1. Client Handling Orientation or Refresher
Updated August 2016

2. Instructions This module has three parts:
1) Review the power point presentation
2) Watch the videos of client transfers
3) Complete on-line quiz

3. Work safe for the right reasons
Think of reasons you want get home safe from work today
Who or What are they?? (take 30 seconds to reflect)
We all get busy, we all care about the job we do, we all want our patients to be cared for
What can you do to be safe and keep your co-workers safe at work???
Driving home – running a yellow light – how many lives could potentially be affected? How will you family deal with you not be home tonight?
Really think how much time did you save

4. According to nursing @ GMCH
The most often most demanding tasks:
1. moving patients up in the bed or repositioning
2. transfer bed to commode/chair
3. lateral transfers – stretcher to bed

5. Assessing Your Risk Lifting Don’t over estimate your ability
The heavier the load, the greater the risk to the back.
If twisting movement is involved in lifting, the greater risk to the back
Situations where a weight shifts suddenly while being lifted can also create ↑ risk (e.g., transferring a patient)

6. Definitions
Reposition - Procedure used to move a patient to a new position on the same surface.
Transfer - Any procedure used to assist a patient who can bear weight through one leg or both arms.
Lift – Any procedure used to lift or carry the entire weight of a person.

7. Minimal Lift Policy
GMCH is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all staff and patients. The overall aim of the minimal lift policy is to reduce the risk of injury and to safeguard our patients.
All GMCH staff involved in direct patient contact will refrain from physically lifting any patient in all but life threatening situations or unless the use of a patient lifting device is contraindicated (e.g. Fractured hip)

8. Minimal Lift Policy Review minimal lift policy, on intranet
How does this apply to me?
Review patient transfer and mobility information & document updates as required
Ask for assistance if unsure of patients ability
Take time & plan the transfer

9. Minimal Lift Policy
Please review the new revised Minimal Lift Policy, which is available:
Interdisciplinary Clinical Manual
Intranet under the Clinical tab -> Nursing -> Minimal Lift Policy

10. Reposition Patient in Bed
Lower head of bed and side rails
Adjust bed height - mid thigh to waist level
Position lifter sheet – between mid thigh & mid back
Patient’s knee’s bent, feet on bed
Grasp lifter sheet with elbows close to sides
Prepare patient, ask to assist, count of 3
Good body mechanics

11. Pivot Transfer Sit patient at edge of bed with feet on floor
Position chair 90° to bed (strong side), brakes
Remove leg rests and/or arm rest closest to bed
Reach around patient – hips/waistband
Prepare patient – what can they do to assist?
Count of 3, rocking motion, block knees/foot?
Small steps, cueing-feel for chair, weight shift
Patient wearing non-slip footwear
Slowly lower patient– good body mechanics

12. Lateral Board Transfer
Put rails and head of bed down
Move stretcher parallel to bed and brakes are on
Adjust bed height to waist/hip level and match
Position at least 1 person on each side of the patient
Position slider board under lifter sheet to act as a bridge between the two surfaces, grasp lifter sheet, prepare patient, count of 3, can go in stages
Good body mechanics

13. Mechanical Lift Criteria:
Patient is unable to assist due to medical condition, fatigue or lack of coordination
Patient’s weight or size poses a risk to healthcare provider’s safety
Poor head/trunk control; poor sitting balance; significant loss of muscle tone
Unable to bear weight through either both arms or one leg
Environmental factors or destination places staff in awkward/poor body position

14. Bariatric Resources
Expanded capacity equipment is marked with SWL, all mechanical lifts are SWL 600lbs
Refer to reference guide –attached to bariatric bed
Utilize appropriate equipment
Ensure enough staff available for transporting

15. Resources @ GMCH Mechanical lifts –floor models & ceiling
Sit – Stand devices – Arjo Steady
Lateral transfer, “Mobilizer” stored in ER
Transfer boards
One way sliders & Maxi slides (purple sheets)
Pivot disc, walkers, crutches, canes
Physiotherapy consult

16. Practice Transfers with Co-workers
Reposition patient up in bed
Patient able to assist
Patient unable to assist
Rolling patient to position lifter sling
Arjo Sit-Stand transfer aid

17. Step Two link to videos<<<

18. Link to Quiz>>> www.testmoz.com/804383
Step 3 – On line Quiz
Link to Quiz>>>