Elements and Performance Criteria

Factors likely to have a negative impact on assessment may include:
Language difficulties
Disabilities
Emotional trauma
Lack of privacy or focus due to additional parties being present
Cultural or gender factors

Other health care professional may include:
Medical practitioners
Psychologists
Social workers
Counsellors
Other alternative/complementary health practitioners

Client history may include:
Date of presentation
Identifying personal details
Source of referral (if applicable)
Main presenting complaint or reason for massage
Presenting symptom picture
General state of health
Biological
Emotional
Psychological
Social
Spiritual
Allergies
Appetite and eating habits
Bowel and urinary habits
Menstrual cycle
Sleep patterns
Exercise
Relaxation/leisure activities
Childhood and adult illness
Accidents, injuries, operations
Hospitalisations
Occupational history and environment
Other current medical treatment
Medication, supplements and natural prescriptions - current and previous
Social lifestyle including social drug usage
Family history

Potential sensitivities may include:
Gender
Ethnicity
Language
Religious beliefs
Cultural heritage
Sexuality
Ability
Presenting disease state and personal history

Other appropriate assessment techniques may include:
Palpation
Observation
Listening and smelling
Taking of blood pressure, temperature, radial pulse rate and quality
Percussion
TCM pattern differentiation
Discussion/questioning
Or any other method in which the practitioner has been trained to a competent standard
Procedure which is conducted according to legislative and regulatory requirements

Contra-indications to treatment may include:
Infection or infectious diseases
Pain local sharp, dull, achy, deep, surface
Fatigue
Inflammation
Lumps and tissue changes
Rashes and changes in the skin
Oedema
Mood alterations, eg. depression, anxiety
Changes in habits such as appetite elimination or sleep
Bleeding and bruising
Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
Temperature - hot/cold
Varicose veins
Recent severe sprains, bruises or whiplash injuries
Migraines

Critical aspects of assessment:
Understanding signs and symptoms of condition
Demonstrated assessment skills
Demonstrated record keeping skills
Knowledge of and ability to use correct terminology
Demonstrated ability to identify and describe major diagnostic zones of the body
Demonstrated ability to assess client/patient using a range of TCM remedial massage assessment techniques
Demonstrated communication skills

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units:
Communicate effectively with clients/patients
Contribute to the control of infection
Work effectively in the health industry

Underpinning knowledge and skills:
Awareness of critical information required for assessment and treatment according to principles of TCM
Knowledge of relationships between body types and symptoms according to five phases theory
Knowledge of diagnostic ability of face, complexion, posture and vitality
Knowledge of palpatory assessment techniques
Knowledge of primary functions of meridians and meridian extensions
Knowledge of the basis of health and disease
Knowledge of Yin and Yang and Five Elemental Phases
Knowledge of the vital substances: Qi, Xue, Jing, Jin Ye
Knowledge of Zang fu (organ) theory
Knowledge of Jing Luo (meridian) theory
Knowledge of the influence of lifestyle, diet, personal history and values and attitudes on health
Knowledge of the influence of constitution and medical history on personal health
Knowledge of the influence of rest and activity on health status
Knowledge of the relationship between physical and social environment and health
Knowledge of the history and development of TCM, anatomy and physiology
Knowledge of etiology and pathology
Knowledge of the relational dynamics within and between human behaviour, anatomy and physiology, pathology and the natural world
Knowledge of the formation and function of blood, essence and fluids
Knowledge of the character and function of tsubo (acu-points)
Knowledge of relevant testing and assessment options and procedures
Philosophical approach to diagnosis and treatment
Knowledge of physiology and anatomy according to TCM Remedial Massage framework
Knowledge of symptomology and pathology according to TCM Remedial Massage framework
Knowledge of disease processes and affecting factors for a range of common diseases
Knowledge of physiology and anatomy
Knowledge of symptomology and pathology
Knowledge of disease causation, acute and chronic inflammatory processes, wound healing and haemorrhage processes
Knowledge of the pathological process of thrombosis and embolism
Knowledge of atheroma formation and oedema and their effects within the human body
Knowledge of normotensive and hypertensive characteristics
Knowledge of infectious and immunity process
Knowledge of neoplasms and pathological skin conditions
Knowledge of structure and function of cells, tissues, blood and organs
Knowledge of main paths of the human respiratory and cardiovascular systems and their physiology
Knowledge of musco-skeletal, digestive, integumentary, nervous, urinary, endocrine and reproductive systems
Knowledge of structure and function of anatomical systems
Knowledge of structure and function of skeletal, muscular; cardiovascular and lymphatic systems
Knowledge of the effects of hormones on the body
Knowledge of the principles of human movement and biomechanics
Knowledge of bioenergetic concepts and the cardio-respiratory concepts in relation to exercise
Knowledge of environmental physiology and the effects of drugs on the individual sport
Ability to identify contra-indications for massage
Knowledge of indications for massage
Ability to identify prominent bones/structures and major muscle groups through palpation
Demonstrated ability to read medical reports
Demonstrated ability to correctly use stethoscope, sphygmomanometer and an otoscope
Awareness of time management requirements during consultation
Ability to communicate effectively to gain required information
Knowledge of ethical and legal implications of enquiry
Ability to use equipment and technology competently and safely
Ability to select and use appropriate assessment techniques
Knowledge of legislatory and regulatory requirements

Resource implications
Resource requirements may include:
An appropriately stocked and equipped clinic or simulated clinic environment
Relevant assessment instruments
Appropriate assessment environment
Skilled assessors

Method of assessment
Assessment may include:
Observation of performance
Examples of assessment notes
Simulated assessments
Oral questioning on technique or assessment strategy
Case studies and scenarios as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice in the work environment

Context of assessment:
This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of work conditions. Assessment may be conducted on more than one occasion to cover a variety of circumstances.