PCS1 Prepare for and transport patients to, within and from the perioperative care environment

Overview

This standard is about moving and transporting patients to, within and from the perioperative care environment.  You will need to be able to identify the patient to be moved and make sure the necessary resources are available to move the patient.  You will also need to move the patient safely and securely, and maintain their privacy and dignity during the move.  Where the patient is recovering from general anaesthesia, transport of patients will involve a Registered Practitioner to monitor the patient’s airway and vital signs. Users of this standard will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies. Version No 1

Knowledge and Understanding

You will need to know and understand:

1. the current European and National legislation, national guidelines, organisational policies and protocols in accordance with Clinical/Corporate Governance which affect your work practice in relation to preparing for and transporting patients to, within and from the perioperative care environment
2. your responsibilities and accountability in relation to the current European and National legislation, national guidelines and local policies and protocols and Clinical/Corporate Governance
3. the duty to report any acts or omissions in care that could be detrimental to yourself, other individuals or your employer
4. the importance of working within your own sphere of competence and seeking advice when faced with situations outside your sphere of competence
5. the application of standard precautions to moving and transporting patients and the potential consequences of poor practice
6. the effects of pre-medication and anaesthesia on patients, and how this may affect how you move and transport them
7. how to communicate effectively with others
8. how to make patients feel at ease
9. how to maintain patients privacy, dignity and confidentiality
10. procedures for identifying, moving and handing over patients
11. how to move and transport patients correctly
12. the safe techniques for moving and handling patients
13. the circumstances in which a patient escort is needed
14. the geography of the work area
15. the types of problems which may occur and how these should be dealt with
16. the types of transportation equipment available
17. how to use transportation equipment correctly
18. the types of medical equipment which may require movement with the patient
19. how to handle medical equipment safely
20. how and when to use personal protective equipment and additional protective equipment
21. the types of documentation that must accompany the patient in your organisation
22. the importance of immediately reporting any issues which are outside your own sphere of competence without delay to the relevant member of staff

Performance Criteria

You must be able to do the following:

1. apply standard precautions for infection protection and control and other appropriate health and safety measures
2. check the nature of the job with the Registered Practitioner
3. communicate effectively with members of staff, patients and others
4. accurately identify the patient that needs to be moved and clearly explain to them who you are and where you are taking them
5. care for the patient during transportation in accordance with the patient’s needs, maintaining their dignity, safety and security at all times
6. check that any necessary accompanying documentation is available
7. check that the transportation equipment is clean, safe and functioning correctly
8. check ancillary equipment is in place, sufficient and appropriate for the job and clean, safe and functioning correctly
9. use all equipment correctly and return it the correct location in good working order after use
10. co-operate with other members of staff involved to achieve the best possible outcome for the patient, taking the appropriate action where problems arise
11. use the most suitable route for the patient
12. hand over the patient and any necessary documentation to the appropriate member of staff and assist with any further movement of the patient
13. communicate the completion of the move to the Registered Practitioner and complete any necessary documentation

Additional Information

This National Occupational Standard was developed by Skills for Health. This standard links with the following dimension within the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (October 2004): Dimension: EF3 Transport and logistics