Support individuals undergoing healthcare activities

This standard covers supporting individuals during and after a healthcare activity.

This standard is applicable to a wide range of health contexts and roles in emergency, primary and secondary care.  It may include individuals in conscious or unconscious states.

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1. access and accurately interpret all relevant work instructions and information
2. work safely at all times and in accordance with all relevant legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols
3. deal promptly and effectively with any problems within your control and report those which cannot be solved
4. identify and minimise hazards and risk in the workplace
5. communicate with the individual and key people at a pace, in a manner and at a level appropriate to the individual's understanding, preferences and needs
6. respect the individual's rights and wishes relating to their privacy, beliefs, and dignity
7. confirm identity of the individual in accordance with organisational procedures
8. gain valid, informed consent from the individual in accordance with specific procedures
9. identify the nature of support that the individual needs and respect their privacy, dignity, wishes and beliefs when working with them
10. ensure the individual is positioned correctly for the procedure and where appropriate assist the individual to move into the required position
11. support and monitor the individual during and following the activity and respond to their needs in accordance with organisational procedures
12. apply standard precautions for infection control and other necessary health and safety measures during and following the activity
13. ensure the individual is provided with the appropriate facilities and support for the period of recovery from the activity
14. inform individuals and relevant others of the next steps and where appropriate any arrangements for transport and escorts when these services are required
15. complete and store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

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1. the current legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols which are relevant to your work practice and to which you must adhere
2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
3. how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions and information
4. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
5. the duty to report any acts or omissions that could be unsafe/detrimental to you or others
6. the hazards and risks which may arise during the execution of your work role and how you can minimise these
7. how to adapt communication styles in ways which are appropriate to the needs of the individual  
8. the correct use of any equipment and PPE to protect the health and safety of you and others
9. the principles, practice and procedures associated with informed consent
10. the needs of individuals and carers including issues relating to dignity, confidentiality, and privacy
11. organisational management structures, roles, and responsibilities
12. how to obtain positive confirmation of an individual's identity in accordance with organisational procedures
13. the types and levels of support and assistance individuals may require during and following the activity and the roles and responsibilities of other team members
14. correct positioning of the individual for the activity and the importance of ensuring this is maintained
15. the importance of keeping the individual informed about what you are doing, the nature of the activity concerned and when to refer queries to other health professionals
16. methods and techniques for reassuring individuals who are stressed or anxious
17. the importance of offering verbal and non-verbal support and reassurance to the individual
18. the concerns and worries that individuals may have in relation to some activities and appropriate ways of responding to these concerns
19. the range of associated medical equipment and devices, their purpose and correct use within your work environment
20. specific protection/precautionary measures appropriate to the procedure being carried out, how they should be applied and the implications and consequences of not doing so
21. relevant anatomy and physiology related to the activity being undertaken
22. signs and symptoms of adverse reactions or contraindications to the activity being performed
23. the importance of monitoring the individual's wellbeing during and following the activity
24. the importance of and reasons for post procedural instructions and the implications of the individual not understanding these or these not being delivered
25. problems which may occur during and following the activity and the appropriate action to take in response,
26. how to complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

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2

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2026

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Current

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Original

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Skills for Health

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SFHGEN5

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Health and Social Care, Health and Social Services Officers, Health Associate Professionals, Health Professionals, Health, Public Services and Care, Healthcare and Related Personal Services

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2259

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Support, individual, healthcare

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