Wheelchair Management For Transfers

Summary

This video demonstrates safe patient transfer techniques using a wheelchair, emphasizing the importance of preparing the wheelchair by removing or swinging away leg rests and armrests. It covers the necessary steps for positioning the wheelchair, securing brakes, and assisting the patient into sitting. The video also highlights potential obstacles like armrests and offers advice for handling specific scenarios, including squat pivot transfers and slide board use. Post-transfer steps include reattaching wheelchair components and ensuring safety measures, such as adjusting footrests and ensuring personal items and call lights are within reach. It concludes with a reverse transfer process and best practices for minimizing patient movement and preventing injury.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ensure wheelchair brakes are locked before any transfer to prevent unintended movement.
• 😀 🦽 Always remove or swing away the leg rests to prevent tripping hazards during transfers.
• 😀 🤲 When transferring a patient, remove the armrest on the side closest to the transfer surface if the patient cannot fully stand.
• 😀 🚶‍♂️ Leg rests should be removed or swung away to provide more space for the patient's feet during transfers.
• 😀 🛏️ Position the wheelchair parallel to or at a slight angle to the bed for safe patient transfer.
• 😀 🦶 Ensure that at least one footrest is positioned correctly before moving the wheelchair to avoid foot injuries.
• 😀 ⚙️ Familiarize yourself with the specific wheelchair features, such as lever-operated or removable leg rests and armrests, to maximize safety during transfers.
• 😀 🔄 Always reattach removed or swung-away parts (leg rests, armrests) after completing the transfer for the patient’s comfort and safety.
• 😀 💡 If the wheelchair has non-removable leg rests, elevate the foot plates to clear the way for the patient during transfers.
• 😀 📞 For fall risk reduction, ensure that the patient's personal items and call light are within reach, and set up a chair alarm if necessary.

Q & A

Why should the strategies for patient movement be modified for certain diagnoses, impairments, or precautions?

The strategies need to be modified because different patients may have unique physical or medical conditions that require personalized adjustments to ensure safety and comfort during transfers.

What should you do if you're unsure about how to safely move a specific patient?

If unsure, it's recommended to consult with occupational or physical therapists at the facility to get personalized advice on how to safely transfer that patient.

Why are wheelchairs with removable or swingaway leg rests and armrests considered ideal for safe transfers?

These types of wheelchairs are more versatile and allow the caregiver to remove obstacles that could cause trips or hindrances during the transfer, making the process safer for both the patient and caregiver.

What are the two preparation steps recommended before transferring a patient into a wheelchair?

The two recommended preparation steps are removing the leg rests and removing the armrests of the wheelchair.

Why should the wheelchair be positioned close to the surface the patient is transferring to?

Positioning the wheelchair close to the surface ensures that there is less distance the patient needs to travel during the transfer, which increases safety and reduces the risk of injury.

What is the importance of locking the wheelchair's brakes before initiating a transfer?

Locking the brakes is crucial because it prevents the wheelchair from moving or rolling away during the transfer, which could result in injury to both the patient and caregiver.

What should be done after transferring the patient into the wheelchair?

After transferring the patient into the wheelchair, ensure that the wheelchair's leg rests are reattached, armrests are reinserted, and the patient's feet are properly placed to avoid injury. It's also important to check that personal items and the call light are within reach of the patient.

What should be done if the wheelchair doesn't have removable or swingaway leg rests?

If the wheelchair has fixed leg rests, it is recommended to elevate the footplates to a vertical position to clear the way for the patient's feet during transfers.

What safety considerations should be taken when the patient remains in the chair after the transfer?

Ensure that the patient's personal items and the call light are within their reach, and if necessary, set up a chair alarm to alert staff in case the patient attempts to stand or move without assistance.

Why is it important to remove or swing away the leg rests when transferring the patient?

Removing or swinging away the leg rests prevents them from becoming a tripping hazard for both the caregiver and the patient, ensuring a smoother and safer transfer process.