TRANSFERRING

TRANSFER

 is the taking or moving of something from one place to

another.
 the moving of a patient from one surface to another.
 Level of Transfer
Independent transfers
 The patient consistently performs all aspects of the
transfer, including setup, in a safe manner and without
assistance
Assisted transfers
 The patient actively participates, but also requires
assistance by a clinician(s)
Dependent transfers
 The patient does not participate actively, or only very
minimally and the clinician(s) perform all aspects of
the transfer
 Principles of Transfer
 Have the patient do as much as they can for themselves
(including removing footrests, applying wheel locks,
removing armrests, sliding forward in the chair, propelling
themselves, transfers, etc)
 Position the Wheelchair as close to the bed as possible
 Wheelchair generally faces the foot of the bed
 Where along the bed should it be placed?
 Use proper body mechanics
 Wheel locks should be engaged whenever a patient
moves into or out of the Wheelchair
 Use gait belts appropriately & safely
 Prepare the environment
 Remove jewelry on hands/wrists before sliding hands
under a patient
 Remove armrests and footrests
 ALWAYS inform your patient about the transfer to be
performed and what your expectations of them are
 The transfer is considered complete when the patient is
safely positioned and draped, with all necessary
equipment within reach
 Moving a patient from bed to a wheelchair

 Explain the steps to the patient.

 Place the wheelchair on the same side as the patient's
good leg.
 Park the wheelchair next to the bed, close to you.
 Put the brakes on and move the footrests out of the
way
 Getting a Patient Ready to Transfer
 Before transferring into the wheelchair, the patient must be
sitting.
 To get the patient into a seated position, roll the patient
onto the same side as the wheelchair.
 Allow the patient to sit for a few moments, in case the
patient feels dizzy when first sitting up.
 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.
 Move the patient to the edge of the bed and lower the bed
so the patient's feet are touching the ground.
Pivot Turn
 During the turn, the patient can either hold onto you or
reach for the wheelchair.
 Stand as close as you can to the patient, reach around the
chest, and lock your hands behind the patient.
 Place the patient's outside leg (the one farthest from the
wheelchair) between your knees for support. Bend your
knees and keep your back straight.
 Count to three and slowly stand up. Use your legs to lift.
 At the same time, the patient should place their hands by
their sides and help push off the bed.
 The patient should help support their weight on their
good leg during the transfer.
 Pivot towards the wheelchair, moving your feet so your
back is aligned with your hips.
 Once the patient's legs are touching the seat of the
wheelchair, bend your knees to lower the patient into
the seat. At the same time, ask the patient to reach for
the wheelchair armrest.
Moving a patient from bed to stretcher

Prepare to Move
 Put the head of the bed down and adjust the bed height.
 Move the patient’s legs closer to the edge of the bed.
 Instruct the patient to cross his or her arms across his or
her chest, and explain the move to the patient.
Position Stretcher
 Adjust the bed to be slightly higher than the
stretcher. Then, position the stretcher, locking it
in place.
 Move the patient’s legs onto the stretcher.
 Have the helper kneel on the bed, holding on to
the draw-sheet.
 On the count of 3, grasp the draw-sheet and
slide the patient onto the stretcher.
 Gait belt
Belts secured around a patient’s waist
 Providing a secure point of contact
 An alternative method to control patient motion
during transfers
The gait belt must not become a handle
 In some facilities, gait belts are required
equipment
 Should not be too tight or too loose
 Loose ends need to be tucked, so there is no
tripping over them