SAFE PATIENT HANDLING AND MOVEMENT Ergonomic Tool #1. Lateral Transfer of a Patient from a Stretcher to an OR Bed
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if the patient’s weight exceeds 157 lb (71 kg), the perioperative team should use assistive technology (eg, air-assisted transfer systems, a mechanical patient lift with a supine sling) to move the patient. The number of team members needed to perform the move is dependent on the type of technology used.64,198
[Recommendation]
Assuming that one team member or anesthesia professional supports the patient’s head and neck (ie, approximately 8.4% of the
The desirable approach for lateral transfer of a patient involves use of a lateral transfer device (eg, friction-reducing sheets, air-assisted trans- fer device). If only a draw sheet is used without a lateral transfer device, the care provider exerts a pull force up to 72.6% of the patient’s weight.151
