Evaluation of MSOT students' didactic knowledge and practice vs. real-time performance in manual patient transfers

Due to the nature of its occupations, the healthcare industry recognizes that manually lifting, transferring, and handling patients are high-risk activities and leading factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Research studies highlight that students are not receiving adequate training in manual patient transfer.

The objective of this study was to examine the procedural knowledge in patient transfer of second-year Master of Science in Occupational Therapy students and their practical skills in performing a manual patient transfer.

This observational, cross-sectional study included 23 occupational therapy students. Students completed the transfer technique knowledge assessment and subsequently performed a real-time manual patient transfer.

No significant association was found between the participants' knowledge and performance in MPT (x2(2) = 0.578, p = 0.749). All students scored highly on the knowledge assessment (μ= 9.3, SD =±1.02); however, the performance on real-time manual patient transfer was moderate (μ= 11.57, SD =±3.37) for the majority of students.

A gap exists between the results of students' knowledge and practice versus real-time performance in manual patient transfer. The practical training students receive on manual patient transfers in the academic setting may not equip them with the necessary skills and techniques to perform safe transfers.