Homecare worker training in single handed care v1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Moving and handling training for homecare workers: building consensus for the optimum organisation, content and delivery of training in single-handed care.
IRAS ID
364606
Contact name
Xenia Saunders
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of York
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 3 months, 28 days
Research summary
The aim of this project is to improve the training of homecare workers so that better care can be provided for more people. People with disabilities who cannot move on their own need the help of someone else to do so safely. Sometimes they also need equipment, like a hoist. It is sometimes recommended that two people help someone to move, known as ‘double-handed care’. This often happens when someone is discharged from hospital, or they cannot be cared for at home with one carer. These arrangements often stay in place in the longer term, even when they are no longer suitable. This might have a negative impact on people receiving care and can result in other people waiting longer for care.
An idea known as 'single-handed care' (SHC) is becoming common practice. Occupational therapists will show homecare workers the safe techniques to use, usually over one or two visits. This might be the only training that homecare workers receive in SHC. However, they have said that they do not always feel confident with SHC and people who receive care have said that they sometimes feel insecure when being moved by one worker.
Many councils are using SHC as an approach and the practice is going to continue, but we know little about training for homecare workers in SHC. If we want to know the best way of training them, we need to understand what training they currently receive, what they and their employers think about the training, and what would help care recipients feel safe during SHC. After scoping out the current training, we will interview stakeholders, including care recipients, and conduct a survey to make recommendations about what training should include. This study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research and will last approximately 2.5 years.
REC name
Social Care REC
REC reference
26/IEC08/0016
Date of REC Opinion
3 Jul 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion