to a competent standard
• Procedure which is conducted according to legislative and regulatory requirements

TCM Remedial Massage women and children's health treatment may include the following methods :

• Acupressure
• An mo
• Tui na
• Gua sha
• Moxibustion
• Cupping
• A range of TCM Remedial Massage sequences and techniques