A guide for HCAs on safe patient transfers.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare practice
• Patient safety protocols
• Clinical procedures

Background:

• Patient transfer is a common but complex procedure in hospitals.
• Healthcare assistants (HCAs) play a crucial role in patient mobility.
• Clear guidelines are needed for safe patient handling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define patient transfer and outline the responsibilities of HCAs.
• To detail safety considerations during the distinct phases of patient transfer.
• To differentiate between patient transfer and escorting.

Main Methods:

• The article reviews best practices for patient handling.
• It defines three phases of patient transfer: preparation, during, and handover.
• A framework for safe transfer policies is proposed.

Main Results:

• Patient transfer involves distinct phases: pre-transfer, during transfer, and handover.
• HCAs have specific roles and safety responsibilities in each phase.
• Distinguishing transfer from escorting is important for clarity.

Conclusions:

• Safe patient transfer is a multi-phase process demanding thorough preparation and execution.
• A standardized framework can enhance hospital policies for safe patient transfers.
• Adherence to best practices ensures optimal patient safety during mobility procedures.