Collecting in someone’s home

“We have staff who are requested by patients for a Home Collection because of their caring and compassionate nature”

Home collection services play an important role in supporting our referring clinicians, patients and families. The NSWHP home collection services support the Local Health Districts, aged care facilities and local referrers in their management of home-based unwell patients, including haematology, and cancer care patients and/or patients who have difficulty with mobility.

“I prefer to have my blood collected at home because I have no transport and I can’t walk very well” Consumer

Here are several things we must do:

• Ask the right questions up front and set expectations, such as arrival times and turnaround times throughout • Always show respect in someone’s home • Ensure your safety, undertaking a risk assessment upon arrival and inside of the home, and carry a duress alarm at all times

It is important to seek support if you’re experiencing vicarious trauma and/or compassionate fatigue.

What helps

Respect in someone’s home. As Susan from Northern Sydney advises “We have to remember we are a guest in their home so showing respect while you are collecting any specimens in their home is very important.”

Being patient whilst finding an appropriate location inside the home for the collection and working with the patient and any limitations they may have.

Ensuring all details are confirmed before attending to a person’s home

• Date and time of the collection • Access tips for entering the property • Patient’s name and/or pronouns • What tests they are having and what is required • Translator options if required • Carer details if required • Any other relevant patient details for the collection Overlooking carers. Include and engage any carers, explaining the procedure to them as well as the patient.

What hinders

Being judgemental in any way about people, their home or their surroundings.

Making assumptions. Avoid making any assumptions or judgements of the person based on their demeanour or environment.

Not maintaining confidentiality of patient’s personal details or their home environment.