Transfer From Bed To Chair Procedure & Rationale

TRANSFER FROM BED TO CHAIR
Transferring a patient from a bed to a wheelchair or chair increases mobility status,

prevents complications of immobility, increases independence, and promotes self-
esteem. A transfer/
gait belt can be used to maintain control and for additional support. Safe patient
handling equipment can be used to enhance safety for both patients and caregivers.
Delegation: This procedure may be delegated to unlicensed assistive personnel with

proper training. An assessment of patient’s mobility status and balance should be
completed by a nurse
prior to delegation.
Procedure Scientific Rationale

1. The following equipment is needed
for this skill:
a. wheelchair or chair b. Safely helps patient to stand.
b. transfer or gait belt.
2. Position wheelchair or chair on the Facilitates a smooth, safe transfer. Have
patient’s strongest side at 45 degree patient get out of bed on their strongest side
angle or parallel to bed. to help prevent loss of balance.
3. If transferring to a wheelchair, adjust Adjusting footrest prevents tripping. Locking
footrest and lock brakes. brakes prevents loss of balance.
4. Lock bed brakes, lower bed to Decreases the amount of energy needed to
lowest position, and raise the head of move to a sitting position. Locking bed
bed as far as patient can tolerate. brakes prevents movement of bed.
5. Assist patient to side-lying position. Places nurse’s center of gravity near
Lower side rail and stand near patient’s greatest weight.
patient’s hips with foot near head of
bed in front of and apart from other
foot.
6. Swing patient’s legs over bed. At Moving their legs reduces friction from the
the same time, pivot your back leg to sheets. Supporting their upper body
lift patient’s trunk and shoulders. prevents patient from falling backwards and
Keep back straight and avoid transfers weight in the direction of motion
twisting. Support patient’s upper and protects back from injury.
back as they come to sitting position.
7. Stand in front of patient and assess Moving from a lying to sitting position can
for balance. Support in sitting cause orthostatic hypotension. Dizziness
position on the side of bed. Have and falling can occur.
patient slide buttocks to edge of bed
until feet touch floor. Make sure
patient has non-skid soles on shoes
or socks.
8. Have patient place their hands on Assists patient in using their leg muscles to
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your shoulders or on the mattress on stand.
either side of their body.
9. Place your hands under patient’s Prevent knees from buckling.
arms. Brace your knees against
patient’s knees as patient stands.
10. Pivot on back foot until patient feels Pivoting prevents back injury. Moving slowly
wheelchair or chair against back of prevents dizziness.
legs. Keep your knee against
patient’ knees. Move slowly.
11. Have patient grasp armrests. Provides support.
12. Flex your knees and hips while Prevents back injury by supporting weight
assisting patient into wheelchair or with large muscles.
chair.
13. Adjust footrest and leg supports if Provides comfort and prevents leg and foot
using a wheelchair. injuries.
14. Assess patient’s alignment and Provides comfort.
make patient comfortable.
15. Using a transfer\gait belt: Assists in guiding patient and offers support
Place transfer belt around patient’s during transfer. Ensures patient’s safety.
waist when patient is in a sitting
position on the side of bed. Do not
place transfer belt over ostomies,
wounds or feeding tubes.
16. Stand in front of patient and grasp Favor patient’s weaker side to help prevent
the belt on both sides towards their falling.
back. Roll your body and arms
upward, pulling the patient with the
belt.
17. Pivot patient toward the chair or Pivoting prevents back injury.
wheelchair and lower them slowly.
18. Have patient grasp armrests. Provides additional support.
19. Using safe patient handling Enhances both patient and caregiver safety
equipment: and decreases risk of injury.
a. slings
b. slide sheets
c. lifts
20. Document patient’s response and All data must be entered in the patient’s
mobility status. record.
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What are the steps involved in transferring a patient from bed to chair?

What precautions should be taken while transferring a patient?

TRANSFER FROM BED TO CHAIR

Transferring a patient from a bed to a wheelchair or chair increases mobility status,

Delegation: This procedure may be delegated to unlicensed assistive personnel with

Procedure Scientific Rationale

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