Assist in the transfer and positioning of individuals within the perioperative environment
Overview
This standard covers assisting in the preparation of individuals and use of equipment for transfers and precise positioning for clinical procedures within the perioperative environment.
All actions and decisions should be carried out in accordance with current legislation, organisational policies, clinical protocols, and professional standards.
Users of this standard will need to communicate effectively to meet individuals' needs and wishes and work in line with health and safety legislation, policy and practices.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
P1. identify and agree the roles and responsibilities of yourself and others in assisting in the transfer and positioning of individuals within the perioperative environment
P2. 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
P3. provide support to the individual and ensure health and safety measures are implemented at all times
P4. refer to the individual's risk assessment documentation for pressure area scoring system to check position and equipment required
P5. ensure the required positioning equipment is available, fit for purpose and ready for use before beginning the positioning procedure
P6. prepare the immediate surroundings for the transfer, move and position required, removing any potential hazards
P7. transfer the individual, moving and positioning them in a way which minimises their pain and discomfort and maintains their safety and dignity
P8. use safe and suitable moving and handling techniques ensuring:
a. you avoid exceeding your personal weight and reach limits
b. the safety of the individual and other members of staff
P9. use positioning equipment safely and correctly in line with manufacturers' instructions and organisational policies
P10. promptly report any unexpected change in the individual's condition to the appropriate member of the care team
P11. confirm with the relevant practitioner that the individual is in the correct position to:
a. facilitate the clinical procedure
b. maintain skin integrity
c. avoid nerve damage
P12. use appropriate equipment and monitor the individual in order to:
a. prevent injury
b. promote individual comfort
c. prevent heat loss
P13. contribute to the assessment and evaluation of the individuals skin integrity and document as appropriate
P14. complete all relevant documentation required for assisting in the transfer and positioning of individuals within the perioperative environment
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
K1. the current legislation, local guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols which are relevant to your work practice and to which you must adhere
K2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
K3. how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions and information
K4. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
K5. the hazards and risks which may arise during the execution of your work role and how you can minimise these
K6. how to adapt communication styles in ways which are appropriate to the needs of the individual
K7. the correct use of any equipment and PPE to protect the health and safety of you and others
K8. the principles, practice and procedures associated with informed consent
K9. the needs of individuals including issues relating to dignity, confidentiality, and privacy
K10. the importance of checking pressure area risk assessment documentation prior to commencing positioning activities
K11. how individuals may be able or unable to contribute to the transferring and positioning process and factors which limit their contribution
K12. safe methods and techniques for transferring and positioning individuals
K13. the importance of co-ordinating actions effectively with others involved
K14. the types, purpose and function equipment used for moving, handling and transferring individuals
K15. methods for checking and preparing equipment ready for use
K16. the importance of close observation of individuals during transfers, moves and positioning
K17. the importance of ensuring freedom of passage before transferring individuals
K18. the purpose and importance of precise, accurate and stable positioning for perioperative procedures
K19. the effects of medication on individuals and the difference this makes to the safe methods and techniques for transferring and positioning individuals
K20. how to complete all relevant documentation required for assisting in the transfer and positioning of individuals within the perioperative environment