Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/148952
The client's safety always comes first, and working with medically challenged clients brings an increased level of risk. Managing that risk requires a good understanding of many different factors— including your own abilities and motivation. It is essential to be truthful with yourself and answer this question honestly: "Do I want to serve these clients because it is a noble thing to do, or is it really because I want to appear noble to others?" This article does not aim to teach you how to work with a medically challenged client, but to give an overview of all the areas in which you will need to seek appropriate training or advice before deciding to take on this challenge. Understand the Law Above all else, estheticians must have a valid esthetics license in their state and know and follow their state's scope of practice. No state officially certifies or sets standards specifically for oncology esthetics, and although there are reputable organizations offering advanced education in this speciality, with exams and certification, these certifications do not imply official state licensing. In addition, organizations such as the Comité International D'Esthétique et de Cosmétologie (CIDESCO), the International Therapy Examination Council (ITEC), and the National Coalition of Estheticians, Manufacturers/Distributors and Associations (NCEA) have standards that can assist estheticians in achieving a high level of training and professionalism, and the International Society of Oncology Estheticians endorses organizations that adhere to high standards for evidence-based therapies. Know the Risks In any skin care work, there is a risk of harm. An esthetician's most important obligation is to use his or her best efforts to avoid reasonably foreseeable accidents or adverse reactions. In legal terms, negligence is the failure to meet this expected obligation. Studies within the medical profession have found that 10–20 percent of all medical diagnoses are incorrect. These diagnostic errors typically result from flawed ways of thinking, sometimes coupled with negligence. Could there be a similar rate of error among estheticians? How many estheticians are not performing a proper skin analysis or not getting all the necessary facts during the client-intake process and, as a result, are not providing appropriate treatments? With a medically challenged client, there are even more risks and clinical considerations to take into account. Estheticians must know how to work safely with a client who has medical implants (see Clients with Medical Devices, page 33), compromised lymph nodes and blood cell counts, and multiple side effects from medication, radiation, and/or surgery. As just one example, a client who has low blood-cell counts has an increased risk of unpleasant and sometimes life-threatening side effects, including bleeding and infection. This client needs a physician's release to get a spa treatment of any kind. Get connected to your peers @ www.skincareprofessionals.com 29