Patient care transfer can be defined as moving a patient from one flat surface to another. The two most typical patient transfers are from a bed to a wheelchair and a stretcher. Also, successful patient transfers, despite their seeming simplicity, depend on knowing the unique needs of each patient and simultaneously following recommendations based on evidence. In addition, transferring patients both within and between facilities is another example of patient care transfer.
What you will learn:
- Legal and ethical dimensions associated with patient transfer
- Potential risks and complications during patient transfer
- Human anatomy relevant to safe patient transfers
- Principles of safe lifting
- Importance of body mechanics in preventing injuries
- Various techniques for patient transfer
- Common risks and strategies for injury prevention for healthcare providers
Details
Course length: 1 hour and 30 minutes. CME: 1.5
Languages: American English
Key features: Audio narration, learning activity, and post-assessment.
American Medical Compliance is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing education to physicians. Our Continuing Medical Education (CME) program is committed to enhancing the knowledge, skills, and professional performance of healthcare providers to improve healthcare outcomes. Through high-quality educational activities, we aim to address the identified educational gaps to support the continuous professional development of our medical community. American Medical Compliance designates this activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits. Physicians should only claim this credit for their complete participation in this activity.
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Patient Care Transfers are Often Neglected
Although transfers of patient care are essential, they are frequently ignored as a component of patient care. Also, a crucial component of patient care is patient care transfers, which need strict adherence to clinical recommendations. Maintaining continuity of care both during and after the transfer is the foundation of proper transfers.
Additionally, patients often receive care in several locations both during and after hospitalization, depending on the complexity of their condition. Transfers inside the hospital are unavoidable, especially for patients who are severely sick, even though many aspects of patient transport depend on the condition of the patient. Consequently, performing patient transfers carefully is vital because a disorganized transfer might lead to higher rates of morbidity and death.
Importance of Patient Safety
Although every hospital is likely to have its own protocol, patient transfers should take several safety precautions into account. These consist of:
- Performing correct hand hygiene
- Examine the patient’s record and room for any extra safety measures.
- Introduce the patient to the medical team
- Confirm the patient’s identity
- Ensure the patient’s privacy
- Assess ABCDs (airway, breathing, circulation, and disability)
- Make sure that HCP correctly places all of the lines, patient wristbands, monitors, attached machines, tubes, and attachments.
- Obtain all important equipment (slider board, full-size sheet/reducing sheet, etc.)
Intrahospital Transfer
Moreover, moving a patient from one actual site inside the hospital to another is known as intrahospital transport or IHT. Also, these transfers, which can be short-term (to get diagnostic imaging) or long-term (such as moving from an inpatient ward to an intensive care unit), are crucial shifts that carry a risk of complications and even death. Furthermore, to maximize the risk-benefit ratio for each IHT, a triage-style procedure should be implemented and followed, ensuring that the advantages of IHT outweigh the hazards.
To learn more about how to properly move your patients and also implement these skills into your healthcare organization today, click the button belo
