Clinical Procedures - Assisting a Patient to Stand

Clinical Procedures - Assisting a Patient to Stand
Moderate assistance is required from the patient.
Equipment
• 1 (or 2) members of staff.
Procedure
• D Before beginning the procedure, ensure the patient has been assessed as able to weight bear
• Ensure the immediate area is clutter free
• Ensure the patient has full understanding of the manoeuvre, and what is expected of them
• Encourage the patient to move forward in the chair, and give assistance if required
• Stand at the side of the chair, slightly behind the patient with feet apart and balanced
• Ensure the patient, and any other staff are aware of which command to respond to, e.g. 'ready, steady, stand'
• With one hand in an open-palmed position, place your arm nearest the patient around the patient's lower back, reaching as long and as low as is comfortable
• Place the other hand at the front of the patient's shoulder
• On the 'stand' command, as the patient rises from the chair, move your position forward such that you are standing next to the patient when upright, to aid their balance
• Get the patient to help as much as possible during the manoeuvre, e.g. pushing down on the arms of the chair if available
• If the patient is unsteady and unable to complete the manoeuvre, gently lower the patient back into the chair and re-assess the situation.

Procedure Tips
• This procedure is only possible with cooperative patients who are able to weight bear, and are able to understand basic commands
• This procedure can be carried out with 1 or 2 people, dependant on the mobility of the patient
• It is important to allow sufficient time for the procedure, so that the patient understands the process
• It is important to encourage the patient's independence, and a good method to achieve this is to ask them how they would carry out this manoeuvre at home
• Include the patient in all decision-making about the procedure, e.g. they may feel comfortable using a Zimmer frame or similar walking aid
• Check bed area for any furniture/equipment that could be moved to allow more space to complete the manoeuvre
• Always check that IV fluids, catheters, drains, and other devices are safe and not likely to be pulled out during procedure
• Check with qualified staff for any changes in the patient's condition prior to the manoeuvre
• Check with staff whether the patient has any history of cognitive problems, violence, or aggression or has any health problems which may prevent or impact upon the manoeuvre.
Documentation
• All patients should have had a moving/handling assessment completed by a physiotherapist in the first 24 hours after admission.
• Any issues raised following the move should be documented in notes
• Full assessment should be completed prior to each move if the patient's condition has changed.