Transfer Training & Body MechanicsSeema Marshall , SPTGeorge Washington University

Guidelines to remember

•Maintain good posture – keep your back straight

•Keep your weight evenly balanced•Lift with your legs, bend from your knees•Try not to twist•Use what is available to help•Inform the patient ahead of time

Before you begin

•Plan your transfer•Set up your environment

▫Bed height/angle▫Untangle lines▫Move furniture (bed, chairs)▫Bring assistive devices close by

•Inform the patient of your plan▫Encourage them to assist if possible

Lifting techniques

•Stand close•Keep feet apart•Bend at the knees•Keep your back straight•Use your core•Lift with your legs

Helpful equipment

•Assistive devices•Slide boards•Transfer sheets•TAP glide sheets•Gait belts•Van turn•Barton chair•Hoyer lift

Two person transfers

•Plan ahead – who will be positioned where•One person leads – count off

PRACTICE

•Supine, rolling•Supine, up/down

to head/foot of bed•Supine to side-

lying•Supine to sit•Sit to stand

Stand pivot transfers

•For patients who cannot stand independently but can bear some weight through LE

•Squat pivot transfers option for lower level patients

References

• Minor, M.A. and Minor, S. Patient Care Skills. 6th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. 2006.

• Pierson, F.M. Principles and Techniques of Patient Care. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Company. 2009.

• European Parkinson’s Disease Association. Managing movement difficulties. EPDA. 2013. http://www.epda.eu.com/en/parkinsons/in-depth/managing-your-parkinsons/carers/managing-movement-difficulties/cguide-for-two-people-moving-someone-up-a-bed/