Reducing perceived physical stress while transferring residents. An ergonomic approach

The purpose of this small study was to compare the physical exertion felt by nursing staff while transferring non-weight bearing residents from bed to chair and chair to bed using various methods of transfer. Another goal was to compare the residents' feelings of comfort and security using these transfer methods. Transfers using a specially designed chair that included a friction reducing transfer pad with handles were compared with transfers using a mechanical lift and a gait belt. Nursing personnel rated their perceived exertion immediately after the transfers; residents rated their feelings of comfort and security immediately after the transfer. Perceived physical exertion to shoulders, upper back, low back, and body were significantly decreased when using the chair and transfer pad. Residents reported feeling more comfortable and more secure while being transferred via the chair and pad versus the traditional methods of transfer in and out of bed.