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.
