Surprisingly there is strong evidence that each of these commonly used approaches is not effective in reducing caregiver injuries" (p. 1). These nursing researchers advocate the use of ceiling lifts if necessary but suggest that patient handling is best accomplished by teams of staff members working in coordination to effect the bed-to-chair transfer and vice versa. According to Nelson and Baptiste, the need for more efficient and evidence-based patient transfer methods is acute. In this regard, Nelson and Baptise advise that, "Patient handling and movement tasks are physically demanding, performed under unfavorable conditions, and are often unpredictable in nature. Patients offer multiple challenges including variations in size, physical disabilities, cognitive function, level of cooperation, and fluctuations in condition" (p. 2).
Moreover, some obese patients may represent a challenge even for lift teams because human beings defy easy moving. In this regard, Nelson and Baptiste emphasize that, "As a load to be lifted, [patients] lack the convenience of handles, even distribution...
Shockingly, the cumulative weight lifted by a nurse in one typical 8-hour shift is equivalent to 1.8 tons" (2004, p. 2). In addition, nursing and support staff are frequently called upon to accomplish patient transfers in inconvenient circumstances that involve lifting at awkward angles and bending or reaching over beds or chairs during periods when nurses' backs are flexed (Nelson & Baptiste). In sum, a number of factors must be taken into account when formulating patient transfer strategies, with the goal of patient and staff safety being the paramount issues of concern.
References
Lowes, R. (2001, December 3). What will it take to solve the ER crisis? Medical Economics,
78(23), 70-71.
Nelson, a. & Baptiste a.S. (2004, September). Evidence-based practices for safe patient handling and movement. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 9(3), 1-5.
Lu, J. & Hignett, S. (2009, Winter). Using task analysis in healthcare design to…
