What should Personal Care Assistants do before starting a procedure on a patient?

Before starting a procedure on a patient, it is essential for Personal Care Assistants to inform the patient about what they are going to do. This is crucial for several reasons. First, providing an explanation helps to build rapport and trust between the patient and the caregiver. When a patient understands the procedure, they are likely to feel more comfortable and less anxious.

Moreover, this practice ensures that the patient is fully informed about the care they are receiving, which aligns with the principles of patient autonomy and informed consent. While formal consent may not always be necessary for every task a Personal Care Assistant performs, conveying information allows patients to participate in their own care actively, which is a vital component of healthcare practice.

This approach promotes communication and provides an opportunity for the patient to ask questions or express any concerns they may have, facilitating a more collaborative and respectful care environment.