Clinical Decision-Making in Hoist Prescription

Name: Clinical Decision-Making in Hoist Prescription
Start: 2026-07-01T09:00:00+08:00
End: 2026-07-01T09:00:00+08:00
Location: Unicare Health

Manual Handling Equipment Masterclass

Safe and effective transfers are critical to dignity, participation, comfort, and quality of life, but selecting the right hoist system is rarely straightforward. Clinical decision-making around hoist prescription is highly contextual, and requires therapists to balance functional goals, safety, environmental constraints, carer capacity, and long-term outcomes.

This practical workshop is designed to strengthen clinicians’ confidence and reasoning when prescribing hoist systems across a range of care settings. Through real-world clinical considerations, participants will explore floor and ceiling hoists, sling selection, and risk management strategies that support safe, sustainable, and person-centred transfer solutions.

Attendees will leave with greater clarity around the clinical and technical considerations involved in hoist prescription, helping them make more informed recommendations and improve outcomes for both clients and carers.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Analyse person, occupational, and environmental factors to determine when a hoist is indicated and justify the most appropriate transfer solution for the clinical context.
Compare floor and ceiling hoist systems, including functional features, environmental requirements, and long-term implications for client outcomes and carer safety.
Apply clinical reasoning to sling selection and positioning, considering factors such as postural control, tone, skin integrity, comfort, hygiene access, and transfer goals.
Recognise the key technical and practical considerations involved in ceiling hoist prescription, including safety requirements, equipment compatibility, and implementation considerations.

This workshop is ideal for Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists who want to strengthen their confidence and clinical reasoning in prescribing hoist systems to support safe, effective, and person-centred transfers.

Crytal Chan
Focused Educator - Bathroom Mobility Solutions

Crystal Chan, BHSc (OT), is Unicare Health’s Focused Educator in Bathroom Mobility Solutions. She delivers clinical training that empowers therapists to prescribe, script and customise equipment confidently. Crystal specialises in modifications and overcoming spatial limitations, creating practical bathroom solutions that enhance independence and support a wide range of client needs.

Sam Dartnall
Customer Relations Manager

Sam Dartnall is a ceiling hoist and disability projects specialist with over 18 years’ experience at Unicare. He specialises in fit-out solutions for SDA housing, aged care homes, hospitals, and complex care environments, with additional expertise in aquatic mobility solutions that enhance accessibility, independence, and quality of life for clients.