What is a lone worker?

Automatically when we see the word lone, we assume it is supposed to be alone, hence sometimes reading the word twice. A lone worker in the healthcare industry refers to a healthcare professional who works alone without direct supervision or no immediate access to colleagues or other healthcare professionals. These usually occur within various healthcare settings such as clinics, hospitals, home care or community outreach programs.

How can a lone worker maintain their well-being while working alone?

Maintaining your physical and mental well-being while working alone is crucial to ensure your overall health and performance. Here may be some strategies to manage any stress, fatigue or isolation:

1. Establish a routine
2. Take regular breaks
3. Practice self-care
4. Manage stress
5. Stay connected
6. Seek support
7. Engage in professional development
8. Practice mindfulness
9. Stay active
10. Set boundaries

What are key points to understand while being a lone worker?

The importance of lone working in the healthcare sector lies in the well-being and personal safety, below are a few key points to understand:

• Personal Safety: working alone may present unique challenges and risks. Healthcare professionals can face unpredictable situations such as dealing with violent or aggressive patients, may encounter hazardous substances or be exposed to infectious diseases. Adequate training and protocols are crucial to ensure personal safety.
• Emergency Situations: in case of an event that is considered as an emergency, having colleagues nearby can make a significant difference in support and response time. In a lone working scenario, healthcare professionals should be well prepared to handle emergencies independently with having access to appropriate resources and emergency protocols.
• Psychological well-being: when working in isolation for an extended period may have negative effects on mental health. The absence of colleagues to provide support, share experiences or offer guidance can lead to feelings of stress, isolation or burnout.
• Risk assessment and management: there is a legal responsibility of all employers to conduct a risk assessment for lone working healthcare professionals; this includes identifying any potential risks, the implementation of control measures and the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) as necessary.
• Communication and monitoring: effective communication systems are crucial for all lone workers to stay connected with colleagues and supervisors. This can involve regular check-ins, the use of any form of technology for real time communication as well as the implementation of safety protocols, such as panic buttons and/ or alarms.

How should a lone worker respond in an emergency?

When working alone, it is crucial to respond appropriately in emergencies, here’s what can be done:

1. Stay Calm
2. Follow emergency protocols
3. Assess the situation
4. Call for help
5. Activate alarms or panic buttons
6. Provide first aid
7. Communicate with colleagues or supervisors
8. Evacuate if necessary
9. Document the incident
10. Seek Support

Just a note:

Doing an online Lone Worker Course with Train Healthcare, which takes approximately 1 hour to complete, will earn you 1 CPD Point. Once you have completed the course, you would receive a certificate thereof.