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Patient Transfer

July 7, 2014
Patient Transfer
  • Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are among the most costly health problems.
  • The high rate of injuries sustained from patient handling suggests that significant changes are needed.

Patient transfer can be a physically demanding process that, if not handled properly, may lead to injury for both patients and medical personnel.

When hospital patients need to be shifted from one surface to another or adjusted into position, it is the job of the nurses and other medical personnel to move them. However, this can be a physically demanding process that, if not handled properly, may lead to injury for both patients and medical personnel, a fact that highlights the importance of having the right patient transfer equipment.

Improper training is still rampant

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, work-related musculoskeletal disorders are among the most costly health problems. Many of these injuries affect the back and shoulders, and a significant number of them impact nurses and other medical professionals who have to move patients.

In 2006, AFT Healthcare, formerly known as the Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals, reported on a survey of more than 500 hospital nurses who worked in direct patient care and more than 400 hospital radiology technicians. The results were worrisome:

  • Fifty-six percent of nurses and 64 percent of technicians reported chronic pain related to lifting, moving or repositioning patients.
  • Thirty-eight percent of nurses and 42 percent of technicians were injured while handling patients.
  • Forty-seven percent nurses and 30 percent of technicians considered leaving their jobs because of the difficulties they experienced when handling patients.

Many nursing schools and similar institutions educate their students on proper body mechanics during patient handling. However, these techniques are outdated and leave medical personnel prone to injury, according to the CDC. This underscores the need for medical facilities to use safe patient transfer devices.

Rate of use needs to improve

Still, the number of medical professionals who use such equipment is suboptimal. In fact, the AFT Healthcare survey revealed that only 24 percent of nurses and 27 percent of technicians regularly used this equipment to move patients, despite the evidence indicating that these devices can reduce the risk of injury and pain. Experts from the CDC suggest that this may be attributable to the fact that safe patient handling techniques that include safety equipment are relatively new, meaning there is relatively little published evidence to support their use.

However, the high rate of injuries sustained from patient handling suggests that significant changes are needed. It is definitely worthwhile for hospitals to invest in patient transfer equipment that includes    and multi-purpose 1/2 shifters - all of which are available at AliMed. This equipment allows patients to be moved between uneven surfaces. They are lightweight, but have high weight holding capacity. Furthermore, because they take up so little room, rollers and shifters are ideal for the OR.

Patient Rollers

Patient Rollers

Patient Rollers easily transfer patients between uneven surfaces.

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Patient Shifters

Patient Shifters

Patient Shifters are lightweight and flexible solutions for patient transfer.

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AliSlide 1/2 Shifter

AliSlide 1/2 Shifter

The multi-purpose AliSlide 1/2 shifters are designed to transfer patients who are sitting or lying down.

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Disclaimer

AliMed, Inc. is a manufacturer and distributor of medical supply products, and is not a medical authority. The contents contained in this article, including text, graphics, imagery, and other materials, are for informational and educational purposes only. AliMed does not provide or intend to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and the information contained here should not be treated as such. If you have questions about a specific medical condition or specific personal use of a medical device, always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.

This blog was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence. Although every effort has been made to present information that is accurate and true to the best of our knowledge, this content may contain omissions or errors. AliMed does not regularly update information or resources for this content and does not guarantee, make any warranties, and accepts no liability for the accuracy or completeness of the information presented.