Participant Support Procedures > Use of Health Monitoring Tools and PRN Webster Packs
Authorised by Chief Executive Officer
Approved Date: 8 August 2025
Purpose
This procedure outlines the protocol for health monitoring tools, including restrictions on their use by Support Workers (SW) - such as blood pressure monitors, pulse oximeters, urine dipsticks, and temperature guns. It also covers the administration of PRN (as-needed) medication and the importance of operating strictly within the support worker scope of practice.
Scope of Support Worker Role
Support Workers are not qualified to make clinical decisions or interpret health data. Their role is to support and monitor, not diagnose or treat. If clinical concerns arise, support workers must refer to medical professionals or escalate via proper channels.
PRN Medication via Webster Packs
All PRN (as-needed) medications should be included in the Webster pack wherever possible.
PRN medication can only be administered if:
o It is clearly labelled as PRN in the Webster pack;
o The participant requests it, or it is outlined in their health support plan;
o The Support Worker has completed medication competency training.
For short-term PRN medication (e.g. post-operative pain relief), if not included in the Webster pack:
o It must be documented in the drug register book or Kyeema form depending on the drug schedule
o These are to be treated as temporary medications only
o The Webster pack PRN should still be the first line, administered only at the participant’s request.
If a participant needs more PRN medication than what is in their Webster pack:
o Ask the participant’s family or nominee to administer it (if appropriate and safe), or
o Contact a medical professional, such as:
§ Nurse on Call (1300 60 60 24)
§ Virtual Emergency Department (Victoria – 24/7 access)
Use of Health Monitoring Tools
a) Blood Pressure (BP) Monitors & Pulse Oximeters
Using blood pressure monitors and pulse oximeters is outside the scope of a Disability Support Worker (DSW). Support workers are not clinically trained to use or interpret blood pressure or oximeter readings.
If a participant feels unwell or requests a BP check, the SW should:
•Encourage the participant to contact their GP,
•Call Nurse on Call (1300 60 60 24) for advice, or
•Access the Virtual Emergency Department (available 24/7 in Victoria).
b) Urine Dipsticks / Urine Samples
Dipsticks must not be used or interpreted by support workers.
Support workers may assist the participant in collecting urine in a clean container.
Urine samples should be taken to a GP or pathology centre promptly.
c) Temperature Guns (Non-COVID Use)
Support workers should not interpret temperature readings or make treatment decisions outside of COVID-19 protocols. This is consistent with best practices to ensure that medical decisions are made by qualified healthcare professionals.
If a high temperature is detected or illness is suspected, support workers should:
•Ask the participant if they would like, for example, Panadol, but only if it is prescribed PRN (as needed) in their Webster pack. This ensures that any medication administered is within the scope of the participant's prescribed health support plan.
•Recommend visiting a GP, contacting Nurse on Call, or using the Virtual Emergency Department, which provides 24/7 access for all Victorians.
The Nurse on Call (1300 60 60 24) or the Virtual Emergency Department may request the support worker to take a temperature and provide further medical advice.
Regular Calibration
It's recommended to calibrate infrared temperature guns at least once every 6 months, or more frequently if the device is used extensively or subjected to rough handling
Responding to Requests from Health Professionals
Doctors or nurses may sometimes request support workers to use tools such as BP monitors or oximeters and report results.
Important: These requests may not reflect an understanding of the support worker’s scope. Support workers should respond:
“I’m a support worker and not qualified to interpret clinical information or make health decisions. I can support the participant in accessing a GP, Nurse on Call, or the Virtual Emergency Department.”
Supervisors are encouraged to support staff in reinforcing this boundary and assist in educating referring professionals as needed.
Referral Pathways for Health Concerns
If a participant appears unwell, encourage or assist the participant to:
•Contact their GP
•Call Nurse on Call (1300 60 60 24)
•Use the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department - 24/7 emergency care for all Victorians Northern Health
o https://www.nh.org.au/victorian-virtual-emergency-department-vved/
•Attend a local clinic or hospital
•Call 000
Documentation
Record any use of health tools, medication administration, or referrals in the participant’s daily notes / case notes.
Notify a supervisor or coordinator of any significant concerns or actions taken.
Temperature gun calibration - maintain records of each calibration, including the date, method used, and any adjustments made. This ensures compliance and helps track the device's performance over time
Final Note
Support workers play a vital role in observing and responding to health concerns within clear boundaries. These procedures are designed to ensure participant safety, appropriate escalation, and legal compliance.