Three ways to manage the patient’s curious hands
Managing patient’s hands is an essential part of safe treatment. A quick grab makes the difference between a successful prep and a cut lip or worse. So how do we mangage their hands? There is no perfect method and any child intending on disrupting treatment will be able to do so. That’s where case selection is important and we’ll talk about that next time. However, different management methods help you be better prepared.
Method 1: have a parent hold the patient’s hands. We all use this method from time to time so we might as well mention it. It can be effective but this is personally not my favorite. First, parent are not always reliable enough to ensure the patient’s hands don't slip out. Second, some patients may actively resist the parent holding their hands and they just want their hands to be left alone.
Method 2: have the patient put their hands in their pockets. In cases where some patient cooperation is expected, this method is better. I tell them I don’t want their hands to get dirty so let’s hide their hands in their pocket. For young patients (maybe three or younger), option 1 might make more sense. But for maturer patients, I have had more success with this method. First, you do not need a parent/assistant. Second, the patients get a sense of autonomy that may allow for better cooperation and less resistance. Third, having their hands in their pockets means it will take a little longer if they want to reach up and grab something, giving you time to react.
Method 3: have the patient sit on their hands. This is like an upgraded version of method 2. No parents, no pockets, no problems. I tell the patient I don’t want your hands to get dirty so I want you to hide your hands under your butts. If the child wants to reach their hands out, it will take them even longer to free their hands from behind their back.
What are your thoughts? Do you do anything different? Let me know!
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Managing patient’s hands is an essential part of safe treatment. A quick grab makes the difference between a successful prep and a cut lip or worse. So how do we mangage their hands? There is no perfect method and any child intending on disrupting treatment will be able to do so. That’s where case selection is important and we’ll talk about that next time. However, different management methods help you be better prepared.
Method 1: have a parent hold the patient’s hands. We all use this method from time to time so we might as well mention it. It can be effective but this is personally not my favorite. First, parent are not always reliable enough to ensure the patient’s hands don't slip out. Second, some patients may actively resist the parent holding their hands and they just want their hands to be left alone.
Method 2: have the patient put their hands in their pockets. In cases where some patient cooperation is expected, this method is better. I tell them I don’t want their hands to get dirty so let’s hide their hands in their pocket. For young patients (maybe three or younger), option 1 might make more sense. But for maturer patients, I have had more success with this method. First, you do not need a parent/assistant. Second, the patients get a sense of autonomy that may allow for better cooperation and less resistance. Third, having their hands in their pockets means it will take a little longer if they want to reach up and grab something, giving you time to react.
Method 3: have the patient sit on their hands. This is like an upgraded version of method 2. No parents, no pockets, no problems. I tell the patient I don’t want your hands to get dirty so I want you to hide your hands under your butts. If the child wants to reach their hands out, it will take them even longer to free their hands from behind their back.
What are your thoughts? Do you do anything different? Let me know!
