Transferring Patients Safely and Efficiently Using Special Devices

There are numerous techniques as well as pieces of equipment that make transferring patients a more safe and efficient process. When a patient has low mobility or is immobile, it is essential that the therapist, nurse or caregiver know how to lift and move the patient without injury to themselves or the patient.

Because many patients weigh more than the individual moving them, it is never a good idea for the individual transferring patients to rely solely on their own body strength to accomplish a safe and smooth move. Knowing how to incorporate certain pieces of equipment and supplies into the transfer process will prevent injury and strain on the caregiver and prevent the patient being transferred from suffering a fall or additional injury.

Transfer boards, also called slide boards, are a key piece of equipment when transferring patients. This rigid board, constructed from durable wood or plastic, serves as a bridge for the patient to slide across when being transferred from sitting on the edge of a bed. One end of the transfer board is slid under the patient's buttock cheek and upper thigh. The other end of the transfer board is placed on the seat of a wheelchair. Now the patient can push upwards using their arm strength while the caregiver gently applies a lifting motion around their waist to make the transfer from the bed into the wheelchair.

There are plastic transfer boards, curved transfer boards, wooden transfer boards and ultra slick transfer boards that help independent and assisted transfers.

Gait belts are the second key piece of equipment used when transferring patients and most often used in conjunction with a transfer board. A handicap gait belt is secured around a patient's waist to give the individual performing the transfer better leverage when helping the patient move. There should be just enough room between the belt and the patient's body for the caregiver to slip two fingers inside the belt as he assists the patient while moving into a new position.

Especially in those instances in which the patient may be overweight, very elderly or have no physical strength or control of their limbs overall, mechanical devices such as chair lifts and Hoyer lifts can be utilized in order to make the safest and most efficient patient transfer possible.

Gait belts can be purchased for less than $20, while transfer boards require a more substantial investment anywhere between $150 and $400 depending upon the quality and design of the board. Caregivers should practice using equipment such as belts and boards to fully understand how they can assist during patient transfers prior to actually using them with patients. Transfer equipment can help caregivers achieve a better hold on patients in addition to helping keep both patient and caregiver in good balance during the transfer process and relieve them from bearing the patient's full weight during the transfer process which can cause strain or injury to either or both parties.