● Describe reasonable alternatives to the recommended treatment(s) or procedure(s), including the expected benefits and known risks of each alternative. ● Identify the practitioners who will be involved in performing the treatment or procedure. Intake interview and documentation Clients should fill out a formal intake form on their first visit that includes: ● Client’s name, address, and telephone or other contact number(s). ● Insurance/payment methods (if applicable). ● Emergency contact information (Ashton, 2010). The client should also sign and date the following statements: ● Release of medical records. ● Notice of informed consent with scope of practice and its limitations. ● Client’s bill of rights. A client’s bill of rights typically includes the following information: ● Name of practitioner. ● Details of practitioner certification and list of credentials. ● Practitioner’s area of expertise, philosophy, and/or approach to massage. ● Fees and service schedule. ● Payment terms. ● Filing procedures for written complaints. ● A right to information statement, asserting the client’s right to the following information: ○ Practitioner’s assessment of the client’s physical condition. ○ Recommended treatment, estimated duration of treatment, and expected results. ○ Copy of client’s health forms/records held by practitioner. ● Statement of confidentiality. ● Statement of refusal, explaining the client’s right to terminate a course of treatment at any time and choose a new practitioner. ● Clients’ right to invoke, which explains a client’s right to invoke their autonomy without fear of reprisal (Thompson, 2018). Both the practitioner and client are ensured the right of refusal. For a client, this means the right to refuse, modify, or terminate treatment regardless of any prior agreements or statements of consent. For a practitioner, this means the right to refuse to treat any person or condition for just and reasonable cause. These rights safeguard a client’s freedom to choose any practitioner and a practitioner’s freedom to terminate treatment, if necessary. These rights might come into play in cases of negligence or abuse. For example, practitioners can refuse to work with an abusive or unstable client, and clients can refuse treatment from a practitioner they suspect is practicing under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any illegal substances (Thompson, 2018). Business management and promotion Conducting business in an ethical manner involves treating people fairly and decently, using skills and time effectively, and adhering to high standards. A massage therapist’s promotional materials, record keeping, financial dealings, and conduct in day-to-day business matters should also follow ethical guidelines. Maintaining a practice in good standing means (Salvo, 2019): ● Filing local, state, and federal taxes accurately and on time. ● Reason for visit. ● Medical history.
● Advise the patient if the recommended treatment or procedure is novel or unorthodox. ● Encourage the patient to ask questions.
● Discussing and/or displaying fee schedules and billing practices prior to a first meeting. ● Making the client’s welfare the paramount concern. ● Following generally accepted accounting practices. ● Keeping accurate financial records. ● Maintaining patient confidentiality. ● Respecting and collaborating with other professionals ● Making appropriate referrals, if necessary. Any negative perceptions of a massage professional’s marketing materials or advertisements tend to reflect poorly on colleagues and the profession as a whole. Promotional materials should: ● Include the therapist’s license number, place of business, and phone number. ● Refrain from using fear or guilt as motivational tactics ● Avoid unrealistic, misleading, or sensational claims, or promises to cure specific conditions or ailments. ● Avoid using words or images that might be construed as sexual in nature. ● Adhere to truth-in-advertising standards (Salvo, 2019). Self-care techniques Massage and bodywork practitioners are faced with a number of mental and physical challenges that may cause stress due to managing a career or business, helping clients with varying conditions, and providing care that requires a high degree of strenuous, physical activity. Practitioners must prioritize self-care to reduce stress and maintain health and stamina to provide the best care for clients. A regular program of self-care can reduce high blood pressure, improve digestion, promote healthy sleep, and improve memory or concentration (AMTA, 2021b). Today, massage and bodywork practitioners may serve as part of a multidisciplinary health care team, and have the responsibility to collaborate with other health care providers to help clients achieve wellness goals. Clients regard their health professionals as role models for health and wellness, which adds to the importance of practitioners to maintain a healthy lifestyle and balance in their lives. To be regarded as health care professionals, practitioners must exemplify ethical standards in their daily practice and in the community. Self-care to maintain a successful practice The AMTA provides the following information of the importance of self-care to support a successful practice: Practicing self-care is as important to your business success as your client and business skills are. If you injure yourself through poor use of body mechanics or physical exhaustion, the effect on your business could be devastating. A healthy self-care routine allows you to take on the demanding yet satisfying work required of massage therapists. Take care of yourself and your business at the same time (AMTA, 2021b). The AMTA provides the following tips for self-care on and off the job: On-the-job self-care tips include : ○ Consistently good body mechanics. ○ Breathwork. ○ Meditating or praying. ○ Quiet breaks. ○ Healthy eating.
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Book Code: MFL1227
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