Clinical Procedures - ​Assisting a Patient to Roll Whilst Lying

Clinical Procedures - ​Assisting a Patient to Roll Whilst Lying
Equipment
• 1 (or 2) members of staff.
Procedure
• Ensure the bed/trolley is at waist height and that the brakes are on, to avoid staff injuries
• > If the manoeuvre is being carried out with 1 member of staff, always roll the patient towards you:
• D If 2 members of staff are available, they should stand either side of the bed/trolley
• Ensure adequate explanation is given to the patient
• Ensure the patient's head is facing the way the patient will be moving
• Place the patient's distant arm across their chest, and flex their distant hip and knee
• Place an open-palmed hand on the patient's shoulder, and your other hand on the patient's hip or knee:
• Staff may find it more comfortable to put one of their knees on the bed, to avoid stretching or bending
• On the command 'Ready, Steady, Roll', move back slightly, aiding the patient to roll towards you
• Once the patient is on their side, they can be made comfortable with pillows
• It is also important to ensure the patient is secure, by making use of bedrails.

Procedure Tips
• Before carrying out the procedure ensure the area around the bed trolley is clear of any obstacles
• Ensure there is adequate space on the bed/trolley for the patient to roll onto
• It is important to have the correct number of staff available to carry out the manoeuvre
• Do not rush and leave enough time to explain the procedure to the patient and other members of staff involved
• It is important to have assessed the patient prior to carrying out this technique, to discover any contraindications to the patient lying on their side (e.g. problems with the patient's head and neck control, or any potential difficulties such as the patient's size):
• More members of staff will be required for larger patients.

Risks
• Be aware of any attachments that need to move with the patient, e.g. drains or catheters, to avoid disconnection during the procedure.
Documentation
• All patients should have assessments carried out within 24 hours of admission. Care plan to be maintained/consulted as appropriate.
• Any issues or problems with manoeuvre should be documented in the notes.