Nursing practice: are two people needed to move patients?
Posted 16 October 2024 - 15:00
A new report questions health and safety practice in moving and handling patients and suggests single-handed care could benefit patient well-being and nursing staff
Nursing staff should consider moving and handling patients single-handedly to improve patient dignity and time efficiency, according to a controversial new report.
A ‘game-changing’ single-handed care initiative, trialled by nursing home care provider Nightingale Hammerson (NH), found that introducing the healthcare policy could positively impact thousands of care home residents and staff across the UK.
Are two people need to move, handle and lift patients?
Traditionally, there are ‘entrenched beliefs’ across the NHS and social care workforce that two people are required to move, handle and lift people safely. Two people moving patients is regarded as standard nursing practice and is believed to avoid risk of injury.
But the Are Two People Always Required for Moving and Handling? report, published by Care England and NH on 15 October, asked if this rigid two-person manual handling policy is putting a health and safety standard procedure ahead of the well-being of a resident.
Instead the report advocates for a personalised approach where, if appropriate and proportionate, carers and nurses could move patients from their wheelchair, bed or toilet on their own to improve well-being and independence, reduce pain and increase staff capacity.
Single-handed care approach ‘significantly improves’ dignity of care home residents
‘As nurses looking after the older community we see at first-hand how every minute counts in the lives of our residents,’ said Nuno Santos Lopes, a nurse and NH’s director of research, innovation and community engagement.
‘Using a single handed care approach, when appropriate, significantly improves the dignity of the residents, while providing a quicker and more person-centred response to their needs. At the same time by reducing the number of team members to mobilise one person, we are creating more time that can be used to engage with the residents.’
The report suggests an implementation plan for employers, which includes establishing a task and finishing group, launching a pilot scheme, comprehensive training and auditing equipment to ensure it is suitable for single-handed care.
Single-handed nursing care is a ‘game-changer’ for sector
Commenting on the report, Care England’s chief executive Martin Green said: ‘Single-handed care marks a significant advancement in the personalisation of care services. By tailoring support to individual needs, this approach not only upholds the dignity of residents but also ensures their care is closely aligned with their unique preferences and circumstances.'
Professor Green added: ‘Single-handed care is a game-changer for the sector, offering a sustainable and innovative way to improve outcomes for all involved.’
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