Proper transfer skills

1. Always lift with your legs rather than your back.

2. Remember that pushing is easier than pulling.
3. Get help whenever necessary.
4. be sure your patient understands what you are doing and suggest a way they can help.
5. Hold the patient close to your body for support and stability.
6. Use gait belt when it is warranted to provide balance to the patient and prevent you from
injuring your back.

Transfer Patient from Bed to Chair or Wheelchair

Pre-Procedure:

1. Check the patient chart.

2. Wash hands.
3. Check assistive device and surroundings.
4. Explain procedure.
5. Assess the patient’s ability to assist with the transfer, move equipment as necessary.

Procedures/Steps:

1. Close the door or curtains.

2. Place the bed in low position.
3. Lock the wheels of the bed.
4. Position the wheelchair and lock the wheels.
5. Offer patients blanket.
6. Assist the patient to move at the side of the bed using segmental method.
7. Assist patient to sit on the side of the bed by supporting the head and neck while moving the
legs off the bed to dangle. Steady position the patient for 1 minute.
8. Assist the patient to put on robe, safety belt and non-skid slippers.
9. Assist patient to standing position and rest for 1 minute.
10. Pivot the patient into position in front of the chair/wheelchair the back of the knees against
the seats of the chair/wheelchair (rest for 1 minute).
11. Instruct patient to hold the arm rest, assist patient to sit down.
12. Lift the patient foot and place to the footplate.
13. Transport the patient.

Wheelchair to Bed Procedure:

1. Put safety belt.
2. Remove the feet from the footplate.
3. Instruct the patient to hold the arm rest.
4. Assist the patient in standing position.
5. Allow patient to rest within 1 minute.
6. Pivot the patient.
7. Assist the patient in sitting position for 1 minute.
8. Remove safety belt.
9. Assist patient at center of the bed using segmental method.

Post-Procedure:

1. Recheck vital signs.

2. Check patient’s condition.
3. Wash hands.
4. Return the equipment to the proper place.
5. Document the date, time, procedure and patient’s condition.