CHS6.2012 Move and position individuals

Overview

This standard covers the moving and positioning of individuals as part of their care plan according to their specific needs. This includes moving individuals from one place to another and re-positioning individuals within their immediate environment. Users of this standard will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies. Version No 2

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

1. the current European and National legislation, national guidelines, organisational policies and protocols in accordance with any Clinical/Corporate Governance which affect your work practice in relation to moving and positioning individuals
2. your responsibilities and accountability in relation to the current European and National legislation, national guidelines and local policies and protocols and any 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 importance of applying standard precautions to moving and positioning individuals and the potential consequences of poor practice
6. how to access up-to-date copies of organisational risk assessments for moving ,handling and positioning specific individuals
7. the importance of effective communication and co-ordinating actions between yourself and:
   1. the individual
   2. the team involved in the activity
   3. the wider health care team
8. the potential hazards associated with moving and positioning for the individual, yourself and others involved in the activity
9. the importance of moving, handling and positioning the individual according to the care plan and their presenting condition(s) and the potential consequences of poor practice
10. the action to take when the individual's wishes conflict with their plan of care in relation to health and safety issues and their risk assessment
11. the normal:
    1. skeleton and muscle attachments
    2. range of movement in joints
    3. in relation to the importance of correct movement and positioning
12. common physical conditions of individuals in your work area, the effect they have upon normal movement, in relation to the importance of correct movement and positioning
13. the importance of offering effective verbal and non-verbal support and reassurance to individuals during preparation for moving and positioning activities
14. the effect that the individual's personal beliefs and preferences may have on their preferences for moving, handling and positioning
15. reasons why the individual's preferences affect how they are moved, handled and positioned
16. how to promote active participation and the individual's rights, choices and wellbeing when preparing to move, handle and position individuals
17. how individuals may be able to contribute to the moving/handing/positioning process and factors which limit their contribution
18. reasons for moving and positioning individuals according to the care plan and their presenting condition(s)
19. potential key changes in the conditions and circumstances of individuals that you are moving, handling and positioning, and actions to take in these circumstances
20. the aids and equipment you may use for moving, handling and positioning
21. safety factors that need to be taken account of when preparing moving, handling and positioning equipment/machinery
22. the importance of preparing the environment for moving and handling prior to attempting to move and handle individuals
23. the importance of keeping the environment clear during moving, handling and positioning activities
24. why it is vital to follow the care plan
25. sources of further help for moving, handling and positioning individuals in different health and care settings
26. the importance of restoring the environment after moving, handling and positioning activities
27. the importance of keeping accurate and up to date records
28. 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:

1. apply standard precautions for infection prevention and control and apply all other relevant health and safety measures
2. check the individual's care plan and the moving and handling risk assessment prior to commencing any moving and handling
3. assess any immediate risks to individuals and where you think there is a risk that you cannot deal with, seek advice from the appropriate people before moving or handling the individual
4. support the individual to understand
   1. what you are about to do and why
   2. the detail of how they will be moved
   3. how they can actively participate in the process
5. support the individual to communicate the level of support they require
6. obtain the individuals valid consent to the moving and positioning activity
7. check that any equipment required is available and in working order
8. remove potential hazards and prepare the immediate environment, ensuring adequate space for the move to take place, in agreement with all concerned
9. seek appropriate assistance to enable you to move, handle and position the individual safely
10. move the individual according to the care plan, encouraging the individuals active participation
11. position the individual according to the care plan using the correct technique and in a way that will avoid causing undue pain or discomfort
12. communicate throughout with the individual and any others involved in the manoeuvre
13. observe the individual throughout the activity and stop the activity if any adverse effects occur or the individual appears to be in any discomfort
14. seek help from other professionals if problems arise during the activity
15. use the appropriate equipment in order to maintain the individual in the required position
16. check and restore equipment and the environment to its original state on completion of the activity
17. report, and where applicable, record the activity in the appropriate documents, noting when the next positioning manoeuvre is due

Additional Information

This standard links with the following dimension within the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (October 2004): Dimension: HWB5 Provision of care to meet health and wellbeing needs