NURS 04: Transferring of Patient from Bed to Wheelchair

FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING
BS NURSING 1-4 | 2ND SEM 2023

TRANSFERRING
➢ A transfer can be viewed as the safe movement of a
person from one place or surface to another, and as an
opportunity to train an individual to enhance
independent function. In both cases the clinician must
choose the most efficient and safest method.
Controlling a patient's movement, while moving the
patient from one position, or surface, to another, or
preventing a patient falling requires that the clinician be
close to the center of motion (COM) of the patient,
which is typically located between the shoulders and
the pelvis. When these points of control are used,
patient transfers are more efficient and patient safety is
enhanced. The most efficient way to enhance the
movement of the patient (unless he or she is totally
dependent) is to encourage movement of the distal
component of the body—the part of the body that is
farthest from the trunk. For example, when assisting a
patient to stand from a seated position, a common
verbal cue is to ask the patient to lean his or her trunk
forward. In addition, it is also important to have the
patient look in the direction of the transfer's destination
to encourage correct head turning.
PATIENT TRANSFERRING
➢ One of the purposes of transfers is to permit a patient to
function in different environments and to increase the
level of independence of the patient. Because of
advancements in recent years, a number of moving and
lifting devices (total body lifts and sit-to-stand lifts) have
been designed and incorporated into the healthcare
system. However, because of the expense and
sometimes the inconvenience of these devices, manual
transfers continue to be commonly used. In these
cases, the best body mechanics possible should be
used to maximize the ability to encompass a task with
minimal effort and maximum safety. It is important to
note that certain transfers increase the risk for injury
necessitating additional care and attention. Depending
on the functional ability of the patient, a transfer may be
performed independently by the patient, with assistance
from the clinician (minimal, moderate, maximal, or
standby supervision), or dependently.
TRANSFERRING A PATIENT FROM BED TO WHEELCHAIR
● Patient safety is often the main concern when moving
patient 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 cannot help much, you will need two people
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 the patient's stronger side if possible.
PROCEDURE
Step 1. Sit the patient up
- Position and lock the wheelchair close to the bed.
Remove the armrest nearest to the bed, and swing
away both leg rests.
- Help the patient turn onto his or her side, facing the
wheelchair.
- Put an arm under the patient's neck with your hand
supporting the shoulder blade; put your other hand
under the knees.
- Swing the patient's legs over the edge of the bed,
helping the patient to sit up.
Step 2. Stand the patient up
- Have the patient scoot to the edge of the bed.
- Assist the patient in putting on skid proof socks or
shoes.
- Put your arms around the patient's chest, and clasp
your hands behind his or her back. Or, you may also
use a transfer belt to provide a firm handhold.
- Supporting the leg farthest from the wheelchair
between your legs, lean back, shift your weight, and
lift.
Step 3. Pivot toward chair
- Have the patient pivot toward the chair, as you
continue to clasp your hands around the patient.
- A helper can support the wheelchair or patient from
behind.
Step 4. Sit the patient down
- As the patient bends toward you, bend your knees and
lower the patient into the back of the wheelchair.
- A helper may position the patient's buttocks and
support the chair.
- Reposition the foot rests and the patient's feet.
.
Step 5. To put him back to bed
- Assist patient to stand, help to turn and stand on stool
and back to bed.
- Support patient while he sits on the side of bed.
- Remove robe and slippers.
- Pivot to a sitting position in bed, supporting her head
and shoulders with one arm and her knees with the
other arm, and lower slowly to bed in lying position.
- Draw up bedding.
- Document

Purpose: TRANSFERRING TECHNIQUE

1. To strengthen the patient gradually.
DEFINITION
2. To provide a change in position.
- It is the use of proper body mechanics in repositioning,
lifting and transferring client’s safety.
Equipment:
● Gait or Transfer belt
PURPOSE:
● Chair or wheelchair
- Positions and prepares client for a variety of clinical
● Patient’s robe and slippers
procedure.
● Pillows
- The movement maintains and restores muscle tone.
● Blanket, sheet or draw sheet
● Footstool
1. ASSISTING CLIENT FROM BED TO
WHEELCHAIR/CHAIR
Safety considerations:
● Check room for additional precautions.
EQUIPMENT
● Introduce yourself to patient.
- Bed
● Confirm patient ID using two patient identifiers (e.g.,
- Wheelchair/chair
name and date of birth).
- Transfer belt/support
● Listen and attend to patient cues.
● Ensure patient’s privacy and dignity.
● Assess ABCCS/suction/oxygen/safety.
● Ensure tubes and attachments are properly placed prior
to the procedure to prevent accidental removal.
● A gait belt and wheelchair are required.