Every day, thousands of personal support workers help people get up, sit down, move around or change positions. These tasks are an integral part of their work. However, when performed incorrectly, they can quickly lead to injuries, both for the worker and the person receiving assistance.
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), such as back, shoulder or wrist pain, are among the most common injuries in the healthcare sector. Fortunately, many of these injuries can be prevented by using proper patient handling and movement techniques.
This is precisely the purpose of PDSP training (Principles for the Safe Movement of Persons.
Whether you are preparing to work as a personal support worker, are already a healthcare professional, or are an employer looking to train your staff, this guide answers the most frequently asked questions about PDSP training: what it involves, how the training works, who should take it and how to obtain your certification.
What is PDSP training?
PDSP training (Principles for the Safe Movement of Persons) teaches recognized methods for safely moving, transferring and repositioning individuals.
Its purpose goes far beyond learning a few techniques. The training helps participants develop safe work habits that protect healthcare workers while ensuring the comfort, safety and dignity of the people they assist.
In Quebec, PDSP is considered a reference method in healthcare settings. The techniques taught are based on principles of biomechanics, analysis of work situations and the proper use of patient handling and mobility equipment.
In other words, the goal is not simply to learn how to move a person, but to understand the safest way to do so depending on each situation.
Why is PDSP training important for personal support workers?
When we think about the work of a personal support worker, we often think about care, assistance and support provided to patients and residents. However, a significant part of the job also involves helping people move safely.
Helping someone get out of bed, move into a wheelchair or change position may seem simple at first. But when these movements are repeated several times a day, they can place significant physical strain on the body.
In many cases, injuries result from the accumulation of small movements performed incorrectly over time.
Poor posture, a transfer performed too quickly or improper use of equipment can lead to pain that gradually develops and may eventually affect a worker’s ability to perform their job.
PDSP training helps participants develop good habits from the very beginning.
You will learn how to:
- analyze each situation before intervening;
- adopt safe working postures;
- reduce unnecessary physical effort;
- properly use mobility and patient handling equipment;
- adapt your intervention according to the abilities of the person being assisted.
In addition to protecting your own health, these practices make transfers and movements safer and more comfortable for the people receiving care.
Did you know?
In 2024, musculoskeletal disorders accounted for more than one in four accepted occupational injuries in Quebec. The CNESST recorded 27,819 MSD-related injuries, representing 26% of all registered and accepted occupational injuries.
Source CNESST
Who is PDSP training for?
Contrary to what many people think, PDSP training is not only for personal support workers.
It is intended for anyone who is required to move or transfer people in a healthcare or caregiving environment.
This includes:
- personal support workers;
- nurses;
- licensed practical nurses;
- occupational therapists;
- physiotherapists;
- home care workers;
- CHSLD staff;
- hospital staff;
- staff working in private seniors’ residences (RPAs);
- staff working in intermediate resources;
- any other professional required to assist people with mobility or transfers.
Regardless of the setting, the objectives remain the same: reduce the risk of injury, improve the quality of interventions and provide a safer environment for everyone.
How does PDSP training work?
PDSP training is offered in a hybrid format, combining the flexibility of online learning with practical exercises supervised by an instructor.
This approach is particularly convenient for healthcare professionals because it allows them to complete the theoretical portion at their own pace before putting the techniques into practice.
The training consists of two stages.
- Online theory component
Before attending the practical training day, all participants must successfully complete a 3.5-hour online theory module.
This step is mandatory and provides the foundation for the practical training.
Topics covered include:
- principles of biomechanics;
- risk factors associated with moving and transferring people;
- safe working postures;
- analysis of different transfer and movement situations;
- the importance of encouraging the person being assisted to participate whenever possible;
- general principles of injury prevention.
The objective is not to memorize a series of movements, but rather to understand why certain techniques are safer than others.
Once this portion has been successfully completed, the participant receives a preliminary certificate.
- In-person practical component
Once the theory has been completed, it’s time to put it into practice.
During 7 hours of hands-on training, participants apply what they have learned in an environment supervised by an instructor.
This practical day is essential because it allows participants to develop proper techniques and reflexes before applying them in real-life care situations.
During the training, you will have the opportunity to practise:
- bed-to-chair transfers;
- transfers to a wheelchair;
- transfers to and from the toilet;
- repositioning techniques;
- assisting a person from the floor or another position;
- safe use of different mobility and patient handling equipment.
The instructor corrects participants’ posture, answers questions and ensures that each technique is performed safely.
This hands-on approach helps participants develop confidence before returning to the workplace.
Can PDSP training be completed entirely online?
The answer is no.
Although the theory component is available online, the practical component remains essential.
Why?
Because the techniques taught must be observed, corrected and practised in realistic situations. An online course alone cannot confirm that movements are being performed correctly or ensure the safety of workers and the people they assist.
The hybrid format therefore offers the best of both worlds: flexibility for the theoretical component and supervised, hands-on learning for the practical component.
What techniques are taught during PDSP training?
PDSP is not simply about learning how to move a person from point A to point B.
More importantly, the training teaches you how to assess each situation before taking action.
For example, you will learn how to:
- assess a person’s level of independence;
- determine whether equipment is required;
- choose the safest transfer technique;
- adopt a posture that protects your back and joints;
- properly use a patient lift, transfer belt or sliding board;
- encourage the person being assisted to participate whenever possible.
With experience, these habits become second nature and can significantly reduce the risk of injury.
How do you obtain your PDSP card?
To receive your certification, you must successfully complete both components of the training:
- the online theory module;
- the in-person practical training day.
Once both requirements have been successfully completed, your certification is issued.
Today, the PDSP card is provided in digital PDF format, making it easy to save, share with an employer and access whenever needed.
Is PDSP training valid for life?
This is another frequently asked question.
In many healthcare institutions, a skills refresher is recommended every three years to maintain safe practices.
Although this refresher training is not always mandatory, it is strongly recommended.
Techniques evolve, equipment changes and certain habits can develop over time. Reviewing PDSP principles helps correct these habits and ensures that workers continue to use safe practices.
When it comes to prevention, a few hours of training can make a significant difference over many years of practice.
How do you choose a PDSP training course?
Not all training programs are created equal.
Before registering, make sure the training includes:
- a recognized theoretical component;
- supervised hands-on training;
- exercises based on real-life situations;
- experienced instructors;
- certification that meets the requirements of healthcare environments.
Beyond simply obtaining your PDSP card, quality training should provide you with the knowledge and practical skills you need to work confidently and safely when you return to the workplace.
Safely moving and transferring people is part of the daily work of many healthcare professionals. When performed correctly, these movements protect both the worker and the person receiving assistance. When performed incorrectly, however, they can quickly lead to injuries, time away from work and a decrease in the quality of care.
This is why PDSP training has become a reference in Quebec healthcare settings.
By combining online theory with a full day of hands-on training, PDSP helps participants develop practical skills they will use every day on the job. Whether you are just starting your career or want to refresh your knowledge, investing in recognized PDSP training means investing in your safety, your confidence and the safety of the people in your care.
Ready to Get Your PDSP Certification?
At Santinel, we offer comprehensive PDSP training designed to meet the realities of the workplace and the requirements of healthcare environments.
Our hybrid format gives you the flexibility of online learning while allowing you to develop practical skills with the guidance of an experienced instructor.
Our training includes:
✓ 3.5 hours of online theory (mandatory before the practical component)
✓ 7 hours of in-person practical training
✓ Daytime, evening and weekend groups available
✓ A digital PDSP card (PDF) upon successful completion of the training
View our upcoming training dates or contact our team to find the option that best meets your needs.
