Health and safety
AfPP moving and handling survey report
Lindsay Keeley provides an insight into the findings of a survey by the Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP) aimed at understanding the levels of moving and handling training provided. It is important that safe and appropriate patient positioning provides optimum exposure for operative procedures while safeguarding both patients and staff. But are we doing enough to ensure staff and patient safety?
In April 2023, the Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP) noted greater emphasis was needed on safer manual handling techniques in theatres, prompting the launch of this study to find out how much moving and handling training healthcare professionals receive when positioning patients in the operating theatre. The survey aimed to provide information on current practices, training and techniques applied when lifting and moving patients and equipment within the operating theatre. This report contains key findings from a
survey of 502 healthcare professionals working within the perioperative setting. It will use the findings to inform recommendations and guidance for moving handling training to “progress safer surgery”.
Summary of key findings In a survey of 502 perioperative practitioners, the following findings emerged regarding current moving and handling practices, training, and techniques used in the operating theatre. l 54.98% of perioperative practitioners had a certified specialist theatre manual handling trainer conducting training within their operating theatres.
l 45.02% did not have a certified specialist theatre manual handling trainer conducting training within their operating theatres.
l 81.87% have specific manual handling equipment in theatres.
l 47.01% have bespoke specialist competencies in manual handling aids/equipment within their theatre environment.
l 53% do not have bespoke specialist competencies in manual handling aids/ equipment within their theatre environments.
l Lithotomy positioning was the most commonly used position within the survey findings (84.12%).
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www.clinicalservicesjournal.com I July 2023
l 73.82% use a flip and catch proning technique.
l When using a Proturn or Allen/Jackson Table, 12.15% said there had been patient safety incidents, and 87.85% had no reported patient safety incidents.
l Interestingly, when using Proturn or Allen/ Jackson Table, 50% of practitioners said they had to manually turn the patient or manually move them onto the table without using a slide sheet, as opposed to 50% saying they did not.
l 50% of those surveyed had a local risk assessment undertaken on the positioning techniques documented in this study.
Background General manual handling training within healthcare organisations forms part of mandatory training practice. However, the operating theatre is recognised as a high-risk, hazardous environment with greater emphasis needed on specialist practical training and competencies, imposing specific challenges when handling and moving patients. Safe moving, handling and positioning of patients within the perioperative environment comes under the framework of clinical governance and risk management systems, ensuring a safe environment for all patients and staff. AfPP (2022) provides fundamental
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