Portsmouth Hospitals Procedural Document template · Web viewRelaxation – is offered to individuals, or small groups; to help cope with treatments and to promote a feeling of relaxation

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PORTSMOUTH HOSPITALSCOMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES POLICY

FOR ADULT PATIENTS WITH CANCER AND THEIR CARERS

Version 5

Name of responsible (ratifying) committee Surgery and Cancer Governance Meeting

Date ratified 08 March 2019

Document Manager (job title) Macmillan Centre Manager

Date issued 02 April 2019

Review date 01 January 2022

Electronic location Clinical Policies

Related Procedural Documents -

Key Words (to aid with searching) Complementary therapies, cancer

Version TrackingVersion Date Ratified Brief Summary of Changes Author

5 08 March 2019 Policy reviewed and updated. Mary Harris

4 November 2014 Policy updates to reflect needs of service users and national policies

Sinead Parry

3 September 2012 Updated according to CSCCN guidelines Sinead Parry

Complementary Therapies Policy for Adult Patients with CancerVersion: 5Issue Date: 02 April 2019Review Date: 01 January 2022 (unless requirements change) Page 1 of 22

Working together to drive excellence in care for our patients and communities

our patients and communities

CONTENTS

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE................................................................................................................3

1. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................4

2. PURPOSE.........................................................................................................................................4

3. SCOPE..............................................................................................................................................4

4. DEFINITIONS....................................................................................................................................5

5. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES...................................................................................................6

6. PROCESS..........................................................................................................................................6

7. TRAINING REQUIREMENTS............................................................................................................9

8. REFERENCES AND ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTATION................................................................9

9. EQUALITY IMPACT STATEMENT...............................................................................................10

10. MONITORING COMPLIANCE WITH.............................................................................................11

PROCEDURAL DOCUMENTS............................................................................................................11

EQUALITY IMPACT SCREENING TOOL...........................................................................................12

APPENDIX 1: Policy for Complementary Therapies............................................................................14

APPENDIX 2: Complementary Therapy Professional Organisations..................................................18

APPENDIX 3: Register of Complementary Therapists offering therapy and consulting with

patients with cancer on PHT premises.........................................................................................20

APPENDIX 4: Complementary Therapist Agreement to comply with the Policy.................................21

APPENDIX 5: Consent Form for Complementary Therapy.................................................................22


QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

For quick reference the guide below is a summary of actions required. This does not negate the need for the document author and others involved in the process to be aware of and follow the detail of this policy.

1. The policy applies to all complementary therapists recruited by the Macmillan Information Centre practicing on Portsmouth Hospital premises and to all adult patients with cancer, carers of cancer patients and staff, receiving complementary therapies within Portsmouth Hospitals.

2. Volunteer therapists must be appointed in accordance with PHT volunteer policy and attend all mandatory training.

3. The therapist should provide written evidence of a qualification in their area of

practice agreed recognised by the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) - the sector regulator - or the relevant professional association (see appendix ii).

4. The Macmillan Centre Manager/deputy will be responsible for ensuring

therapists are current members of their relevant professional body and have up to date personal liability insurance.

5. The Macmillan Centre Manager will maintain a register of Complementary Therapy practitioners who meet the agreed criteria to practice on NHS premises.

6. All therapists must have the necessary knowledge or skills to treat individuals with cancer.

7. The Macmillan Centre Steering Group is responsible for the ratification and monitoring of the policy.

8. Individual therapists are responsible for - ensuring confidentiality of client information; maintaining adequate up to date indemnity insurance; ensuring a current knowledge base of both cancer treatments and their own area of therapy.

9. Documentation of consent must be recorded by the practitioners in the client’s records and stored in a locked filing cabinet in the Macmillan Centre in accordance with Information Governance requirements.

10. Written information on the complementary therapies is provided to clients to help inform their decision.


1. INTRODUCTION

Complementary therapies have become an increasing feature of services provided for cancer patients alongside conventional medicine. NICE Improving Outcomes Guidance on Supportive and Palliative Care for Adults with Cancer (2004) and Complementary Therapy (Safeguarding Practice) Measures (2011) recommend that providers of complementary therapies in NHS settings conform to policies designed to ensure best practice.

In accordance with the above guidelines for complementary therapies, the therapy:

Must work along side existing medical treatment without compromising existing care.

Must be based on current evidence and best practice. Must be based on consultation, planning, education and demonstrable

competence. Must comply with local policies.

The main purpose in the use of these therapies is to help: Promote relaxation. Reduce anxiety. Ease symptoms such as pain, nausea, poor sleep patterns. Help the patient find coping mechanisms and strategies.

Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust offers a selection of complementary therapies to patients with cancer and carers provided by volunteer therapists.

MassageAromatherapyReflexologyIndian head massageHand and Foot MassageRelaxationReikiYogaHypnotherapyEmotional Freedom Technic (EFT)

Two dedicated Complementary Therapy Suites have been established within the Macmillan Information and Support Centre at Queen Alexandra Hospital. Currently any funding necessary to provide therapies is obtained from charitable funds.

2. PURPOSE

To ensure that patients and carers receive and benefit from complementary therapies in an informed and appropriate way.

To provide a robust framework to support practitioners to provide complementary therapies safely and appropriately.

3. SCOPE

The policy applies to all complementary therapists recruited by the Macmillan Information Centre practicing on Portsmouth Hospital premises and to all adult patients with cancer, carers of cancer patients and staff, receiving complementary therapies within Portsmouth Hospitals.


All therapists will be issued with a copy of the policy and be required to sign to indicate understanding and adherence.

Cancer Patients who are not registered with PHT will be accepted with the consent of their Consultant, GP or Clinical Nurse Specialist.

4. DEFINITIONS

Complementary therapies

Complementary therapies are used alongside orthodox treatments with the aim of providing psychological and emotional support through the relief of symptoms’

NICE Supportive and Palliative Care Improving Outcomes Guidance (2004)

The following therapies may be practiced, this list however is not exhaustive, but is in line with those registered by the Complementary and Natural Health Council (CNHC).

Massage – Massage therapy is a system of treatment of the soft tissue of the body. It involves stroking, kneading or applying pressure to various parts of the body, with the aim of alleviating aches, pains and musculoskeletal problems.

Aromatherapy – is the use of pure essential oils generally applied in the form of massage, but can also be used in special aromatherapy diffusers. Their main use in this situation is to calm and relax the individual, but they can also ease some of the side effects of the cancer treatment. Blends, usually of three different oils are chosen in conjunction with the client, which take account of their preferences and medical history.

Reflexology- Reflexology is based on the principle that certain points on the feet and hands, called reflex points, correspond to various parts of the body and that by applying pressure to these points in a systematic way, a practitioner can help to release tensions and encourage the body’s natural healing processes.

Indian Head Massage - has been practised for over a thousand years, easing tension and promoting a sense of relaxation and well being. Other parts of the body may respond to this relaxed state. A head massage takes 30-40 minutes and covers the upper back, shoulders, neck, face, scalp, arms and hands.

Hand and Foot Massage- see massage

Relaxation – is offered to individuals, or small groups; to help cope with treatments and to promote a feeling of relaxation and general well being.

Reiki - Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a simple energy balancing technique developed in Japan in the early 1900’s. Reiki can produce a feeling of deep relaxation, a boost in energy levels and a reduction in tension and anxiety. During a treatment a reiki practitioner lays their hands on a recipient in a series of positions over head, torso and legs, gently drawing energy through the practitioner to the recipient helping to produce a state of balance. There are different levels of reiki practitioners; level one is for people who have learnt reiki to treat themselves, or use informally with friends; level two is practitioner level, to give reiki treatments to patients; level 3 is reiki master or teacher. Practitioners should have attained level 2 as the minimum to practice in the centre.


Yoga – Is an ancient tradition of mental and physical exercises, which started in India over 5,000 years ago and is now widely practiced in the UK. There are many different styles of yoga. It includes physical exercises, breathing techniques and relaxation.

Hypnotherapy - Hypnosis describes an interaction between a therapist and client. The therapist attempts to influence perceptions, feelings, thinking and behaviour by asking the client to concentrate on ideas and images that may evoke the intended effect. Hypnotherapy can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve quality of sleep and help prepare for investigations and treatments.

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) - EFT is a body/mind self-help method. It combines a gentle touch together with mindful and vocal attention to thoughts and feelings. EFT involves tapping with our fingertips on acupuncture points on the hands, face and upper body while focusing gently upon issues we wish to resolve.

5. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

All therapists should conform to all Portsmouth Hospital Trusts Policies. Volunteer therapists must be appointed in accordance with PHT volunteer

policy and attend all mandatory training. This will be supervised by the Macmillan Centre Co-ordinator in conjunction with the Trust Volunteer Co-ordinator.

The Macmillan Centre Manager /deputy will be responsible for ensuring therapists are current members of their relevant professional body and have up to date personal liability insurance. A photocopy of the insurance document should be taken and placed on the therapist’s personnel file. This should be reviewed at an annual review meeting.

Overall responsibility for complementary therapy services will lie with the Macmillan Centre Steering Group. Delegated responsibility for the service rests with the Macmillan Centre Manager.

The Macmillan Centre Steering Group is responsible for the review of the policy.

Individual therapists are responsible for - promoting comfort and well being of clientsensuring confidentiality of client information

maintaining adequate indemnity insurance maintaining accurate records ensuring a current knowledge base of both cancer treatments and their own area of therapy

6. PROCESS

6.1 Referrals

All patients may choose to access complementary therapies with the support of the consultants of the Combined Haematology and Oncology Centre.

Patients may self refer through the Macmillan Information and Support Centre at Queen Alexandra Hospital.

Referrals may be made by any health care professional within the Trust or local CCG’s with the patient’s consent.

Clients who are not patients or carers of patients of the Trust will be accepted with consent from their lead clinician.

Each client has the opportunity of four sessions in one year.


The Macmillan Centre Manager will review the number of sessions offered if there is a high demand for the service.

Staff can be offered complementary therapies where appointments have been cancelled.

Priority will be given to patients should the waiting time for appointments exceed six weeks.

Information leaflets about the complementary therapies offered are provided to clients to inform their choice of therapy.

6.2 Assessment

The patient or carer will be assessed by individual therapists at the first visit to ensure the referral is appropriate and any preferred choice of therapy is suitable

Specific therapies may have contraindications relevant to them – these are covered in treatment guidelines (appendix i).

Any concerns must be discussed with a health professional closely involved in the patients care e.g. Clinical Nurse Specialist, Consultant Oncologist, Radiographer or Chemotherapy Nurse.

6.3 Safe Practice

The practitioner should provide written evidence of a qualification in their area of practice recognised by the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) - the sector regulator - or the relevant professional association (see appendix ii).

Therapists will be required to practice using guidelines based on the current evidence of best practice. Any concerns that arise during treatment should be referred to the appropriate health profession.

All therapists will be required to have indemnity insurance and be a member of an appropriate professional body as described in ‘National Guidelines for the Use of Complementary Therapies in Supportive and Palliative Care’, The National Council for Hospice and Specialist Palliative Care Services and Complementary Therapy (Safeguarding Practice) Measures, Manual for Cancer Services (2011).

Any essential oils used are required to be genuine, pure essential oils, of therapeutic origin and preferable of organic origin. No perfume or oils of chemical mix or origin are to be used.

Carrier oils are to be cold pressed and unrefined, preferably of organic origin. Non scented massage wax can also be used for massage.

We would expect that any complementary therapist using products and oils on patients ensure that they have the up to date information as to whether the patients’ condition would be harmed or worsened as a result of their use. (For example this could be in the form of contra indicators to patients and their disease. There are information sources available to obtain this advice.)

Each patient must have an individual blend made for them, and the strength is to be in accordance with national guidelines.

It is recognized that a rapport between therapist and client may develop and that clients may wish to continue therapies with volunteer therapists outside of the


hospital. Whilst this is outside of the remit of Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, volunteers must not actively promote their private practice.

6.4 Consent

Complementary therapy practitioners must be aware of, and abide by the Trust’s consent policy.

Consent for the therapy must be obtained before the complementary therapy practitioner carries out the complementary therapy.

Documentation of consent must be recorded in the client’s records and stored in a locked filing cabinet in the Macmillan Centre in accordance with Information Governance requirements. Copy of a Consent Form can be found in Appendix (V)

Written information on the complementary therapies is provided to clients to help inform their decision.

6.5 Written Information

Written information is available including the following;

A description of the therapy and what that entails for the patient. A statement to the effect that the therapy is not an alternative to conventional

therapies. A statement explaining that all therapists have completed relevant qualifications

appropriate to their practice. The leaflet also states that while clients may want to make arrangements with

the complementary therapist privately this is outside the remit of Portsmouth NHS Trust.

6.6 Record keeping

Therapists will keep all records of treatments/interventions provided and these will be kept in secured storage within the Macmillan Information and Support Centre according to information governance requirements. As part of the records information on age, sex, ethnicity and post code of patient/carer will be documented.

6.7 Process for Ratification of New Therapies

1. New therapies will only be considered if they are endorsed the National Cancer Peer Review Programme; Complementary Therapy (Safeguarding Practice) Measures.

2. Summary of prospective new therapy submitted to Macmillan Centre Steering Group for consideration.

3. The practitioner should provide written evidence of a qualification in their area of practice agreed as acceptable by the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) - the sector regulator - or the relevant professional association (see appendix ii).

4. Once the Steering group has agreed to offer the new therapy, summary to be forwarded to the Haematology and Oncology Governance Committee meeting. . Only then, will the new therapy be ratified.


5. Written Information on the therapy to be available for users to make an informed decision.

7. TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

All complementary therapists volunteering in the centre should be either:

Health care professionals with oncology experience who have obtained a recognised qualification in their therapy (see appendix ii)

Or

Therapists with recognised qualifications in their therapy, who have additional training on adapting therapies to treat people with cancer as part of their induction,

Complementary Therapists are required:

To attend Portsmouth Hospital Trust Induction and mandatory training. Attend training such as Adapting Therapies to Cancer or equivalent. To attend relevant training as identified at an annual review or at the request of

therapist or Centre manager. On induction they will meet another complementary therapist who can provide a

source of informal peer support. Therapists have access to health care professionals within the Trust for support and

advice and are encouraged to attend the volunteers meetings at the centre at least annually.

8. REFERENCES AND ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTATION

Improving Supportive and Palliative Care for Adults with Cancer: National Institute for Clinical Excellence, March 2004. www.nice.org.uk

National Cancer Peer Review Programme. Manual for Cancer services 2011: Complementary Therapy (Safeguarding Practice) Measure, Version 2. National Cancer Action Team, October 2009. www.dh.gov.uk/publications/

National Guidelines for the Use of Complementary Therapies in Supportive Palliative Care The National Council for Hospice and Specialist Palliative Care Services and The Prince of Wales’s Foundation for Integrated Health. May 2003.

Complementary Therapies in Cancer Care: Abridged report of a study. Dr Michelle Kohn, Macmillan Cancer Relief, 2000

Criteria for Complementary Therapists, Central South Coast Cancer Network, May 2012www.csccn.nhs.uk/uploads/networkgrp/20120626075938-Comp-therapies-Guidelines--reviewed-June-2012-final.doc

Criteria for Complementary Therapists working on NHS Premises or endorsed/ cited in the patient information offered by the Sussex Cancer Network Multidisciplinary Teams,


chemotherapy services and radiotherapy departments, Sussex Cancer Network, March 2010

9. EQUALITY IMPACT STATEMENT

Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust is committed to ensuring that, as far as is reasonably practicable, the way we provide services to the public and the way we treat our staff reflects their individual needs and does not discriminate against individuals or groups on any grounds.

This policy has been assessed accordingly.

Our values are the core of what Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust is and what we cherish. They are beliefs that manifest in the behaviours our employees display in the workplace. Our Values were developed after listening to our staff. They bring the Trust closer to its vision to be the best hospital, providing the best care by the best people and ensure that our patients are at the centre of all we do.

We are committed to promoting a culture founded on these values which form the ‘heart’ of our Trust:

Working together for patientsWorking together with compassionWorking together as one teamWorking together always improving

This policy should be read and implemented with the Trust Values in mind at all times

10. MONITORING COMPLIANCE WITHPROCEDURAL DOCUMENTS

This document will be monitored to ensure it is effective and to assure compliance.


Minimum requirement to be monitored

Lead Tool Frequency of Report of

Compliance

Reporting arrangements Lead(s) for acting on Recommendations

Client documentation and Record of Consent

Centre Manager

Annual Macmillan Centre Steering Group

Centre Staff & volunteer therapists

Client documentation and Record of Consent

Register of complementary therapists detailing qualifications and insurance (Appendix iii)

Centre Manager/Centre Coordinators

AnnualTeam MeetingCentre Steering group


Register of complementary therapists detailing qualifications and insurance (Appendix iii)

Written information leaflet for complementary therapies

Centre Manager

Every 2 years

Team MeetingsCentre Steering group


Written information leaflet for complementary therapies


EQUALITY IMPACT SCREENING TOOLTo be completed and attached to any procedural document when submitted to the

appropriate committee for consideration and approval for service and policy changes/amendments.

Stage 1 - Screening

Title of Procedural Document: Complementary Therapy Policy For Adult Patients With Cancer And Their Carers

Date of Assessment 30 September 2018 Responsible Department

Macmillan Information and Support Centre

Name of person completing assessment

Mary Harris Job Title Macmillan Centre Manager

Does the policy/function affect one group less or more favourably than another on the basis of :

Yes/No Comments

Age No Adults only

Disability No

Gender reassignment No

Pregnancy and Maternity No

Race No

Sex No

Religion or Belief No

Sexual Orientation No

Marriage and Civil Partnership No

If the answer to all of the above questions is NO, the EIA is complete. If YES, a full impact assessment is required: go on to stage 2, page 2

More Information can be found be following the link below

www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents

Stage 2 – Full Impact Assessment

What is the impact Level of Impact

Mitigating Actions(what needs to be done to minimise /

remove the impact)

Responsible Officer


Monitoring of Actions

The monitoring of actions to mitigate any impact will be undertaken at the appropriate level

Specialty Procedural Document: Specialty Governance CommitteeClinical Service Centre Procedural Document: Clinical Service Centre Governance CommitteeCorporate Procedural Document: Relevant Corporate Committee

All actions will be further monitored as part of reporting schedule to the Equality and Diversity Committee

APPENDIX 1: Policy for Complementary Therapies

1.0 AROMATHERAPY


Topical application with appropriate massage will be the normal method of treatment,

Essential oils are required to be genuine, pure essential oils, of therapeutic quality and preferably of organic origin. No perfume oils or oils of chemical mix or origin are to be used.

Carrier oils are to be cold pressed and unrefined, preferably of organic origin. (Grapeseed oil). Use 0.5-1% dilution of essential oils maximum. Non scented massage wax can also be used for massage.

Each patient must have an individual blend made for them, and the strength is to be in accordance with professional guidelines.

1.1 Special Precautions for patients undergoing/just completed radiotherapy

Be aware of appropriate oil choice. Use gentle oils following radiotherapy as skin remains vulnerable.

Avoid entry and exit site of radiation beam for six weeks or until skin is healed. Be aware of possible side effects of radiotherapy such as fatigue, soreness of

skin, digestive disturbance.

1.2 Special precautions for patients undergoing chemotherapy

Be aware of the side effects of chemotherapy such as fatigue, lowered immune function, increased risk of infection and bruising, dry or peeling skin, digestive disturbance, nausea, altered smell preferences, hair loss and skin sensitivity.

Consider using plain carrier oil (or wax) and choose oils appropriately.

1.3 Permitted Essential Oils

There is no definitive list of oils for use with condition specific patient groups, and opinion differs amongst aromatherapists themselves on this issue. Therefore there is no definitive list of permitted oils included in this policy. Aromatherapists will use their professional knowledge when selecting oils for patients. Only qualified aromatherapists are permitted to use essential oils.

Please note the following contra-indications for use of the following essential oils:

Rosemary should be avoided in patients with brain tumours / epilepsy as it can trigger seizures, it is therefore not permitted. (Consider also risk of undiagnosed brain tumours).

In the case of hypersensitive or damaged skin avoid the use of: Eucalyptus (all varieties).

Due to potential skin sensitivity citrus oils are also not permitted

2.0 MASSAGE

Generally, gentle, non-invasive massage techniques should be employed. Kneading, pummeling and deep massage are not recommended.


2.1 Clinical checklist/contraindications

1) Body TemperatureDo not treat patients with a high temperature.

2) Fluid Retention/Swelling/LymphoedemaAvoid the area. Never massage a swollen limb/trunk,

3) Undiagnosed Lumps or Areas of InflammationAVOID THE AREA – report this finding.Very hot areas can indicate an infection, inflammation or intense cellular activity. Therapists should check with staff first to establish appropriateness of treatment. (It may indicate a recent growth in cancer patients which has not yet been diagnosed.)

4) Skin Problems/RashesThese could be circulatory problems or reaction to medication/diet. AVOID THE AREA OF ANY RASHES. Report this finding.

5) Pinprick BruisingThese are indicators of a very low blood count. Check with nursing staff or medical staff before treating. Massage very gently with careful light strokes. It may be appropriate to massage hands and feet only in order to avoid affected areas.

6) RadiotherapyRadiotherapy treatment entry and exit sites should be avoided for up to six weeks following treatment or while skin still sore.Use very gentle strokes following radiotherapy as the skin remains vulnerable to damage.

7) Stoma Sites, Cannulas, Dressings and CathetersAVOID THESE. Massage elsewhere, i.e.: hands and feet.

8) Scar Tissue/Broken Skin/Lesions/Recent operation sites or woundsAvoid areas of recent scar tissue/broken skin or lesions.

9) Tumour SiteDo not massage over the tumour site, near the tumour site or adjacent or affected lymph glands.

10) Thrombosis: Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or Pulmonary Embolism (PE)Do not massage feet or legs if the patient has a diagnosed or suspected DVT in the legs, or arm/hand if a thrombosis is suspected in the arm. In these situations hand, face, head treatment or reiki may be offered. The affected limb/area is not to be massaged with anything other than light touch even after 6 months. 11) Areas of InfectionEmploy appropriate infection control techniques in line with PHT Infection Control Policy.

12) Injury and Bone Metastases (secondaries)Avoid areas of injury or bone metastases.

13) Phlebitis (hot/inflamed veins)Avoid areas of phlebitis.


14) Hot or inflamed JointsAvoid hot or inflamed joints, except to apply cooling oils where appropriate.

15) Angina, Hypertension, HypotensionExercise caution with patients with these conditions, using gentle massage strokes and appropriate oils.

16) JaundiceExercise caution with patients with these conditions. Check with the nursing or medical staff before proceeding.

17) Low platelet countsThis will contra-indicate the use of massage using pressure techniques as there is a greater likelihood of bruising. (Advisable to offer hands and feet treatment only if the platelet count is known to be below 20).

18) Abdominal massageThis is not advisable for any cancer patient.

3. 0 REFLEXOLOGY

Avoid a limb or foot with suspected deep vein thrombosis and avoid varicose veins. Be aware of any tender areas on the foot or hand that relate to new surgical wounds. Avoid limbs affected by lymphedema and cellulitis Avoid areas corresponding to colonic stimulation if there are any symptoms or risk of

intestinal obstruction due to causes other than constipation. Adjust pressure for patients with a low platelet count, taking note of any existing

bruising and skin viability. Be aware that peripheral sensation may be affected by a person’s psychological

state, or medication, such as steroids, opioids or chemotherapy. Be aware that peripheral neuropathy may be a symptom of certain tumours or a side

effect of chemotherapy or other diseases / conditions.

General precautions

Palpate gently and sensitively over the reflexes relating to tumour site(s). Assess the condition of the reflexes and adapt treatment accordingly so that the feet

are not over stimulated in any way, especially in patients with altered peripheral sensation or peripheral neuropathy.

Establish a working pressure that is comfortable for the patient at all times, and tailor treatment to avoid strong reactions.

Use grapeseed oil if the skin is very dry.

4.0 CARERS

Any carers who have a contraindication to a therapy must obtain medical agreement from their GP to undertake the relevant therapy. If there is no authorising letter from the GP the carer must sign a consent form indicating that the GP has given permission for the therapy to go ahead.

5.0 GENERAL GUIDANCE WHEN GIVING A SESSION


Therapists must adhere to any guidance on toxicity of substances contra indicated for patients with cancer and other medical conditions advised by their code of professional conduct and professional indemnity insurance.

Hands must be washed immediately before and after treatments are given, and alcohol gel should be used in accordance with PHT policy.

When treating patients with MRSA or similar infectious illness, full protective precautions should be used: wear disposable gloves and apron and treat as last patient(s) of the day. Be aware of the Trust Infection Control Policy.

No jewellery or watches should be worn on hands or lower arms.

Adherence to the dress code should be carefully observed.

Aprons and gloves should always be worn when working with any immune compromised patient.

All therapists should establish a working pressure that is comfortable for the patient at all times. This pressure should never be deep and always be gentle.

All therapists are expected to participate in client evaluation.


APPENDIX 2: Complementary Therapy Professional Organisations

1.0 Complementary Healthcare Regulation

A number of complementary therapies are regulated by the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), the Government supported voluntary regulator for the sector, which sets standards for a range of therapies including massage, nutritional therapy, aromatherapy, reflexology, reiki, shiatsu, Alexander technique, yoga, cranial sacral and Bowen.

Other complementary therapies that are not currently regulated may join one or more of the existing professional associations listed below. The list of the organisations is by no means comprehensive.

CNHCThe UK voluntary regulatory body for the complementary healthcare sector. www.cnhc.org.uk or [email protected]

1.1 General Governing Bodies for Complementary Therapies

The CNHC is the main regulatory body for complementary therapists practicing in healthcare settings. They hold a list of other therapy organisations including, but not limited to the following:

The Federation of Holistic Therapistswww.fht.org.uk

British Complementary Medicine Associationwww.bcma.co.uk

Complementary Therapists Associationwww.complementary.assoc.org.uk

Specific Governing Bodies

1.2 Aromatherapy

International Federation of Aromatherapistswww.ifaroma.org

International Federation of Professional Aromatherapistshttps://ifparoma.org/

1.3 Massage

Association of Holistic Massage Therapistswww.ahbmt.org

Institute of Sport and Remedial Massagewww.theisrm.com

London and County Society of Physiologistswww.lcsp.uk.com


http://www.lcsp.uk.com/

http://www.theisrm.com/

https://ifparoma.org/

http://www.ifaroma.org/

http://www.complementary.assoc.org.uk/

http://www.bcma.co.uk/

http://www.fht.org.uk/

http://www.cnhc.org.uk/

Massage Training Institutewww.massagetraining.co.uk/index.php

1.4 Reiki

The Reiki Associationwww.reikiassociation.org.uk

Reiki Healers and Teachers Societywww.simplyreflections.co.uk/reikiSociety.html link replaced

UK Reiki Federationwww.reikifed.co.uk

The Reiki Guildhttp://www.thereikiguild.co.uk/

1.5 Reflexology

The Association of Reflexologistswww.aor.org.uk

The British Reflexology Associationwww.britreflex.co.uk

1.6 Hypnotherapy

National Council for Hypnotherapywww.hypnotherapists.org.uk

British Institute of Hypnotherapywww.britishinstituteofhypnotherapy-nlp.com


http://www.britishinstituteofhypnotherapy-nlp.com/

http://www.hypnotherapists.org.uk/

http://www.hypnotherapists.org.uk/

http://www.britreflex.co.uk/

http://www.aor.org.uk/

http://www.thereikiguild.co.uk/

http://www.reikifed.co.uk/

http://www.simplyreflections.co.uk/reikiSociety.html

http://www.reikiassociation.org.uk/

http://www.massagetraining.co.uk/index.php

APPENDIX 3: Register of Complementary Therapists offering therapy and consulting with patients with cancer on PHT premises

Macmillan Information and Support Centre

Register of Complementary Therapists offering therapy and consulting with patients with cancer on PHT premises

NAME QUALIFICATIONS THERAPIESOFFERED

DBS PROFESSIONAL BODY INDEMINITYINSURANCE

TRUST INDUCTION ADAPTING THERAPIES


APPENDIX 4: Complementary Therapist Agreement to comply with the Policy

Complementary Therapist Agreement to comply with the Policy

I have received, read and understood the policy and will adhere it.

Complementary therapist signature:

Print Name: Dated:

Macmillan Centre Manager Signature:

Print name Dated:


APPENDIX 5: Consent Form for Complementary Therapy

Consent Form for Complementary Therapy

Clients Name ……………………………………………

I sign to confirm that:-

I have received the information provided by the therapist YES NO I have understood this information YES NO I consent to the therapy YES NO I have an existing medical problem and my GP consents to the therapy YES

NO N/A

1. Signed Date (Client)

Signed Date (Complementary Therapist)






