TheTransferGuy

Sit to Stand Patient Transfer Technique

2011-04-27T04:35:00.000-07:00

Check out this alternative lifting technique.

-Patient uses forearms to firmly press into caregiver's elbows while lacing fingers or holding wrists.

-The caregiver's hands support the patient's back while lifting.

-Then simply lean back and lift.

It is worth noting that I attempted this transfer with a gait belt first but the patient was too apprehensive and obviously the belt slipped. Needless to say it was unsuccessful.(Not shown in video.)

This patient hasn't stood in over 3 years!!!
This was easier than I thought it would be. As you can see, no slipping.

Good Luck &
Happy Lifting!

TheTransferGuy

Patient Lifting - 3 Quick Tips on how to reduce your lift-load

2011-04-20T05:14:00.001-07:00

One of the most common transfers that health care workers perform is assisting patients up from sitting to ambulate or pivot to another surface, i.e. wheelchair, recliner, toilet, bed. etc.
For this reason, this post will focus on sit-to-stand transfers.

Today we will look at 3 areas and give you 3 tips or strategies for safer and easier transfers.

A. Patient's Position:
Whether from the recliner, w/c, bed or toilet, most seniors will have the tendency to lean back. Painful arthritis, fear of falling forward or personal space issues are common reason they lean back during lifting.

Tip 1) Scoot patient forward and get their feet back. Then have them lean forward to get their shoulders over their toes. Most caregiver strain occurs during lifting while getting them to this position.

B. Equipment Needs:
Although patient's position is key, that alone is not enough for a safe and easy transfer. It can fail if their knees buckle or they have poor balance. You may need a sliding board, Smart Lift™ or a mechanical lift if they require a lot of assistance to transfer. Let's assume you have no equipment and they can remain standing once lifted.

Tip 2) Instead of lifting from the waist, have the patient push up using their arms and support their forearms just below the elbows. This helps avoid caregiver back strain. It will however, keep the caregiver from pulling up under the patient's underarms. (Keep in mind that this technique is not ideal for all patients and especially those who require much more assistance.)

C. Communicate:
Folks, this is obviously the most basic "common sense" approach. I have seen lots of caregivers distracted or in a hurry to get someone up and have forgotten to communicate with the patient before the transfer. If the patient has any amount of dementia or confusion, without instructions a stand-by-assist could turn into a max lift. They will resist your every move unless you show or tell them what you are doing.

Tip 3) Explain where you are moving the patient, how you will do it and most importantly, recruit their help. I can't count how many times I saw one caregiver perform a stand-by-assist while another another performs a mod or max assist transfer on the same patient. Why? It's very simple. Most patients will usually try to do as the caregiver has asked them to do.

You've heard that technique is everything. Well, it's absolutely key in patient mobility and I have thousands and thousands of lifts to prove it.
These 3 simple techniques can drastically reduce you lifting efforts if you will just take the time to implement them.

Happy Lifting or should I say Assisting.

Wade McKinney,PTA
TheTransferGuy

Lift Your Attitude....Before Lifting Your Patients

2010-07-21T15:27:00.001-07:00

You've heard the phrase "Attitude is Everything?" Well it couldn't be more true in the health care field. Your attitude and emotional state will certainly affect your job performance and can have an immediate effect on your health.

We all live and work in a busy, stressful world. Often we are affected by problems with patients, staff workers, or even our own personal and private issues. We do our best not to verbalize these on the job.

"Actions Speak Louder the Words." Many think that because they are silent about their issues, that all is well. Then they may take out their frustrations through their actions by rushing or hurrying transfers. And during a busy day of moving patients this could mean you put yourself at an extremely high risk of injuring yourself or your patients.

A bad attitude is not only unprofessional, it can be down right dangerous to everyone involved. Being angry or upset at work causes one to make poor decisions. And poor decisions lead to injury. Remember, just 1 poor decision could potentially cause a life-long debilitating injury.

Problem: Bad Attitudes Causes Injury
Solution: Slow down and think about the patient and their needs. Imagine the patient as your favorite family member.

Lift Your Spirits, then Lift Your Patient!

TheTransferGuy