Caregiving Tip: Safe Patient Transfers | Part 2
In this post we will share helpful tips on Bed to Bed or Gurney Transfer.
While in hospice our patients receive comfort cares, and this may include transferring our patient from a bed to a chair, wheelchair, commode, different bed and vise versa. Knowing what kind of help the patient will need during these transfers will prevent injury or harm to yourself and the patient. If transfers are not completed correctly, you are putting the patient and yourself in danger of serious injury or harm!
How to prepare for the transfer
Read the care plan
Gather safety equipment needed
Talk with the patient about the transfer
Determine patient’s dominant or strongest side
Position the patient for the transfer
Why is this important?
To know how previous transfers went.
To make sure you have the equipment or support needed
To identify any possible changes since last transfer
The patient can help a bit more if needed
To be ergonomically prepared for the physical transfer
Ergonomics
Maintain a wide, stable base with your feet.
Put the bed at the correct height (waist level when providing care; hip level when moving a patient.)
Try to keep the work directly in front of you to avoid rotating the spine.
Keep the patient as close to your body as possible to minimize reaching.
Chair/Wheelchair to Bed Transfer:
Put the head of the bed down and adjust the bed height. Be sure the wheels of the bed are locked.
Put a garbage bag or plastic slide board between the sheet and draw-sheet, beneath one edge of the patient’s torso.
Move the patient’s legs closer to the edge of the bed.
Instruct the patient to cross his or her arms across his or her chest, and explain the move to the patient.
Grasp the draw-sheet on both sides of the bed.
On the count of 3, lean back and shift your weight, sliding the patient to the edge of the bed. The helper holds the sheet, keeping it from slipping.
Have the helper “cradle” the patient in the draw-sheet while you retrieve a stretcher.
Adjust the bed to be slightly higher than the stretcher. Then, position the stretcher, locking it in place.
Move the patient’s legs onto the stretcher.
Have the helper kneel on the bed, holding on to the draw-sheet.
On the count of 3, grasp the draw-sheet and slide the patient onto the stretcher. You may need to repeat this step.
**Remember: If you move a patient’s legs first, you can decrease the stress on your back by as much as a third.**
Closing Notes:
Remember to chart your transfer for the next person to review prior to transferring again. Things you want to include are:
How many assisted in the transfer?
Did the patient help with the transfer?
Was this a change for the patient?
Did the transfer go well?
If not, document any injuries and report to appropriate people