manual handling and people handling train the trainer courses - what is the difference?

We are commonly asked about the differences between manual handling and people / patient handling, especially in the context of train the trainer courses designed to enable participants to train others on the topic.

If we use the term “manual handling” to refer to inanimate load handling and patient handling to refer to people moving, there are many similarities between the two areas as well as some significant differences. Both topics focus on the movement of an object using bodily force and the key concern is to ensure the safety of the handler. Consequently, the underlying principles for control are similar in both areas:

• Avoid the handling if you can
• Mechanise if you can’t avoid it
• Use risk assessment if neither of the above are realistic and there is a significant risk of injury
• Consider handling aids & / or altering the load
• Training and team handling
• Personal protective equipment

With regard to the training controls, the founding principles of good handling technique are similar in both areas:

• Stable base: ensuring a good platform for the handler, with their centre of / line of gravity falling within their feet
• Keeping the spine in a neutral position as far as possible (upright, natural “S” shape, head up and pelvis out)
• Using the big muscles where possible (backside and thighs)
• Joints in a neutral position where possible
• Good grip
• Load close to the body / ensuring short levers
• Smooth and controlled application of force
• Communication

So does this mean that the areas are pretty much identical and one train the trainer course will be suitable for all? No!

Whilst the founding principles to protect the handler will be similar, the patient handling train the trainer course will need to consider a significant number of items not required by inanimate load manual handling train the trainer courses.

These will include:

• Load protection: by definition, people handling involves loads that are a bit more delicate than your average container. In addition, the loads have rights and trouble often ensues if these rights appear to be breached. For example, some elderly patients will have very fragile skin that can easily be bruised or broken by the grip of a handler or by sliding on a surface which is not low friction. Inflicting bruising on a patient through handling could constitute “abuse” with associated ramifications.
• Legislation: people handling legislation is a bit more extensive due to load considerations such as the Human Rights Act and case law on certain aspects of care
• Risk assessment: people are very variable loads from a handling perspective. A key attribute is the amount of help that they can provide the handler. At one extreme, handling may be eliminated by a simple request “can you get up for me”. At the other end of the spectrum will be the handling of people intent on causing harm to the handler. In addition, there will be the normal range of other variables regarding the task, handler, load and working environment
• Techniques: where patients are able to help the handler, a range of people aiding techniques will need to be explained, demonstrated and practiced – e.g. standing from sitting in a chair, lying to sitting on a bed etc.
• Equipment: this can range from items to enable patients to help themselves to move, through to full mechanisation for those who are less able (e.g. hoisting). Again, equipment and techniques will need to be explained, demonstrated and practiced.

Consequently, patient handling train the trainer courses need to be longer than those for inanimate loads – with 4 days being a suitable duration. Courses for inanimate loads can be shorter. For example the City & Guilds Manual Handling Train the Trainer course is 2 days.

Sometimes a patient handling train the trainer course will look to cover both areas. However, care is required when choosing on this basis. I was on the receiving end of one such course recently, where the inanimate load handling was covered in 10 minutes, using a few slides (ironically with pictures which actually showed pretty poor technique) with no practical – perhaps reflecting the trainers healthcare experience and his feeling that inanimate load handling was beneath him!

Happy handling!

Dr Alistair Bromhead

 

Further information

http://www.abromhead.co.uk

Tel: 07932 674707

 

City & Guilds course code 5618 201-203 offered through the approved centre – FFINTO 028538. City & Guilds and the City & Guilds logo are trade marks of The City and Guilds of London Institute and used under licence.