If you are helping a patient transfer to or from a wheelchair to another surface by utilizing a sliding board, it's up to you to protect her from falling. Using a gait belt around the patient during a sliding board transfer will support you while you use your hands on the patient's hips, shoulders and upper body as control points. Explain to the patient what direction she is moving and encourage her to help as much as possible.
Instructions
1. Move the wheelchair as close as possible to the bed, toilet or car seat, decreasing the open area between the two surfaces.
2. Scoot the patient's hips forward, one at a time, until he is near the edge of the bed or seat. If the patient is being transferred from a seated position with his back against a chair, have him push his shoulders against the back of the chair if possible.
3. Instruct the patient to turn a little towards his left, then place the gait belt around his waist.
4. Lift up the patient's right leg and place the sliding board underneath the buttocks and thigh, placing the board at a 45 degree angle at the corner of the seat.
5. Place the patient's feet flat on the floor, then place your right foot between his feet.
6. Hold your right arm against the patient, as if your arm were a seat belt, with your right hand on his left hip.
7. Place your left arm and gait belt over the patient's right shoulder.
8. Stand off to the side enough that you are not blocking the patient's way, allowing him to be able to come forward.
9. Tell the patient to lean forward and to remain in the forward position during the transfer. This helps to keep the patient's hips from sliding off the board.
10. Tell the patient to place his left hand on the surface he is being moved from, and his right hand onto the sliding board.
11. Instruct the patient to scoot or slide on the count of "three."
12. Help the patient slide to the new surface, rotating him towards the left. The number of scoots needed to get across the board varies, depending on the strength and mobility of the patient.
13. Hold onto the patient until you are confident that he is stable, then remove the sliding board from under his left buttock and thigh.
Tags: gait belt, patient hips, sliding board, sliding board, your right, belt around