What are we teaching about lifting and transferring patients?

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Patient Handling Techniques
• Ergonomics in Healthcare

Background:

• The under-axilla patient lift method is physically stressful for nurses and uncomfortable for patients.
• Current nursing education practices and clinical observations of this method require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the frequency of teaching and clinical observation of the under-axilla lift method by nursing educators.
• To identify assistive devices used in teaching patient handling.
• To analyze textbook content regarding the under-axilla lift method.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was distributed to 546 baccalaureate (BS) and associate (AD) degree nursing programs.
• Responses from 358 educators were analyzed, with 337 valid responses.
• Data collected on teaching practices, clinical observations, assistive device use, and textbook content.

Main Results:

• 83% of educators teach the under-axilla method for in/out-of-bed transfers; 94% observe it clinically.
• 56% teach it for lifting patients up in bed; 86% observe it clinically.
• Hydraulic lifts and gait belts are most commonly taught assistive devices; less stressful alternatives are infrequently taught or observed. No major textbooks describe the under-axilla method; some advise against axillary pressure.

Conclusions:

• The under-axilla lift method remains prevalent in nursing education and clinical practice despite known drawbacks.
• There is a gap between the teaching of less stressful patient handling techniques and their actual implementation.
• Nursing education should prioritize safer, more comfortable patient handling methods and assistive devices.