How to transfer a patient?

From the Guidelines

To transfer a patient safely, the patient should be transferred onto the transport trolley/stretcher, properly secured and padded with due regard to any possible spinal injury, and positioned with a 20–30° head-up tilt, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. When transferring a patient, it is essential to assess their condition and mobility level to determine the appropriate technique. The use of assistive devices such as friction-reducing sheets, slider boards, or air-assisted transfer devices can facilitate safe transfer and reduce the risk of injury to both the patient and the caregiver 2.

Key Considerations for Patient Transfer

• Ensure proper body mechanics by keeping your back straight and using your leg muscles
• Position yourself close to the patient
• Use a draw sheet or other assistive device to reduce friction and facilitate transfer
• Have at least two caregivers present to assist with the transfer
• Bend your knees, grasp the sheet firmly, and on the count of three, slide rather than lift the patient
• For transfers from bed to chair, ensure the bed is at the proper height, lock all wheels on both bed and chair, support the patient at the back and under the thighs, and pivot rather than twist your body ### Equipment and Monitoring The patient should receive the same standard of monitoring during the transfer as they would receive in their referring unit, and the transfer team should be familiar with all of the equipment and drugs in the transfer kit and the transfer vehicle 3.

Care during Transfer

During transfer, patient management will be centered on maintaining oxygenation and adequate blood pressure, and minimizing rises in ICP, with a smooth journey and constant vigilance for complications 4.

From the Research

Transferring a Patient: Methods and Equipment

To transfer a patient safely, several methods and equipment can be used, including:

• Active assist transfer devices (AATDs) which have been associated with positive patient experience, such as increased patient satisfaction and dignity 5
• Mechanical lift equipment, which can eliminate the need for manual lifting and reduce the risk of injury to both patients and healthcare workers 6
• Assistive devices, such as lift hoists, air-assisted devices, and friction-reducing devices, which can reduce the physical demands of patient handling activities 7
• Floor and ceiling lifts, which are most effective for patient transfers 7

Factors to Consider When Transferring a Patient

When transferring a patient, several factors should be considered, including:

• The patient's weight-bearing status, cognitive level, and upper extremity strength 8
• The caregiver's ability to lift more than 35 pounds 8
• The availability of others who can assist with manual lift or use of lift equipment 9
• The presence of factors that may influence equipment use, such as patient size and weight, and equipment functioning properly 9

Best Practices for Transferring a Patient

Best practices for transferring a patient include:

• Using lift equipment and assistive devices whenever possible to reduce the risk of injury to both patients and healthcare workers 6, 7
• Assessing the patient's and caregiver's abilities and needs before transferring the patient 8
• Using a clinical decision-making algorithm to determine the best method for transferring the patient 8
• Providing training and education to healthcare workers on the proper use of lift equipment and assistive devices 5, 9