Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026
Safety Precautions and Operating Procedures in an (A)BSL-4 Laboratory: 4. Medical Imaging Procedures
Published on: October 3, 2016
Moving and handling and patient safety: analysis of clinical incidents
1Florence Nightingale School of Nursing and Midwifery, King,s College, London, UK.
Aim:
The aim of this study is to identify the potential contribution of moving and handling practice to clinical incidents through an analysis of incident data.
Background:
Previous studies focusing on moving and handling have highlighted potential harm to patients through poor practice, and have suggested that this might be an issue for patient safety. However, this has not been identified in studies analysing clinical incident reports, where the potential contribution of moving and handling has not been recognized. This study reports an analysis of clinical incident data from the specific perspective of moving and handling.
Design:
Survey of clinical incident reports in hospital in-patient care settings Method: A random sample of 500 incident reports was analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis of qualitative data.
Results:
There is an indication that some staff are not following recommended moving and handling policy through a lack of risk assessment; for example, in the selection of appropriate actions to assist patients, and in the prevention of further occurrences of incidents where patients had fallen. The limited detail within the reports affected consideration of the causes of the incidents and actions that could be taken to prevent a further occurrence.
Conclusions:
Some of the reported staff actions may contravene policy guidelines. Missing detail in the incident reports inhibited investigation of incidents that could lead to appropriate and safe systems of work being identified.
Insights
Moving and handling practices may contribute to clinical incidents due to insufficient risk assessment and policy adherence. Incomplete incident reports hinder the identification of causes and preventative measures for patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare quality and safety
- Patient handling research
- Clinical incident analysis
Background:
- Previous research links poor moving and handling practices to patient harm.
- Clinical incident report analyses have not previously identified moving and handling as a factor.
- This study specifically examines moving and handling within incident data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the role of moving and handling practices in clinical incidents.
- To analyze incident data from a moving and handling perspective.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a random sample of 500 clinical incident reports from hospital in-patient settings.
- Utilized descriptive statistics and thematic analysis for qualitative data.
Main Results:
- Identified instances where staff may not follow moving and handling policies, notably in risk assessment and patient assistance.
- Lack of detailed information in reports limited the ability to ascertain causes and develop preventative strategies for patient falls.
- Some reported staff actions potentially violate policy guidelines.
Conclusions:
- Inadequate detail in incident reports impedes the investigation process.
- Improved reporting is necessary to identify systemic issues and implement safer work systems.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Types of Reports II: Incident or Occurrence Report
Purposes:
In the healthcare industry, reports play a crucial role in documenting incidents within an agency. The primary objective of these reports is to ensure patient safety, uphold the...
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:18Guidelines and Strategies for Safe Computer Charting
Maintain Confidentiality and Security:
01:26Standard Precaution
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
01:15Methods of Documentation VI: Case Management Model
For example, a patient with a chronic illness...
01:25Types of Reports I: Hand-off Report
Following are the key components and categories of hand-off reports:
Purpose and Process: