UNIT 03 – PATIENT CARE PROCEDURES (NON-CLINICAL BASICS)

UNIT 3

PATIENT CARE PROCEDURES (NON-CLINICAL BASICS)

3.1 HYGIENE ASSISTANCE

Hygiene assistance is a fundamental aspect of patient care that directly affects comfort, dignity, and infection prevention. This includes assisting patients with bathing, oral care, grooming, toileting, and changing clothes or bed linens.

In practice, hygiene assistance must be carried out respectfully, ensuring privacy by closing curtains or doors and covering the patient appropriately. Support staff must explain each step before performing it and seek consent, especially when patients are dependent or vulnerable.

Proper hand hygiene and use of gloves are mandatory to prevent infection. Any abnormalities observed during hygiene care, such as skin breakdown or wounds, should be reported to nursing staff.

3.2 Basic Mobility Support and Wheelchair Handling

Mobility support involves assisting patients in moving safely from one position to another, such as from bed to chair, wheelchair to toilet, or during short walks. Incorrect handling can lead to injuries for both patients and staff.

Wheelchair handling includes checking brakes, footrests, and patient positioning before movement. Patients should be secured comfortably, and staff should communicate clearly during transfers. Sudden movements or rushing must be avoided.

In real healthcare environments, safe mobility practices reduce falls, prevent pressure injuries, and improve patient confidence.

3.3 Introduction to Vital Signs

Vital signs are basic indicators of a patient’s physiological condition and include body temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure. While healthcare support staff may not measure or interpret vitals independently in all settings, understanding their purpose is important.

Support staff must recognise when a patient appears unwell and promptly report changes such as dizziness, breathlessness, excessive sweating, or weakness to nursing staff. This awareness supports early intervention and patient safety.

3.4 Infection Control Procedures

Infection control is a critical responsibility in healthcare settings. It includes practices designed to prevent the spread of infections among patients, staff, and visitors.

Key infection control measures include proper hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe waste disposal, cleaning and disinfection of surfaces, and following isolation precautions when required.

Healthcare support staff must strictly follow hospital infection control policies, as lapses can lead to hospital-acquired infections and serious health risks.