Carehandling

Carehandling is a framework used in health and social care settings to organize and carry out activities involved in providing care to individuals. It covers both the direct interpersonal aspects of caregiving and the safe management of tools, environments, and information that support the care process. The term is used across settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, home care, and child or social services.

Core principles include safety, dignity, autonomy, privacy, and informed consent. Carehandling emphasizes person-centered approaches, cultural sensitivity, and collaboration with patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams.

Practices and procedures include risk assessment for tasks; manual handling and mobility support to prevent injury; safe transfer and positioning; use and maintenance of assistive devices and equipment; infection control and hygiene; medication management and storage; documentation and care planning; communication and escalation of concerns; safeguarding vulnerable individuals.

Information handling and privacy: handling of sensitive data in accordance with legal and ethical standards; use of electronic records and secure disposal.

Training and standards: ongoing training in manual handling, equipment use, infection control, safeguarding; adherence to national and local regulations; incident reporting and learning.

Challenges and trends: staffing pressure, aging populations, technology integration, balancing efficiency with compassionate care.