Workshop: Person-centred Moving and Handling Equipment
– Tips, Techniques & Clinical Practices
Technology Park Function Centre, Bentley
Thursday, 21 October 2021
Many health professionals aren’t confident with equipment. They have no idea what is available, what distinguishes one piece of equipment from another, or what clinical features make one piece of equipment better suited to solving a manual handling problem. When given a piece of equipment, many are hesitant to use it and do not know how to use it to its fullest potential to reduce manual handling tasks.
Our Person-Centred Moving and Handling Equipment Workshop, which was back by popular demand, was well attended by Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Manual Handling Leaders and soon-to-become OTs from Curtin University.
This workshop was facilitated by Unicare Health’s clinical educator and trainer, Annette Terranova, who has over 35 years of experience as a clinician and consultant within the healthcare industry. Annette is a valued clinical consultant by occupational therapists working in hospitals, aged care and disability for expert equipment advice and equipment solutions.
At this workshop, Annette encouraged attendees to think creatively outside of the box and involve everyone in the process when it comes to Manual Handling. On top of providing clinicians with an understanding of the fundamental features and benefits of manual handling equipment, Annette delivered a valuable session leveraging on her extensive knowledge in:
- Objectively assessing equipment options to find the best solution for a specific need
- Learning how to get the best result out of equipment solutions to reduce manual handling
- Appreciating Australian Standards related to lifting slings
- Reviewing manual handing techniques related to bed mobility and Regency Chairs
Annette began the session by discussing some of the most prevalent issues that arise from manual handling equipment and procedures.
She highlighted equipment challenges, personal and environmental challenges and discussed what every stakeholder in an organization commonly faces with a client when it comes to manual handling.
Through this, Annette debunked common misconceptions about frequently practised patient transfer procedures and explained how vital it is to have a fundamental understanding of equipment to be able to assist clients and carers in the best possible way.
To frame her first session, Annette references The Ten Principles from Aideen Gallagher, The Manual Handling Revolution, relating to her own experiences as an OT in the field.
She discussed the roles of all the stakeholders in a manual handling process, the grief that clients may be going through and most importantly how vital it is to conduct proper assessments and equipment evaluation to provide the best manual handling outcome.
“We need to recognize that all stakeholders in a manual handling scenario have different investments in the matter. As clinicians, you need to look at every scenario objectively. As allied health professionals, we need to do our due diligence to provide equipment’s that will help solve the manual handling problem… ”
To encourage collaboration, Annette created a space for clinicians to have an open discussion to share their knowledge and previous manual handling experiences. She emphasised how vital it is for all stakeholders to work together to create a safe environment when it comes to manual handling.
After morning tea, Annette discussed and compared many types of Manual Handling equipment widely used in hospitals, aged care and disability settings.
Using Unicare’s range of lifting hoists such as the Ansa Sonata and Alto, Oxford Advance and Unicare Health’s new Piccolo, as well as standing hoists such as the Ansa Salsa, Oxford Journey and Unicare Health’s new Elev Up, Annette talked about clinical features in detail, compared the type of lifts that different pieces of equipment make and explore their applicability for various situations and environments.
Annette discussed when and how to use these pieces of equipment and their suitability for clients with different needs.
She taught attendees how to consider different types of yokes and frames as well as powered accessories for lifting hoists and demonstrated the functional differences between them.
She addressed the benefits of using a powered pivot frame over a manual option, as well as the advantages it provides to both the caregiver and the patient.
Attendees were given the opportunity to have a go with equipment to fully understand how to get the best results out of equipment to reduce manual handling tasks.
Attendees were also taught how to read the safety labels sewn on slings, measure a client for a sling, understand Australian Standards related to lifting slings and how to correctly attach slings to lifting hoists.
Annette explained that the more comfortable a client is, the less likely they would need repositioned through manual handling and urged everyone to be mindful about seating and positioning principles when it comes to transfers.
Everyone enjoyed the visual demonstrations and found it very useful to see how similar pieces of equipment resulted in different types of patient lifts.
Annette also discussed manual handling techniques related to bed mobility and regency chairs for clients in residential aged care. She showed attendees how to use the features of an electric profiling bed and a regency chair to its fullest potential to reduce manual handling tasks.
“Use the functions of the bed to reduce manual handling tasks!”
Intelligent use of equipment can help minimise manual handling tasks and promote better seating and positioning.
The workshop concluded with engaging questions and discussions from the participants in the room, sharing tips and tricks that can be brought into the field when it comes to Manual Handling.
Thank you
To everyone who joined us at this Manual Handling workshop, thank you for your wonderful feedback and for spending your time with us. We trust that the knowledge and skills we have shared will add significant value to improve the way you develop manual handling solutions and achieve better patient outcomes.
We are honoured to be your go-to resource for manual handling equipment advice.
What did some of our attendees have to say?
“The most valuable thing I learned today was the advantages of using an electric pivot hoist.”
Jessica C – Rocky Bay OT
“I enjoyed the presenter’s wealth of experience and sharing of scenarios.”
Jocelyn L – Silver Chain OT
“I enjoyed learning about the different hoist and yoke options and appropriate client transfer techniques.”
Pauline T – Rosewood RN
“I enjoyed learning how to use the electric pivot yoke to achieve better positioning during hoisting.”
Sophie N – MNDAWA OT
“The most valuable thing I learned today was equipment range and yoke options, as well as tips and tricks to use during manual handling.”
Amy A – Juniper No Lift Advisor
Missed this session?
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Posted on 26 October 2021