Prerequisite: Providing Massage in Hospice Care modules 1, 2, 3

Objectives: Upon completing this module interns will be able to;

• Demonstrate knowledge of intake procedures from written and verbal sources

• Identify the role of a massage practitioner in facility care

• Implement assessment tools for individuals experiencing a wide range of physical and/or psychological symptoms

• Implement comfort strategies for a client in a bed or in a chair

• Demonstrate flexibility and creativity in assessing props needed for a massage session

• Demonstrate knowledge of massage adaptations for various stages of illness

• Implement self-care for the practitioner while in session

• Identify areas of practitioner physical and/or emotional stress

• Demonstrate knowledge in written and verbal reporting of client sessions

Teaching Methods

The teaching methods utilized in module 4 are observation, interacting with hospice clinical staff and volunteers, demonstrations, hands-on practice with personal feedback and supervision, group debriefing, and written reporting.

Content

Everflowing clinical practice sessions begin with an overview of the protocols of the facility and a review of hands-on precautions, confidentiality guidelines and questions from the interns.

Both days begin with an overview of the physical space.

The hosting site on the first day provides a list of residents appropriate for touch sessions and intake information is delivered by hospice clinical staff – usually the head nurse.

The hosting site on the second day gives a list of residents and verbal recommendations. This is followed by the Everflowing supervisor and interns reading more information in logs. Information is also gathered from various staff and volunteers throughout the day.

After information is gathered, the Everflowing supervisor takes one intern at a time into the room with a hospice resident. The supervisor talks to the resident, gathers more information, gives the intern suggestions on how to meet the resident’s needs, demonstrates adjusting the equipment and gives suggestions and demonstrates positions for the intern to facilitate his or her comfort at the bedside. When the intern feels confident, the Everflowing supervisor leaves the room.

The intern is periodically observed by the supervisor throughout the session. They return to assist in closure of the session. This is followed with one-on-one feedback, debriefing and written reporting. The intern takes a short break before meeting the next resident.

The intention of a clinical day is for each intern to provide touch sessions for three residents, depending upon the need of the residents and the limitations of the intern.

There is no guarantee as to the number of clients appropriate for sessions on clinical days. The settings themselves however, are rich containers of education and therefore, the learning process is not limited to hands-on sessions.

Debriefing at the end of the day is facilitated by the Everflowing supervisor before leaving the facility.

"During clinical internship Irene is very focused, offers good support while demanding the best from the students. It would be a blessing for medical students to have Irene as the teacher of the hands-on care for the old, fragile and dying. I feel fortunate for having received my training from Irene." — Wieslaw Rocki, MD, PhD

"During the Everflowing 2-day massage clinical that you provide in our six week level 2 program, I see students face fear and resolve conflict. I believe what you offer is the ability to hold silence while students struggle with their judgement of self and others In addition to a safe place you offer stability and growth in what for most is an unfamiliar setting. Evaluations and journals relating to your portion of the training indicate a very high respect for you and and your work." — Jim Butcher, Owner , Director Phillips Massage School Nevada City California

Maitri AIDS Residential Care Clinical Practice - Peter Thordarson, Practitioner; Stan Stone, Volunteer Coordinator; Sabrina, Head Nurse; Rim Potet, Practitioner; Malama McNeal, Practitioner