Transfers

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Original Editors - Naomi O'Reilly and Robin Tacchetti

Top Contributors - Naomi O'Reilly and Jess Bell   

Introduction

A transfer can be viewed as the safe movement of a person from one place or surface to another and an opportunity to train an individual to enhance independent function, and is considered to include all assistance provided to transfer or move a patient that can include manual assistance and/or use of assistive devices, which includes use of a hoist. Transfers can include vertical transfers from a seated-to-seated position (wheelchair to toilet) or supine-to-seated position (bed to wheelchair) and horizontal or lateral transfers from one flat surface to another (bed to stretcher). The clinician must must choose the most efficient and safest method to transfer a patient while taking into consideration the safety of both the patient and the clinician. Successful and safe patient transfers rely on understanding each patient’s specific needs while simultaneously adhering to evidence-based guidelines, and rely on a thorough assessment. Research shows that injuries to health and social care workers happen most frequently during patient transfers, with up to one third of workplace injuries in hospitals and nursing homes occurring when staff try to move patients. Tranfers also also increases the risk to patients of injury, pain, and negative health outcomes. Infrequent use of assistive technology may also restrict opportunities for patient movement, mobilisation, and weight-bearing activities, which can compromise patients’ recuperation, rehabilitation, and overall health.

Controlling a patient’s movement while moving them from one position or surface to another or preventing a patient from falling requires that the clinician be close to the patient’s center of motion (COM), which is typically located between the shoulders and the pelvis. When these control points are used, patient transfers are more efficient, and patient safety is enhanced. The most efficient way to enhance the patient’s movement (unless they are completely dependent) is to encourage movement of the body’s distal component, the part of the body 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 their trunk forward. It is also important to have the patient look in the direction of the transfer’s destination to encourage correct head-turning.

Indications

The indications for tranfsers vary depending on the patient population being treated. However, it is typically indicated for patients who have difficulty moving on their own and require assistance with moving from one position to another. Patients should always be encouraged to move independently but when assistance is required, they should be encouraged to assist in as much of the movement themselves as possible. Evidence supports the positive effect of movement and mobilisation on the quality and speed of a patient’s recovery and on the patient’s ability to preserve current levels of physical capability. Likewise it is well known that early mobilisation is crucial for positive patient outcomes including decreased incidences of pneumonia, urinary tract infections, falls, skin tears, and length of stay in Intensive Care Units and acute care settings, while insufficient movement put patients at high risk of immobility-related adverse events, such as pressure injuries, reduced range of motion, reduced muscle strength, muscle atrophy and reduced mobility.

• Safety
• Comfort
• Prevent Secondary Complications
• Support Activities of Daily Living
• Support Mobilisation
• Rehabilitation

Factors Affecting Transfers

Patient Factors

Principles of Transfers

Before transferring a patient, it is important to assess the situation and consider the following to help you decide to decide how much the patient can assist and what method of transfer should be used:

Level of Support

1. Dependant; Patient unable to assist and does not actively participate in the transfer. The clinician performs all aspects of the transfer.
2. Assisted; Patient actively participates but requires assistance.
3. Independent; Performs all aspects of the transfer including set up in a safe manner and without assistance.

Level of Assistance

1. Independant
   • is able to transfer independently and safely.
   • no assistance required.
2. Stand By Assistance
   • requires no physical assistance but may require verbal cues.
3. Close Guard Assistance
4. Contact Guard Assistance
5. Minimal Assis;
   • is cooperative and reliable, but needs minimal physical assistance with the transfer.
   • requires minor physical exertion from health and social care worker during transfers
   • is able to perform 75% of the required activity on their own.
6. Moderate Assist
   • requires more than minor physical assistance.
   • often needs equipment to assist with transfers.
   • is able to perform 50% of the required activity on their own.
7. Maximum Assist;
   • requires full physical assistance for all transfers.
   • may be unpredictable and uncooperative.
   • requires equipment to assist with transfers
   • is able to perform 0-25% of the required activity on their own.

Overview of Transfers

The following principles guiding transfers should be considered in relation to the short‐ and long‐term goals of rehabilitation and management for each specific patient.

Assistive Devices for Transfers

1. Sliding Sheets; A sliding sheet or any short sheet can be used as a sliding aid. There are also specially designed roller sheets. These are made of special fabrics that have low-friction inner surfaces. The layers of fabric roll or slide over one another during the patient transfer.
2. Transfer Belts; A transfer belt is placed around the patient's waist and secured snugly. The belt can be adjusted to fit different patients and usually fastens with velcro and a buckle. If the transfer belt has loops, hold these loops to support the patient more firmly during transfer; if the belt does not have loops, hold onto the belt itself. You should use a transfer belt with patients who can partially support their own weight but need assistance. Studies show that using a transfer belt increases patient satisfaction. Lifting patients manually without a transfer belt may cause the patient discomfort under the arms. Patients also prefer the transfer belt because they feel more secure.
3. Transfer Boards; Transfer boards are also used, which are small pieces of rigid wood or plastic used to bridge the gap between two surfaces.. These may use various low-friction or roller technology transfer boards also available so that the patient can be pulled across easily.
4. Sit to Stand Hoist: Device used to assist patients from a sitting to standing position.
5. Hoist; A hoist is a mechanical lift or hydraulic lift, that can be free standing or attached to a ceiling, used to move patients who cannot bear weight, who are unpredictable or unreliable, or who have a medical condition that does not allow them to stand or assist with moving.

Principles of Transfers

The following principles guiding transfers should be considered in relation to the short‐ and long‐term goals of rehabilitation and management for each specific patient.

1. Preparation
2. Communication
3. Cues
4. Encourage Patient Participation
5. Natural Movement
6. Distance and Height

Clinical Significance

Resources

References