.jpg)
Resident transfer tasks occur across multiple healthcare settings and are often
high risk activities for both caregivers and residents. Risk of resident, patient
and staff injury has led to the development of global Safe Patient Handling
programmes.
These programs promote the development of processes, education,
identification of appropriate equipment and technologies to support safety of
both caregivers and residents. An aspect of these programmes is the provision
of medical devices such as resident transfer equipment to assist in the common
transfer tasks.
Common resident transfer tasks in care facilities include:
Seated transfers
Supine/lateral transfers
Bed and chair re-positioning
During these tasks different transfer devices are used depending on
resident mobility.
How do caregivers choose a transfer device?
The resident’s level of mobility is key when choosing appropriate aids and
planning for the right amount of space. As the resident’s mobility decreases,
the number of aids and necessary space increases accordingly.
It is particularly important to select equipment that continuously encourages
the resident to use all residual physical function and to stretch their ability,
thus maintaining a greater degree of independence and mobility.
Arjo has developed solution charts to indicate the correct aids for each level of
dependency. Similar tools can be found in the CEN/ISO TR 12296(16)2 while,
in Europe, there are Clinical Practice Guidelines, which typically use a
classification system of three or five mobility levels.
At Arjo, we have developed our Mobility Gallery to classify these five mobility
levels from independent to dependant as A,B,C,D,E or Albert, Barbara, Carl,
Doris and Emma. For example, we can conclude that with Albert's mobility level
there is little necessity to apply any transfer device. Furthermore, a resident with
Barbara's mobility may require a: non-powered sit to stand aid while a resident
with mobility level of a Carl most often requires a powered sit to stand aid also
used for early mobilisation and rehabilitation. Residents in healthcare facilities
with limited or no mobility such as a Doris or Emma will require a floor lifter or
a ceiling lift.
