Elements and Performance Criteria

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.


Central philosophies of shiatsu include:
Meridians
Yin and yang
Kyo and jitsu
Hara
Five phase/element theory
Development of personal health strategy eg ki building and ki projection


Major methods of treatment include:
A range of shiatsu sequences and techniques
Tsubo/acu-point techniques
Moxibustion
Stretching, posture and exercise techniques
Elbows, feet, knees, ball of thumb, hand pressure techniques
Meridian stretching techniques
Namikoshi, barefoot, and oshashi shiatsu zen shiatsu sequences and techniques
Hara diagnosis, tonification/dispersion and whole body sequence
Lifestyle and dietary advice
Relaxation techniques
Meditation


Other complementary therapies may include:
Traditional Chinese Massage
Therapies in which the practitioner is trained or informed


Shiatsu assessment techniques may include:
Examination of physical features
Palpation of the abdomen, back and meridians
Observation
Listening and smelling
Masunaga meridian palpation assessment
Back and spinal palpation assessment
Anatomical or mobility/flexibility assessment
Discussion/questioning
Any other method in which the practitioner has been trained to a competent standard
Procedures which are conducted according to legislative and regulatory requirements


Information on other complementary therapies may include:
Historical development
Current availability
Tools and techniques
Interactions between different therapies
When therapies may be used
Underpinning philosophy


Relationship between therapies may include:
Contraindications to treatment
Effects of one treatment over or with another
Treatment according to stage of condition


Enquiries may require explanation of:
Duration of treatment
Limitations of expected treatment outcomes
Possible approaches to treatment
Estimated cost of treatment
Availability of health fund rebates
Work cover eligibility
Limitations of professional status of practitioner
Availability of home visits
After hours service
Provision for hospital visits.


Appropriate information may include:
Confirmation of appointment date and time
Clinic location and directions
Cost of initial consultation
Payment options


Clinic's guidelines may include:
Procedures and guidelines
Purpose or mission statement
Code of ethics or practice
Level of competency and degree of supervision
Partnership/group decisions, agreed practice
Handling client complaints


Legal and regulatory guidelines may include:
WHS guidelines
Anti-discrimination legislation
Privacy Act
Infection control


Relevant documentation may include:
Nature of enquiry
Client contact details
Recording of incidents
Appointment details

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
Assessment may contain both theoretical and practical components and examples covering a range of clinical situations
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:
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
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
Practical demonstration and simulations
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


Related units:
This unit should be assessed in conjunction with the following related unit:
HLTHIR301C Communicate and work effectively in health