Patient transfer systems

This evaluation of patient transfer systems was prepared to give our readers an overview of these devices--their value within the hospital to both patients and staff, the currently available models, and our recommendations for the best use of each model. Because the devices differ from one another in both design and application, we did not apply our typical rating system in evaluating them. We performed patient transfers using four patient transfer systems from four manufacturers, comparing them with transfers made with a drawsheet, and assessed their ease of transfer, patient comfort, portability, setup time, and ease of cleaning. Compared with the drawsheet, all of the devices reduce the effort required for patient transfer. Most hospitals will find that no single device meets all of their needs and that a combination of several is appropriate. We welcome reader responses about this evaluation format.