Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/148952
Simply taking a health history is not Clients with Medical Devices Many chemotherapy patients have an implanted device that provides direct access to a vein for drawing blood or delivering medication. These devices carry an increased risk of complications—including blood clots, infections, and skin erosion— in addition to the obvious risk of dislodging the implant itself. The port is what you're most likely to encounter in your treatment room. This coin-sized device is positioned under the skin on the left or right side of the chest, just below the clavicle, and looks like a hard-edged or round bump. Ports are usually kept in place for up to two years after chemotherapy treatment, and sometimes longer. Central lines and PICC lines have visible external parts. The central line is a catheter protruding from the chest. The PICC line is a long catheter usually located near the bend of the elbow. When providing services to a client with any implanted device, stay well away from the implant site. For example, for a client with a port, you should not include the décolleté in a facial treatment, and depending on the individual, it may be best to avoid the neck area, too. enough to give you the information you need with these clients. All information regarding your clients' health and the treatments you provide for them should be kept confidential. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) describes the requirements for protecting the privacy of client information. While this law is aimed at the medical profession and does not explicitly apply to estheticians, protecting your clients' privacy is the ethical and safe thing to do. Risk Management Means Good Judgment Finally, no matter how well trained you may be, you must be conservative when it comes to contraindications, precautions, and product recommendations. Risk management means using good judgment: refrain from performing a treatment whenever there is any doubt about whether it is suitable for the client. Mórag Currin is the author of Oncology Esthetics: A Practitioner's Guide (Allured Publications, 2009) and has 20 years of experience in esthetics, product development, and training, with seven years of experience in oncology esthetics. Contact her at info@oncologyesthetics.com. Thanks to the following people who contributed to this article: Karey Hazewinkel York and Johnnette du Rand (Institute of Integrative Oncology), Alexandra Zani (Aesthani Education Pathways for Esthetic Professionals), Paul Griffin (International Society of Oncology Estheticians), Brian Lawenda, MD (21st Century Oncology), and Toni Muirhead (Oncology Massage). Certain guidelines were reprinted with permission from the NCEA Training Manual (www.ncea.tv). Get connected to your peers @ www.skincareprofessionals.com 33