Btec Level 3 Health and Social Care Complimentary Therapies 23a
In:
Submitted By isthismyusername Words 1698 Pages 7
Explain the factors that affect access to complementary therapies
Factors that could affect access to complementary therapies could stem from many sources. These could consist of physical barriers, geographical barriers, socio-economical barriers, cultural barriers, educational barriers and the barriers that may be face by referral systems.
Physical Barriers includes whether or not a service user can access the building in which the CAM therapy is to take place. For example the individual may face mobility issues such as being in a wheelchair, or other health problems such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) which may result in breathlessness. Geographical barriers would include aspects of an individual’s life associated with where they live which may determine how easy it is to get to and from places in which complementary therapies take place. Various transport options may have to be considered, does the individual drive, or is there reliable access to public transport? Socio-economical barriers arise in association with how financially secure potential service users are. Whether or not an individual can attend a complementary therapy service is dependent on how much the therapy costs, and whether it can be afforded by the individual. Cultural barriers stem from the beliefs of an individual, and whether a particular type of practice is acceptable in relation to their religion or culture, but may also be a result of perceived efficacy of the therapies in question. Educational barriers are associated with how possible it is to find information relating to the CAM therapies that are sought for, for potential use by the individual. It also includes finding out what is seen to work best to ad particular conditions, what doesn’t necessarily work effectively, how it works and what it aims to achieve. Referral system barriers tend to be highly focused on the waiting lists involves in utilising the complementary therapies but may also include the availability of the different complementary therapies and the professional practitioner required to provide them.
(Word Count 315)
Explain how the use of complementary therapies is regulated
Regulation is a legal restriction/set of rules, which can allow for example, standards to be met. It acts as a framework for good practice. Within complementary therapies, this could involve establishing rules and standards for training, practice and registration. Regulation is important to help ensure that risks hazardous to health are minimised and that all activities and programs are regulated to an extent aims to protect service users. In order for a therapist to regulate, the must have recognised educational qualification from a registered provide, including dates in which these qualification were achieved. They are then required to include the name of the professional organisation that they belong to, in addition to a registration number that would have been issued by the professional association. Currently the only two CAM professions subject to statutory regulation are osteopathy and chiropractic with the bodies established by parliament to regulate and develop the professions being the Osteopath General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) and the Chiropractic Council (GCC). In February 2011, the Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley announced in a written statement to the UK Parliament that all UK practitioners prescribing herbal medicines are to be statutorily regulated via the Health Professionals Council. Currently these practitioners are regulated on a voluntary basis by their professional bodies representing Western, Chinese, Ayurvedic and other traditions. Subject to Parliamentary procedures the intention is to have the legislation for statutory legislation in place by 2012. ("CAM Regulation | Research Council For Complementary Medicine")
(Word Count 245)
Explain the principles and practices for complementary therapies
Registered practitioners are personally accountable for the practice they provide. In caring for patients and clients, practitioners must; respect the patient or client as an individual and honour their integrity as well as respecting their customs, creed, race, ability, sexuality, economic status, lifestyle, political beliefs and religion; obtain consent before they give any treatment or care and work according to holistic principles; protect confidential information; recognise the value of other therapies and health care professionals, both within complementary and conventional medicine and work with other practitioners and refer when it is in the patient’s/client’s best interests. A practitioner must not treat a patient/client in any case which exceeds their capacity, training and competence; Maintain their professional knowledge and competence on a continuous basis so that they may offer the very best standard of treatment; be trustworthy and not exploit the patient or client. Registrants must maintain the highest morals and behave with courtesy, respect, dignity, discretion and tact. And finally act to identify and minimise risk to patients and clients. These values are concurrent with those of all the United Kingdom health regulatory bodies. Practitioners are personally responsible for their practice. This means they are answerable for their actions and omission, regardless of advice or direction from another professional. Practitioners have a duty of care to patients/clients, who are entitled to receive safe competent care and are bound by the laws of the United Kingdom. The Registered Medical Practitioners must remain in charge of the patient’s/client’s treatment and clinically accountable for the care offered by a practitioner. Registered practitioners must never claim to ‘cure’. The possible therapeutic benefits may be described following face to face consultations as part of the Medicines Act 196. ‘Recovery’ must never be guaranteed. Complementary therapists are not permitted to countermand instructions or prescriptions given by a doctor. Registered practitioners must never give a medical diagnosis to a client as this is the responsibility of a registered medical practitioner.
(Word Count 323)
Discuss complementary therapies that are available for users of health and social care services
Reflexology is a form of complementary' medicine and involves a method of treatment using massage to reflex areas found in the feet and the hands. Most commonly, the feet are used as the areas to be treated. Reflexology would not be used to cure a disorder although many clients would undergo reflexology because they want to experience relief from conventional treatments. These conditions can include: anxiety, asthma, cancer treatments, diabetes, headaches, cardiovascular disorders and dysfunction of the kidneys. This therapy would be available for people who access health and social care services. However, the disadvantage of this therapy is that it isn’t funded by the NHS so clients would have to go private to access this CAM therapy. Although, the advantage would be all the health benefits that they would receive from experiencing this treatment. These benefits would enable the individual to have a better recovery, as reflexology induces relaxation and a positive outlook on their treatment which could include chemotherapy and radiotherapy which are both a very intense method of cancer treatment. Reflexology would benefit the health and social care user as it is a holistic therapy which would look into treating the individual as a whole, including their body, mind and spirit. The therapy would enable the service user’s body to health both physically and emotionally. The therapy would induce relaxation and aid the release of tension. There is growing evidence that reflexology can help reduce pain anxiety associated with cancer, and its treatments. Recent evidence, though limited, suggests that reflexology can also reduce fatigue and improve mood and quality of life. Reflexology is considered safe when practised by a trained therapist who has experience of oncological treatment and relief. Reflexology is not recommended if you have recent or persistent food condition or injuries, wounds, ulcers, gout or vascular disease of the feet/legs. If the site of your cancer, is on an individual’s foot or leg then reflexology may not be appropriate. Reflexology sessions can cost between £25 to £50 per hour. Some hospitals and cancer care centres offer reflexology free of charge or at a reduced cost. ("About Reflexology - Britreflex") Swedish relaxation massage would be available for health and social care users. Modern massage involves the manipulation of muscles and soft tissues to aid health, wellbeing, circulation and relaxation. The level of touch can be light and gentle or deep and quite strong. Massage in Europe has developed into many different practices which draw on various traditions, most commonly Swedish massage techniques. Massage does not include practices that involve manipulation of the skeletal system, such as osteopathy and chiropractic. Therapists often use a combination of techniques. Some of the common techniques include: Swedish or classical massage which uses five basic techniques including vibration, tapping, kneading, stroking and friction; Holistic massage which takes into account the whole person, mind, body and spirit; Aromatherapy massage which uses aromatherapy oils to add to the effect of the massage; Sports massage which primarily helps athletes prevent or heal injuries; Deep tissue massage, which reaches beyond the superficial layer of muscles to the muscles underneath. Massage therapy can cost between £20 and £60 for an hour session. Massageenvy.com. N.p., 2016. Web. 30 Apr. 2016. Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to promote wellness and health. Aromatic plants materials have been used in rituals and medicine since ancient times and modern aromatherapy continues this tradition. Oils can be inhaled or applies to the skin when diluted, often through massage. For people with cancer, aromatherapy is offered to relieve the symptoms of cancer and its treatments. People report feeling relaxed, pampered and empowered by aromatherapy massage. The balance of research evidence is supportive of aromatherapy as an effective treatment for anxiety, and there is limited positive evidence for improving sleep. There is evidence both for and against the benefits of aromatherapy for pain, depression, physical symptoms, mood and quality of life. Sessions tend to cost between £30 to £60 depending on the length of time of the treatment and the location. Aromatherapy is considered safe when practised by a qualified therapist who has experience of working with people living with cancer. However, essential oils should not be used undiluted on the skins, and should not be taken internally. ("What Is Aromatherapy | National Association For Holistic Aromatherapy")
