Running head: SEMINAR 1

Seminar 1
Paula Torres
Humber College

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STAGE 1:
I was getting my first patient of the day since the one prior didnt show up on
October 4th. I looked at his previous SOAP notes and Health History form to get an
understanding on what was his main complaint. I informed him that I was going to be
asking him some brief questions and completing his vitals and some special orthopedic
testing to determine more on his complaint. He kept asking me on why I needed to get
his vitals done because his last treatment he got all the testing done. I explained to him
that he is a new patient and need to get that information for myself. As well, determine if
there has been a change to his health history. I asked him questions on his main
complaint because he drew on the anterior and posterior aspect of the leg. I asked him
if it was the front and back of the leg or just one side. I kept on asking questions to
understand a bit more on what happened for myself and to pass time cause I was
waiting for Susan to come and evaluate my vitals. I completed my consent for
assessment briefly. After, I asked if he had drunk coffee before coming in. He said no. I
asked if he smoked before coming in. He said yes. I asked if it was more than one hour
ago. He said no and said he smoked a quarter after 3 P.M., which was 15 minutes
before his treatment. I asked if he smoked marijuana and he responded yes. After
understanding that he smoked marijuana before treatment, my mind was blown
because I knew I couldnt treat him due to him being under the influence. I went to grab
my instructor immediately.

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STAGE 2:
I think the knowledge I used was the most relevant for the event. This is so
because I was taught that you couldnt treat a patient that is under the influence for
several reasons. Firstly, they wouldnt fully understand to what they agreed to when I
asked for their consent for assessment. When consent is being told to the patient it
shouldnt be obtained through misrepresentation (CMTO, Jan 2006). Being under the
influence can lead to the patient not fully understand the consent being told to them.
This could lead to them complaining to the CMTO and it backfiring on you. Secondly,
assessments are contraindicated because the ability to report on level of discomfort is
impaired (Miller, n.d.). When you are applying pressure and you ask them if you are
hurting them, they will not be able to truly answer. This is so because while being under
the influence it impairs their ability to report excessive pressure and pain, which could
lead to complications (Miller, n.d.). Thirdly, it can have an affect on their post-treatment.
It is important that we think about protecting and promote the public good and what we
must do to avoid doing in order to prevent harm to the public (CMTO, June 1999).
I remember in my first semester Patricia sharing one of her stories with us
involving treating under the influence. The patient drank a bit of alcohol before coming
in and did not tell Patricia. When she finished with treatment, he wasnt able to walk
straight. This is so because the alcohol was in his bloodstream and it was spread
through the whole body. Ever since that story, I make sure that the client is not under
the influence to not contradict post-treatment.
I believe that I handed the situation pretty well. For instance, after understanding
that he was under the influence of marijuana I could have asked if he is smoking it for

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medical use or just recreational. This is so because I shouldnt judge without knowing
the whole story. For instance, the patient could have a medical reasoning to be taking it
and they would have it prescribed to them. Just like how my instructor asked him when I
went to go call her over. As well, I could have explained it to him that I didnt feel
comfortable treating him for the day because he was under the influence. This is so
because I should put my patients safety first than me trying to get his treatment
completed to get competencies done.

STAGE 3:
After the seminar discussion, everyone in my group agreed with my actions that I
presented to them. They were telling me that I did the right thing to not proceed with
treatment and go call Susan right away. This is so because the end result of treatment
could have had downfalls on the clients body. As well, they inputted their suggestions to
me that I could not agree more with. They suggested that I could have explained to the
patient myself that treatment would likely not be preceded due to the impairment but
that I was going to confirm that with my instructor. Instead, after knowing that he was
under the influence of marijuana I told him that I would be right back without explaining
anything. If I were the patient, I would want to understand what was going on.
Whenever I encounter a client under the influence of drugs or even alcohol, I
know the best decision for action which is to explain that being under the influence is a
big no for proceeding with treatment and to not leave them clueless on what is
happening.

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Resources:
College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. (June 1999). Code of Ethics. Retrieved from
http://www.cmto.com/assets/Code-of-Ethics.pdf
CMTO. (January 2006). Communication/ public health standard: Consent. Retrieved
from http://www.cmto.com/assets/cph_7.pdf
Miller, R. (n.d.). When not to massage. Retrieved from
http://sharingthehealth.com/index.php/advice-wisdom-top/massage-therapy/37when-not-to-massage