About this resource
Equipment is only useful if people can use it safely. This checklist covers checking fit and set-up, demonstrating, watching the person and carers practise, safety, cleaning and maintenance, written instructions, who to contact and follow-up.
Purpose
To make equipment handovers safe and complete.
Who it is for
Primary profession: Allied health and multidisciplinary teams. Also relevant for occupational therapists, speech pathologists.
Client or participant group: Allied health practitioners handing over equipment.
Practice setting: Clinics, homes and community.
Suggested uses
- Equipment delivery
- Assistive technology
- Training carers and workers
- Quality audits
Instructions for practitioners
- Hand over in the setting where it will be used.
- Watch the person and carers use it.
- Provide written instructions with photos.
- Book follow-up.
Accessibility considerations
Use photos, demonstrations and interpreters.
Scope and limitations
A handover checklist. Follow manufacturer instructions and your organisation's procedures.
Research basis
Clear, plain-language information and checking understanding (teach-back) improve understanding, safety and quality of care.
- Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. (2014). Health literacy: Taking action to improve safety and quality. ACSQHC. https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/publications-and-resources/resource-library/health-literacy-taking-action-improve-safety-and-quality
- Australian Government. Style Manual: Plain language and word choice. https://www.stylemanual.gov.au/writing-and-designing-content/clear-language-and-writing-style/plain-language-and-word-choice
- Talevski, J., Wong Shee, A., Rasmussen, B., Kemp, G., & Beauchamp, A. (2020). Teach-back: A systematic review of implementation and impacts. PLOS ONE, 15(4), e0231350. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0231350
What is included
A 2-page printable A4 PDF, including a practitioner notes page with the research basis (version 1.0).
Originality
Original Practitioner Plus content: wording, activity structure, layout and icons were created for this resource. No third-party worksheets, illustrations or text were reproduced.
