413121 Ensuring Safety During Patient Transfers

Course overview

Discussion of how to ensure safety for the patient and healthcare workers when moving patients. Topics include the importance of proper body mechanics during patient transfers, the differences between techniques associated with standby assist, assisted standing pivot, two-person wheelchair lift, hydraulic lift, and cart transfers; a description of using patient transfer devices like a gait belt during transfers, and the role of the patient during the transfer with respect to their understanding, comfort, and possible need for immobilization. Transferring patients from one surface to another in medical settings requires safe patient handling techniques, proper body mechanics, and knowledge regarding how to handle invasive lines that a patient may have present, or special equipment that may be necessary for transferring. Healthcare professionals often receive little training while in school regarding safe patient handling and transfer techniques, yet they are expected to safely and proficiently transfer patients in the clinical setting, predisposing both the nurse and patient to musculoskeletal and/or other injuries. Healthcare workers must be knowledgeable regarding how to safely and properly transfer patients in medical settings in order to prevent injury to themselves and their patients. This program discusses how to safely transfer patients, including the importance of proper body mechanics during patient transfers, different types of transfer techniques, assistive devices that may be used during a transfer, and the role of the patient during the transfer with respect to their understanding, comfort, and possible need for immobilization.