Pre‐procedure

ActionRationale

1. 1.Show
   Introduce yourself to the patient, explain and discuss the procedure with them, and gain their consent to proceed.
   To ensure that the patient feels at ease, understands the procedure and gives their valid consent (NMC [91], C).
2. 2.Show
   Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol‐based handrub.
   To reduce the risk of contamination and cross‐infection (NHS England and NHSI [83], C; WHO [132] C).
3. 3.Show
   Ask or assist the patient to put on footwear, and provide walking aids.
   To maximize safety and promote independence. E
4. 4.Show
   Where possible, disconnect any attachments or devices (e.g. drainage bags, catheters or intravenous infusions). Ensure others are safely secured.
   To prevent harm and to ensure attachments are not displaced. E

Procedure

1. 5.Show
   Stand next to and slightly behind the patient. Assistance is mostly given with a palm‐to‐palm hold, with the other hand under the patient's forearm. The nurse should not allow the patient to lean too heavily on them or grasp their thumb as this restricts them letting go in the event of a fall.
   To give appropriate support. E

   To increase the patient's confidence. E
2. 6.Show
   Observe changes in pain or breathlessness as the patient walks.
   To assess patient safety and reduce the risk of falls (Ruszala and Alexander [113], E).
3. 7.Show
   Give verbal supervision and/or cueing as required to achieve safe walking.
   To provide encouragement. E

   To ensure patient safety. E

Post‐procedure

1. 8.Show
   Document the details of the procedure.
   To fulfil the legal requirements of the professional body and employing institution (NMC [91], C).