BARIATRIC PATIENTS: TRANSPORTING BY BED OR STRETCHER

Course overview

Transporting a bariatric patient (i.e., a patient with clinically severe obesity, which was previously commonly referred to as morbid obesity) by bed or stretcher consists of moving the patient from one location to another using a powered bed or stretcher; the focus of this paper is on intra-facility transport of the bariatric patient. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of how to transport a bariatric patient by bed or stretcher, including the need for equipment specially designed for use with bariatric patients, factors that must be considered when caring for bariatric patients, and methods for ensuring the safety of both patient and healthcare provider. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.