Proper technique is required for the transfer of patients without causing injury to the patient or the people giving assistance. OSHA has issued guidance for the transfer of patients in nursing homes to help reduce worker injuries.
Questions:
(1) Can the patient assist in the repositioning?
(2) How much does the patient weigh?
Patient Able to Assist?
Body Weight
Transfer Method
fully
NA
caregiver assistance not required; the patient may or may not use a positioning aid
partially
< 200 lbs
use a friction reducing device and 2 or 3 caregivers
partially
>= 200 lbs
use a friction reducing device and 3 or more caregivers
no
NA
use a full body sling lift, or a friction reducing device and 2 or more caregivers
where:
• Repositioning should not be attempted by 1 solo caregiver.
• The caregiver should not try to reposition by pulling from the head of the bed.
• Advantage of gravity assistance should be taken when possible, with the bed flat or in Trendelenburg position.
• If the patient has pressure ulcers, care should be taken to avoid shearing force.
• The height of the bed should be adjusted for caregiver safety (level of the elbows for standing caregivers).
• If the patient can assist when repositioning upwards in the bed, ask the patient to flex the knees and push upwards on a given count.
• If the patient can partially assist, encourage the patient to assist using a positioning aid or cues.
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