Plus Size Patient Manual Handling CPD Workshops are highly rated

One of the biggest challenges our customers told us that they had, was meeting the needs of plus size patients and those with complex issues.
This cascades down to staff lacking specific knowledge and practical experience to be able to carry out plus size patient handling to best practice standards. Due to high demands on the workforce, getting staff to attend training sessions and viewing the training as a priority was cited as a root cause.

The number of plus size people in the population is on the rise with 1 in 4 adults in the UK living with obesity. The lack of knowledge and experience in handling plus size patients is a challenge that unless addressed, is going to become more problematic over time.

To address this growing problem and to support care providers to consistently provide a safe, effective and compassionate care experience to plus size service users, we developed our Plus Size Patient Manual Handling CPD Certified Workshop.

To remove any barriers apart from taking time out of the working day to attend, we made the workshop free of charge with lunch included.

The one-day workshop features a highly structured and scenario-based approach to training with flexibility to adapt to the specific needs of each tutored group.

The tutor guides participants through realistic scenarios:

Scenario 1: Handling a non-mobile bariatric patient using hoists, slings, and glide sheets.
This practical session focuses on developing skills required for managing patients who cannot move independently. Instructors demonstrate how to choose and fit an appropriate sling, properly hoist the patient into a commode, and return the patient to bed. Additionally, the four-way glide sheet is used for lateral transfers.

Scenario 2: Managing a semi-mobile patient through bed features, commodes, and step transfers.
Participants learn to mobilise semi-mobile bariatric patients by using profiling bed features, a bariatric commode, and lift pants to facilitate safer transfers.

The training is structured over an 8-hour session to allow for immersive practice and role-playing, with small groups of up to 24 participants across three instructors ensuring personalised attention.

Specialised equipment such as bariatric beds, gantry hoists, commodes, slings, and slide sheets simulate real-world challenges. It is typical that participants pre-course are already familiar with safe patient handling principles, allowing instructors to delve directly into advanced skills.

Over the last 6 months, we have provided free CPD certified plus size patient manual handling training to over 200 healthcare professionals.
To gauge the effectiveness of the training program, participants were surveyed immediately following the sessions to capture their initial reactions.

The training program received high ratings across the board, with an average of 4.5 out of 5, suggesting strong satisfaction among participants. These ratings indicate that the instructional content, delivery, and overall course design were effective. The high scores for instructor effectiveness reflected knowledgeable and engaging instruction that resonated well with attendees. Similarly, venue and materials were well-received, creating a conducive learning environment for adults.

Nearly all participants indicated increased skills after training (over 98%), specifically in handling plus size patients and utilising equipment.

Qualitative feedback emphasised several critical elements:

Scenario Design: Participants praised the realistic scenarios, noting they enabled them to grasp key handling concepts and immediately apply them in practice.

Instructor Guidance: The instructor was commended for their practical insights, clear explanations, and personalised assistance during sessions.

Moving and Handling Sessions: Feedback on practical moving and handling techniques was overwhelmingly positive, with participants appreciating the emphasis on body shape impact over weight considerations.

Practical Workshops: Participants highlighted the hands-on approach of the workshops, with bariatric empathy suits and other equipment reinforcing practical understanding.

Equipment Usage: The demonstrations and realistic application of specialised equipment like hoists, beds, and commodes helped demystify the handling process. Including the use of innovative equipment new to the market, such as the ultra-low bariatric bed – the VersaTech 1100 and its various functions were also cited as exceptional.

“Learnt so much, now I can walk away and show my team, makes our life easier and gives dignity to the patient.”

“Good to focus on the needs of the group, flexible trainer with lots of real life experience, really valued.”

“The sim suit was really good, you really did feel what it was like to be a patient of that size and the difficulties in moving.”

“Very useful; not threatening atmosphere where felt able to participate and ask questions – Great Lunch too!”

“A really helpful experience, great mix of theory, practical and opportunity to experience.”

The high ratings and positive qualitative feedback confirm the training program’s immediate effectiveness in terms of participant learning and satisfaction. The realistic scenarios and comprehensive use of specialised equipment ensured that participants gained practical exposure, reinforcing confidence, and enhancing knowledge retention.

By directly referencing participant objectives during the wrap-up sessions, instructors helped reinforce the skills expected to be applied post-training. The challenges participants identified, such as limited access to specialised equipment, provide useful insights for continuous improvement.