Follow these steps to move a patient from bed to a wheelchair. The technique below assumes the patient can stand on at least one leg. Show
If the patient cannot use at least one leg, you will need to use a lift to transfer the patient. PreparationThink through the steps before you act and get help if you need it. If you are not able to support the patient by yourself, you could injure yourself and the patient. Make sure any loose rugs are out of the way to prevent slipping. You may want to put non-skid socks or shoes on the patient's feet if the patient needs to step onto a slippery surface. The following steps should be followed:
Getting a Patient Ready to TransferBefore transferring into the wheelchair, the patient must be sitting. Allow the patient to sit for a few moments, in case the patient feels dizzy when first sitting up. The following steps should be followed when getting ready to transfer a patient:
Pivot TurnIf you have a gait belt, place it on the patient to help you get a grip during the transfer. During the turn, the patient can either hold onto you or reach for the wheelchair. They should not wrap their arms around your head or neck. Stand as close as you can to the patient, reach around the chest, and lock your hands behind the patient or grab the gait belt. The following steps should be followed:
If the patient starts to fall during the transfer, lower the person to the nearest flat surface, bed, chair or floor. Alternative NamesPivot turn; Transfer from bed to wheelchair ReferencesAmerican Red Cross. Assisting with positioning and transferring. In: American Red Cross. American Red Cross Nurse Assistant Training Textbook. 4th ed. American National Red Cross; 2018:chap 11. Bergman R, De Jesus O. Patient care transfer techniques. [Updated 2021 Oct 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564305. Smith SF, Duell DJ, Martin BC, Gonzalez L, Aebersold M. Body mechanics and positioning. In: Smith SF, Duell DJ, Martin BC, Gonzalez L, Aebersold M, eds. Clinical Nursing Skills: Basic to Advanced Skills. 9th ed. New York, NY: Pearson; 2017:chap 12. Timby BK. Assisting the inactive client. In: Timby BK, ed. Fundamentals of nursing skills and concepts. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health: Lippincott Williams & Wilkens; 2017:unit 6. Review Date 10/23/2021Updated by: Jennifer K. Mannheim, ARNP, Medical Staff, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. A transfer means moving a person from one place to another. A bedridden person may be independent (needing minimal help) or totally dependent. The person may be able to do rehabilitation exercises by moving to a chair. A transfer can also take pressure off the skin and keep blood flowing. The person's risk for bedsores and blood clots is lower if he or she moves often. Safe transfer techniques can help protect the person and you from injury and falls. What general safety precautions do I need to follow?
What do I need to do before I transfer the person?
What do I need to do after I transfer the person?
Care AgreementYou have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.© Copyright Merative 2022 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes. Further informationAlways consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. What should you assess before transferring a patient?Safety considerations:. Perform hand hygiene.. Check room for additional precautions.. Introduce yourself to patient.. Confirm patient ID using two patient identifiers (e.g., name and date of birth).. Listen and attend to patient cues.. Ensure patient's privacy and dignity.. Assess ABCCS/suction/oxygen/safety.. What is the first step in any patient transfer?1. Ask the patient to sit on the side of the bed 2. Apply the transfer belt 3. Stand the patient up (as if starting a sit-to-stand pivot transfer) 4.
What is the most important thing or things to consider when transferring a patient?No matter where you transfer, communication and preparation are the two most important factors to consider. Communication leads to collaboration; you need your patient's help to make a transfer that's safe for both of you.
What are the methods in transferring patient?Transfers involve moving a patient from one flat surface to another, such as from a bed to a stretcher (Perry et al., 2018). Types of hospital transfers include bed to stretcher, bed to wheelchair, wheelchair to chair, and wheelchair to toilet, and vice versa.
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