Chapter 3. Safe Patient Handling, Positioning, and Transfers Show Transfers are defined as moving a patient from one flat surface to another, such as from a bed to a stretcher (Perry et al., 2014). Types of hospital transfers include bed to stretcher, bed to wheelchair, wheelchair to chair, and wheelchair to toilet, and vice versa. Patient Transfer from Bed to StretcherA bed to stretcher transfer requires a minimum of three to four people, depending on the size of the patient and the size and strength of the health care providers. Patients who require this type of transfer are generally immobile or acutely ill and may be unable to assist with the transfer. Checklist 29 shows the steps for moving patients laterally from one surface to another. Checklist 29: Moving a Patient from Bed to Stretcher
Take this Lateral Transfer Sliding Board course for more information on sliding board transfer. Transfer from Bed to WheelchairPatients often need assistance when moving from a bed to a wheelchair. A patient must be cooperative and predictable, able to bear weight on both legs and take small steps. If any of these criteria are not met, a two-person transfer or mechanical lift is recommended. Always complete a patient risk assessment prior to all patient-handling activities. See Checklist 30 for the steps to transfer a patient from the bed to the wheelchair (PHSA, 2010). Checklist 30: Bed to Wheelchair Transfer
Special considerations:
Video 3.6Take this Standing Step Around Transfer course to learn the method for a bed to wheelchair transfer.
When two persons are assisting a patient to move from a stretcher onto a bed?When two persons are assisting a patient to move from a stretcher onto a bed, they should position themselves so that: one is on each side of the bed. The safest and most convenient method is to transport the child in a crib.
In what position should the patient be placed prior to transferring from a bed?The following steps should be followed when getting ready to transfer a patient: To get the patient into a seated position, roll the patient onto the same side as the wheelchair. Put one of your arms under the patient's shoulders and one behind the knees. Bend your knees.
What is the procedure for transferring the patient from bed to stretcher?Moving Patients from Bed to Stretcher (Gurney). Prepare to move. Put the head of the bed down and adjust the bed height. ... . Pull to edge of bed. Grasp the draw-sheet on both sides of the bed. ... . Position stretcher. Have the helper “cradle” the patient in the draw-sheet while you retrieve a stretcher. ... . Slide onto stretcher.. |