Elements and Performance Criteria

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.

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.