Pre‐procedure

ActionRationale

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   Familiarize yourself with the adjustable functions of the chair or stool.
   To ensure the optimal seating position is achieved prior to undertaking the clinical procedure (Croshaw [13], C).
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   Ensure the patient is in a comfortable position for the procedure and at the optimum height for your own posture.
   To reduce the need to reposition the patient during the procedure and to improve staff posture. P

Procedure

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   Sit up with your back in a neutral position with all three normal curves present. Where possible, your buttocks should touch the back of the chair. Adjust the back rest to support your spine in a neutral position.
   To maintain a neutral spine and decrease physical stresses and strains on the spinal musculoskeletal system (HSE [36], C).
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   Distribute your bodyweight evenly between both hips.
   To minimize asymmetrical loading and physical stresses and strains on the musculoskeletal system (Smith [73], E).
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   Flex your knees at a right angle. Keep your knees level with or slightly lower than the hips (use a footrest or stool if necessary).
   To maintain a neutral lumbar spine and minimize drag and subsequent stresses and strains on the spinal musculoskeletal system (Smith [73], E).
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   Do not cross your legs.
   To reduce unnecessary twisting through the spine (Smith [73], E).
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   Keep your feet flat on the floor
   To ensure even weight distribution and muscle balance, and to minimize stresses and strains on the musculoskeletal system (Smith [73], E).
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   Try to avoid sitting in the same position for more than 30 minutes.
   To minimize physical stresses and strains on the musculoskeletal system and to ensure good blood flow and circulation (Smith [73], E).