6 Best Practices for Safe and Efficient Patient Transfers

By Your Health Magazine

Patient transfers play an important role in providing quality healthcare to patients while facilitating safe transport to available medical facilities. For patients who have mobility issues or injuries that require careful handling, for instance, organized patient transfers are a must so that they can be transported to the right medical facility and receive the care they need immediately.

Patient transfer officers also coordinate with hospitals to ensure that there are beds, equipment, and rooms that are readily available, thus optimizing the use of these healthcare facilities by the time the patient gets there. This reduces any waiting time that could prove to be stressful for the patient, or even fatal in some cases.

To ensure that each patient transfer is carried out efficiently, transfer officers need to follow protocols that adhere to safety standards and prioritize the comfort of the patients they’re transferring. Here are some best practices to follow for safe and timely patient transfers.

1. Utilize Patient Transport Software for Seamless Coordination

An excellent way to ensure utmost efficiency when transporting patients is by using patient transport software. This program allows staff to easily schedule patient transfers, coordinate with transportation providers, track everything in real time, and generate any necessary documentation, such as physician certification forms (PCS), to facilitate the transfer. In addition, the software keeps detailed logs of all patient transfer vehicles operating within the system for better recordkeeping.

By using a patient transport software, staff can better optimize transfer assignments and make sure that there won’t be any delays or double bookings. It can also streamline the workflow process by automating various steps such as paperwork, filling out forms, and generating invoices.

2. Conduct a Comprehensive Risk Assessment

Prior to the transfer, it’s essential that patient transfer officers conduct a thorough risk assessment first to determine any special requirements that the transport will need. Take into account the patient’s physical condition, mobility, and mental state to determine what else may be needed to make the transfer more comfortable for them. For instance, if the patient is bedridden, then the vehicle should come with a stretcher so they can be moved from the pick-up location into the vehicle with ease. By knowing such details in advance, transfer officers can anticipate any challenges and choose the best transfer method.

3. Use Proper Lifting Techniques

Transfer officers should be trained in proper lifting techniques such as bending the knees, keeping a straight back, and using the body’s core strength rather than just relying on arm strength. By utilizing proper lifting techniques during response, transfer officers are able to facilitate safe patient transport and prevent further injuries. Using transfer aids such as slide sheets, hoists, or gait belts are recommended as well to reduce any strain on both patient and transfer officer, thus improving the efficiency of the transfer.

To make sure proper lifting techniques are reinforced, transport officers should also attend training and refresher courses regularly so that they can confidently and efficiently handle complicated patient transfer situations.

4. Involve the Patient When Possible

If the patient is conscious and able to mentally follow along, then involve them in the transfer process as well to make it more efficient. If possible, instruct them to hold onto handrails or to adjust their body position to help stabilize them and in turn enhance the safety of the transfer. Involving them in the process also inspires confidence and trust in the patient, allowing them to feel more in control of their situation rather than be anxious or stressed during the transfer.

5. Check for Proper Equipment Availability and Conduct Regular Maintenance

Different transport vehicles may carry different equipment. Therefore, it’s important to check that the vehicle deployed for the transfer is carrying the specific tools needed by the patient such as wheelchairs or oxygen support. Doing so ensures that transports can proceed smoothly and reduce delays caused by having to reassign the transfer with a different vehicle.

In addition, make sure any equipment involved in transfers are well-maintained as well. Conduct regular inspections and replace any faulty equipment right away to avoid malfunctions or accidents when responding.

6. Create a Comfortable and Supportive Environment

Transfers can be physically and mentally taxing for patients, more so if they’re injured or in pain already. In addition to getting the patient to a medical facility in a timely manner, transfer officers should also strive to create a comfortable and supportive environment for them during the transport.

Try to calm down anxious patients by taking the time to listen to their concerns and providing verbal assurance. Make sure to maintain a respectful and gentle tone with them to avoid causing more stress or misunderstandings. When patients feel that they can trust the people involved in their transfer, they’re more likely to cooperate and thus make the transport process much safer and efficient for everyone involved.

Facilitating safe and efficient transfers is a must to ensure patients receive the proper care they need for their condition. To make sure this will always be the case, transfer officers are highly encouraged to follow best practices such as the ones listed above to improve patient safety and comfort while also reducing any delays or untoward incidents along the way.