Prepare individuals for healthcare activities

This standard is about preparing an individual for a healthcare activity in accordance with the requirements of the activity to be performed, the practitioner and the assessed needs of the individual.

This standard is applicable to a wide range of health contexts and roles in emergency, primary and secondary care.  It may include individuals in conscious or unconscious states. 

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1. access and accurately interpret all relevant work instructions and information
2. work safely at all times and in accordance with all relevant legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols
3. deal promptly and effectively with any problems within your control and report those which cannot be solved
4. identify and minimise hazards and risk in the workplace
5. communicate with the individual and key people at a pace, in a manner and at a level appropriate to the individual's understanding, preferences and needs
6. respect the individual's rights and wishes relating to their privacy, beliefs, and dignity
7. provide support to the individual and ensure health and safety measures are implemented at all times
8. confirm identity of the individual in accordance with organisational procedures
9. gain valid, informed consent from the individual in accordance with specific procedures
10. ensure any information relevant to the activity is obtained from the individual, carers or other relevant personnel and is recorded in accordance with organisational requirements
11. check that the individual has complied with any pre-procedural instructions
12. prepare the individual according to the requirements of the activity to be carried out, ensuring effective infection control at all times in accordance with organisational requirements
13. store personal articles which need to be removed by individuals for the activity safely and securely in the appropriate place
14. position and support individuals and where appropriate any  medical equipment or devices to optimise the preparation process and outcomes
15. reassure and support the individual and relevant carers throughout the process ensuring respect for the individual's rights, dignity and privacy at all times
16. report relevant issues to relevant clinical or other personnel
17. take immediate and appropriate action to respond to any emergency situation that arises
18. complete and store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirement

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1. the current legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols which are relevant to your work practice and to which you must adhere
2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
3. how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions and information
4. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
5. the duty to report any acts or omissions that could be unsafe/detrimental to you or others
6. the hazards and risks which may arise during the execution of your work role and how you can minimise these
7. how to adapt communication styles in ways which are appropriate to the needs of the individual  
8. the correct use of any equipment and PPE to protect the health and safety of you and others
9. the principles, practice and procedures associated with informed consent
10. the needs of individuals including issues relating to dignity, confidentiality, and privacy
11. organisational management structures, roles, and responsibilities
12. how to obtain positive confirmation of an individual's identity before commencing the preparation
13. the importance of checking all relevant information and documentation before commencing the preparation of the individual, and the types of information contained within relevant documents
14. the importance of checking that the individual has complied with any prescribed pre-treatment instructions and possible implications if instructions are not followed
15. the procedures and protocols relating to preparation of individuals for the relevant healthcare activities
16. contra-indications to specific procedures and risks associated with incorrect preparation of individuals for health care activities
17. the types of support and assistance individuals may require in preparation for the  activity to be undertaken
18. relevant anatomy and physiology related to the activity being undertaken
19. correct positioning of the individual and essential resources for the activity to be undertaken and the importance of ensuring this is achieved
20. safe handling techniques for  the resources used to prepare the individual for the healthcare activity
21. the concerns and worries which individuals may have in relation to some activities and appropriate ways of responding to these concerns
22. how to manage the privacy and dignity of individuals in both conscious and unconscious states
23. the ways in which the individual's right and choices may have to be restricted because of the nature of the preparations required for certain activities
24. the importance of offering verbal and non-verbal support and reassurance to the individual and the methods of doing so
25. the importance of keeping the individual informed about what you are doing and the nature of the activity which is about to take place
26. how to recognise emergency situations relevant to area of practice
27. how to complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

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2

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31 Mar 2026

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Current

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Original

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Skills for Health

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SFHGEN4

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Health and Social Care, Health and Social Services Officers, Health Associate Professionals, Health Professionals, Health, Public Services and Care, Healthcare and Related Personal Services

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2259

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Prepare, individuals, healthcare

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