Many things can go wrong when moving a patient. The patient can get injured, and you can also harm yourself.
Knowing what to avoid can go a long way in making the process seamless. Today, we’ll discuss what you should avoid when moving a patient.
Avoid moving the patient without first planning. Planning involves preparing yourself, the patient, and your equipment before moving the patient.
Avoid the wrong body posture when lifting or moving a patient. A wrong body posture can result in injuries for you and the patient.
Now, let’s delve deeper into the details of what to avoid when moving a patient.
1 – Avoid Moving The Patient Without Planning
Planning is a critical part of any process. It helps to ensure everything goes as expected. Failing to plan can make it challenging to prevent potential accidents. Here is what to consider while planning to move a patient:
- Consider the risks involved
- Assess the environment
- Prepare the equipment you’ll need
- Avoid disorganization
- Avoid untrained personnel
Consider The Risks Involved
Inter-hospital transfer of patients comes with significant risks and complications. Reducing these risks requires:
- Proper organization of the transport equipment
- Effective monitoring of the patient
- Organizing the personnel involved
- Taking the necessary healthcare precautions
Every healthcare facility has transfer guidelines and protocols which you must follow. These guidelines allow healthcare professionals to be aware of common patient transportation problems.
The guidelines also make the professionals aware of the adverse outcomes of every move. The level of care should always improve or remain constant.
Assess The Environment
Transferring a patient without assessing the environment exposes you to many risks. For example, underestimating the patient’s weight can result in falls and injuries.
Thus, monitoring the environment makes it easy to plan the entire process.
So, how do you assess and monitor the surroundings?
- Assess the right number of people required to move the patient
- Determine the best techniques for moving the patient
- Clear obstacles
- Establish the right position to place the patient and the equipment
Prepare The Equipment
Equipment preparation helps to ensure excellent patient care.
Patients often need oxygen masks, blood pressure monitoring, and pulse checks. Preparing the equipment helps you transfer your patient without compromising care.
Select and test the equipment forehand to ensure they’ll work as desired. You may need some training on handling some equipment if you have them. Have someone who knows how to use the equipment before you start the transfer process.
Planning will help you use the right equipment for the proper procedure at the right time.
Avoid Disorganization
The proper organization makes everything work as expected. Meanwhile, disorganization can worsen the patient’s state.
Organization involves going through all the steps you’ll take to move the patient. Be sure to involve the patient, so they know what you expect of them during the process.
For instance, when moving a patient from a bed to a wheelchair, plan how to:
- Place the patient in the right position
- Use the correct lifting technique
- Support the patient’s weight during the transfer
- Lower the patient to the wheelchair while reducing the potential for injuries
Organizing, additionally, involves maintaining everything in the right position.
Avoid Untrained Personnel
The right expertise and training will help make the entire process flawless.
If it’s your first time moving a patient, get an experienced person to help you. The person should be an expert in the patient’s disease so they can help you move the patient right.
For example, if you’re moving a patient who needs an oxygen mask, have a nurse who knows how to place it.
Similarly, have a nurse with some expertise in heart issues if you’re moving a patient with a heart condition.
These precautions will help you detect and prevent problems early.
2 – Avoid The Wrong Body Posture As You Move The Patient
A wrong body posture will strain your body and cause injuries. Meanwhile, the right posture makes it easy to coordinate your brain-muscle activities.
As you plan your posture, ensure that the patient’s position is correct.
Body Mechanics Considerations
Make specific considerations to lessen your effort. Always assume the right position during movement. How?
- Allow your patient to help in the process as much as possible
- Clear the floor of liquids and obstacles
- Tighten your stomach muscles
- Keep the patient as close to you as possible
- Keep your back straight and only bend your knees and hips when required
Posture Tips While Moving A Patient
Always keep two things in mind while moving your patient:
- The preferred position when making sliding board transfers is to kneel down. Always place a towel or pillow under your knees. The towel or pillow will ensure you’re comfortable as you kneel.
- Always keep your back straight. Straightening your back helps avoid straining your back and causing injuries. Avoid straining your back by moving as close as possible to your patient when lifting them. Also, encourage them to lean forward and assist you with the transfer.
Conclusion
Avoid moving your patient without adequate preparations. This may expose you to risks and compromise safety. Preparations involve having the correct personnel and equipment and assessing the surroundings. It also involves planning the transfer process. During movement, avoid the wrong body posture to prevent injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I position my back during patient transfers?
Always ensure your back is straight when lifting or moving a patient. A straight back prevents strains on the back and helps avoid injuries.
During lifting, should I bend my knees or back?
Bend your knees. Always keep your back straight and only bend your knees. Stay as close as possible to your patient to avoid bending your back.
How Can I Prepare for Patient Transfer?
Prepare for patent transfer by having the right number of personnel, the correct equipment, and the right skills and expertise to move the patient. Read above for more preparation tips.
