Display Screen Equipment (DSE) training
This training covers how to use computers, tablets, and screens safely in your daily work at the care setting. You will learn how to set up your workstation correctly, recognise signs of strain or discomfort, and know what support is available. Proper DSE use protects your health and helps you work comfortably and effectively.
What This Training Covers
A clear, practical grounding in display screen equipment (dse).
This training covers how to use computers, tablets, and screens safely in your daily work at the care setting. You will learn how to set up your workstation correctly, recognise signs of strain or discomfort, and know what support is available. Proper DSE use protects your health and helps you work comfortably and effectively.
Learning Outcomes
By the end, your staff will be able to:
What Your Team Will Learn
A closer look at the display screen equipment (dse) module.
The module is built in short, practical sections. Each one teaches a part of the topic, then applies it to a real care scenario and checks understanding before moving on.
What is DSE and Why It Matters
Display Screen Equipment means any screen you use for work, including desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. In care work you use DSE for recording care notes, checking care plans, medication records, and communicating with colleagues. Using DSE incorrectly or for long periods without breaks can cause eye strain, headaches, neck pain, back pain, and repetitive strain injuries. These problems develop gradually but can become serious if ignored.
Common DSE Health Risks
Regular DSE use can cause several health problems if your workstation is not set up correctly. Eye problems include tired eyes, temporary blurred vision, and headaches from screen glare or poor lighting. Muscle and joint problems include neck pain, shoulder tension, back pain, and arm or wrist discomfort from poor posture or repetitive movements. Fatigue and stress can result from prolonged concentration and uncomfortable working positions. All these problems are preventable with correct setup and good working habits.
Setting Up Your Workstation Correctly
A correctly set up workstation prevents most DSE problems. Your chair should support your lower back with your feet flat on the floor or footrest. Your screen should be at arm's length away, with the top of the screen at or just below eye level. Your keyboard should be directly in front of you with your wrists straight when typing, not bent up or down. Your mouse should be close to you and at the same level as your keyboard. Ensure good lighting without glare on your screen, and position your screen to avoid reflections from windows or lights.
Good Posture and Working Habits
Good posture means sitting upright with your back supported, shoulders relaxed, and arms at your sides with elbows at about 90 degrees. Your wrists should be straight and level when typing, not bent. Avoid slouching, leaning forward, or twisting to see the screen. Take regular breaks from screen work, ideally a short break every 30 to 60 minutes to look away from the screen, stretch, and move around. Even standing up briefly or looking into the distance helps rest your eyes and muscles. Vary your tasks during the day when possible to avoid long continuous periods at the screen.
Your Rights and Responsibilities
Under health and safety law, the care setting must assess DSE workstations and reduce risks for staff who use screens regularly. You have the right to request a workstation assessment if you use DSE as a significant part of your work. the care setting must provide adjustable chairs, suitable equipment, and information about safe DSE use. Your responsibilities include following the training you receive, using equipment correctly, taking regular breaks, and reporting any problems or discomfort early. You should also tell your supervisor if you have any existing health conditions that might be affected by DSE work.
Using Mobile Devices and Tablets Safely
Many care tasks now involve tablets or smartphones for recording care in residents' rooms. These devices present different challenges because they are often used while standing or moving. When using a tablet, avoid holding it in one position for long periods. Support the device on a surface when possible rather than holding it constantly. Avoid bending your neck down to look at a handheld device for extended periods as this strains your neck. Hold devices at a comfortable height and angle. Take breaks between residents to rest your hands and eyes. If you do significant amounts of work on a tablet, consider using a stand or case that props it up.
Key Points Covered
The things your team must remember.
- Display Screen Equipment includes all computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones you use for work tasks
- Poor DSE setup or prolonged use without breaks can cause eye strain, headaches, neck pain, back pain, and repetitive strain injuries
- Set up your workstation correctly with screen at eye level, keyboard close, chair adjusted, and good lighting without glare
- Sit with good posture, keep wrists straight when typing, and take regular short breaks every 30 to 60 minutes
- You have the right to request a workstation assessment if you use DSE regularly, and you must report any discomfort or problems early
- When using tablets or mobile devices, avoid holding them for long periods and position them to prevent neck and hand strain
Who and how often
Display Screen Equipment (DSE) is refreshed every year, for the staff in your care setting whose roles require it.
CQC and standards
Supports the training evidence CQC expects to see for a well-run, safe care setting.
How CareStream Delivers It
Not a slideshow once a year. Training that sticks.
CareStream delivers display screen equipment (dse) training in the hub your team already uses, grounded in best practice and your own policies, so it fits your care setting and not a generic template.
Teach, then assess
Short teaching sections and a real care scenario, then an assessment that checks understanding.
In any language
Staff complete it in over 60 languages, while your records stay in English.
Learn and retry
A wrong answer triggers a short follow-up lesson and a fresh question, so the gap is closed.
Renewals handled
Automatic reminders at 90, 30 and 7 days, with a live compliance dashboard.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions.
Give your team display screen equipment (dse) training that actually sticks.
See how CareStream delivers your mandatory training in the hub, in any language.