1. LIFTING TECHNIQUES
3 Basic Concepts:
1. Center of Gravity
2. Base of Support
3. Line of Gravity
Transfers
A. Goals
1. Permits the patient to function in different environments or to use different pieces of
equipment.
2. Patient to become independent in ADL.
3. To go from dependent to assistive to independent transfers.
B. Evaluate for assistance and question person’s knowledge about patient’s abilities. May require
no assistance, minimal, moderate, and maximal of one or several people.
C. MOST IMPORTANT – Px. and N safety must not be compromised, no injuries; REMEMBER BODY
MECHANICS
MAKE SURE ALL EQUIPMENT STABLE AND SECURE
D. Patient Transfers
Plan & organize transfer BEFORE moving patient
Instruct patient in technique/procedure
Demonstrate technique/procedure
Be alert to safety factors
Review chart to determine amount of assist., cognitive status, strength, type of transfers
already performed etc.
Utilize safety belt
NEVER leave pt. unattended
E. Organization ofPatient Transfers cont’d
Proper shoes on patient
Appropriate equipment
Alert to IV lines, catheters, weight bearingstatus etc.
Use proper body mechanics
Position yourself to guard, protect and assist
Break transfer into component parts
Only assist as needed at each component
F. Types:
1. Independent Transfer
2. Assisted Transfer – some patient participation required
a. Two-person Lift
b. Sliding Board Transfer
c. Push Up Transfer
d. Squat Pivot Transfer
e. Standing Pivot Transfer
3. Dependent Transfer – minimal or no assistance from patient
a. Sliding Transfer
b. Three person Carry
c. Dependent Stand Pivot Transfer
d. Hydraulic Lift Transfer
G. Major Reasons For Direct Patient Contact
1. Best possible biochemical posture for caregiver, maintain px. close to N BOS
2. Provide input to patient for direction of movement
3. Safety of patient and N
Randy Ian J. Espinosa, PTRP, MTAP
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Center
Davao Medical School foundation Hospital