Mastering the art of safe people handling

A physiotherapists helps guide an older patient as an example of correct people handling skills.

Mastering the art of safe people handling

By
Melissa Mitchell
24 Jan, 2025

Every day, physiotherapists face the challenge of safely assisting patients in diverse and unpredictable situations. A new webinar series continuing in 2025 aims to fill critical knowledge gaps, equipping practitioners with strategies to protect themselves and their patients.

When physiotherapists Susan Mitchell APAM and APA Titled Gerontological Physiotherapist Joanna-lee (Jo) Tan MACP first collaborated on the idea of a national training series for manual handling of people, they noticed a glaring gap in consistency across the physiotherapy profession.

‘There wasn’t a consistent approach to manual handling from a physio perspective,' Susan says.

'Other organisations, such as occupational therapists and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy in the UK, had comprehensive guidelines but Australian physios were often left to figure things out without structured resources.’

This observation sparked the creation of a comprehensive webinar series designed to address the unique challenges faced by physiotherapists across various settings including aged care, occupational health and paediatrics.

The webinars, which commenced in 2024 and are scheduled to continue this year, are aimed at improving manual handling skills and empowering physiotherapists to handle complex scenarios confidently and safely.

People handling in physiotherapy goes beyond physical strength; it requires risk assessment, problem-solving and an ability to adapt to changing situations.

As Susan explains, ‘It can’t be a recipe because every person is different and every physio is different in the way they move and interact.’

This variability underscores the need for training that not only teaches safe handling techniques but also fosters critical thinking and adaptability.

Physiotherapists often work in unpredictable environments, particularly in homes, workplaces and the community.

‘The range of tasks that may be performed by a physio require different skill sets and knowledge,’ Jo says.

‘For example, a rural physio may be providing aged care services such as training health workers, consulting on equipment or providing care in homes with less-than-ideal ergonomic conditions.

'Having these webinars available is like tapping a colleague on the shoulder and getting expert advice on demand.’

The webinar series—the collaborative work of Susan, Jo and Specialist Occupational Health Physiotherapist (as awarded by
the Australian College of Physiotherapists in 2010) Cassandra Zaina FACP—covers topics including delivering manual task training, manual handling of people living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment and problem-solving in complex situations, beginning on 13 February (see more dates below).

Previous webinars on people handling and the law, looking after yourself while performing manual tasks and risk management in people handling are also available on demand.

The series addresses specific issues across different client populations and settings.

‘When we started, manual lifting of people was common.

'Now there’s a focus on top-down approaches like getting employers to provide the right equipment and ensuring physios and carers are trained to use it effectively,’ Susan says.

One of the sessions, on 13 May, will focus on the manual handling of larger patients.

‘This is an area that requires planning, appropriate equipment and communication.

'For example, in acute settings, policies might mandate the use of HoverMatts for patients over a certain weight,’ says Susan.

Having safe people handling skills for larger patients could significantly reduce the risk for patient and clinician, she says.

The 2025 series kicks off this month with a webinar on delivering manual task training.

Susan will lead the first session and will discuss what the evidence suggests about techniques, differences in approach and physiotherapy-led training program availability.

The webinar is designed for those who might need to assist other allied health professionals to learn correct manual handling skills.

‘It’s about providing the tools to teach others effectively,’ she says.

Later sessions will delve into risk management, dementia care and maintaining skin integrity, including a hands-on workshop at the APA scientific conference APASC25 in October in Adelaide.

These sessions aim to build a holistic understanding of people handling, equipping physiotherapists with the skills they need to navigate complex and diverse scenarios.

Cassandra emphasises the importance of physiotherapists prioritising their own safety while performing manual handling tasks,
a perspective that often gets overlooked.

‘Physios instinctively think of the patient first,’ Cassandra says.

‘These sessions are designed to shift that mindset, helping people to focus on how they’re moving themselves, ensuring their own safety while also keeping the patient safe.’

This balanced approach, Cassandra says, is critical for building confidence and reducing the risk of injury in both acute and long- term care settings.

Jo highlighted the significance of the initiative for new graduates.

‘The webinars provide a framework that most students don’t get during their training.

'By covering legislation, risk management and practical techniques, we’re preparing them for real-world challenges,’ she says.

The series has already garnered impressive engagement, with more than 300 registrations per session.

Reflecting on the feedback, Susan says, ‘It’s clear that people want more knowledge in this area.

'This series is not just about improving skills—it’s about instilling confidence and creating a safer environment for everyone involved.’

For Susan, Jo and Cassandra, the series goes beyond education. It’s a matter of leaving a lasting impression on the profession.

‘We want physios to lead in this space,’ Jo says, adding, ‘If we’re not driving decision-making in our workplaces, we risk losing our influence.

'This series is a step towards ensuring that physios remain at the forefront of safe people handling.’

As the 2025 series approaches, the team is optimistic about its potential to transform practice and inspire a new standard of excellence in physiotherapy.