Manual Handling and Risk Management - Week 3

Question 1

What is manual handling?

Answer 1

Any activity requiring the use of force exerted by a person to lift, lower, carry, pull any object, move, hold or restrain a person, animal or thing or anything that requires repetitive, forceful postures

Question 2

What is patient handling used for?

Answer 2

• change patient’s posture
• transfer patient from one position to another
• facilitate treatment

Question 3

Why is a change in position important?

Answer 3

for comfort, to prevent deformities and pressure sores, to improve cardiovascular and respiratory status

Question 4

How do injuries occur?

Answer 4

gradual wear and tear, sudden damage, direct trauma from unexpected events

Question 5

What are some physiotherapist risk factors?

Answer 5

• same position for long periods of time
• static postures
• continuing to work while injured
• repetitive
• manual therapy
• excessive number of patients
• lifting or transferring dependent patients
• patient falls
• no rest breaks
• bending or twisting of the back
• working with confused or agitated patients

Question 6

What important principles should be applied during patient handling?

Answer 6

• stable stance, wide base of support
• avoid twisting
• neutral curves of spine
• load close to body
• ab muscles active
• bend your knees
• head up
• avoid end range of joints
• avoid repetitive movements

Question 7

What is the risk control process?

Answer 7

hazard identification –> risk assessment –> risk control

Question 8

What are some assistive devices?

Answer 8

Mechanical assistive devices: standing hoist, normal/sling hoist, slide sheets, gait and transfer belts, transfer discs and boards
Self assistive devices: rails, monkey bars

Question 9

What are some risks in the environment?

Answer 9

• flooring: slippery, uneven, steep, rugs
• obstacles: cords, equipment
• route: clear with necessary rest points
• space: allows for unrestricted movement
• distance to be moved
• other: lighting, noise, temperature

Question 10

What are some risks in the equipment?

Answer 10

• functioning bed and wheelchair brakes
• adjustable bed height
• rails in toilet/shower
• toilet appropriate height
• weight limit of equipment

Question 11

What are some risks for the therapist?

Answer 11

• skills, education, training
• medical and emotional status (eg pregnancy, fatigue)
• physical capabilities
• clothing and accessories

Question 12

What are some risk factors for the patient?

Answer 12

• history
• cognition
• communication
• medical status
• physical status
• behavioral and emotional status
• clothing
• assistive devices

Question 13

What are the 7 levels of dependence, in order?

Answer 13

complete independence
modified independence
supervision/standby
minimal assistance
moderate assistance
maximal assistance
total assistance

Question 14

What are the top 10 risk management issues?

Answer 14

1. remove jewellery
2. infection control (hands and hair)
3. obtain consent
4. check appropriate clothing and footwear
5. engage brakes
6. clear hazardous objects
7. adjust bed height
8. ensure client safety (bed height, rails, roll patient to therapist, therapist remains on affected side)
9. ensure client uses weight-bearing prescription
10. monitor client symptoms