What device should be used when transferring a patient from the bed to the wheelchair?
Show
Moving Patients from Bed to Wheelchair
Patient safety is often the main concern when moving patients from bed. But remember not to lift at the expense of your own back. This transfer often requires the patient's help, so clear communication is essential. If the patient can’t help much, you’ll need two peopl or a fully body sling lift. Remember: When patients are weak, brace your knees against theirs to keep their legs from buckling. Also, transfer toward patient’s stronger side if possible. Step 1. Sit the patient up
Step 2. Stand the patient up
Step 3. Pivot toward chair
Step 4. Sit the patient down
StayWell last reviewed this educational content on 3/1/2018 © 2000-2021 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. Chapter 3. Safe Patient Handling, Positioning, and Transfers 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.
How do you transfer a patient from bed to wheelchair?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. Swing the patient's feet off the edge of the bed and use the momentum to help the patient into a sitting position.
What piece of equipment is used to transfer a patient from a bed to a chair?Slide sheets facilitate the process of moving and repositioning a patient. It is designed to reduce the effort of moving a person up or across the bed, in a chair or during a car transfer. Slide sheets are made from a slippery material and to reduce friction between the patient and the surface.
What device should be used when assisting a patient with transfers?A gait belt can be used with patients in both one-person or two-person pivot transfer, or in transfer with a slider board. A slider board is used to transfer immobile patients from one surface to another while the patient is lying supine.
What is the safest way to assist a client from the bed to the wheelchair?Stand as close as you can to the consumer, reach around their chest, and lock your hands behind the consumer or grab the gait belt. 2. Place the consumer's outside leg (the one farthest from the wheelchair) between your knees for support. Bend your knees and keep your back straight.
|