Intro to Transfers

before transferring the patient, review:

pt’s strength, ROM, pain, cognitive ability, mvmt dysfunction, PRECAUTIONS, environment (height of bed/chair, arm rests, equip req., # of people available to assist

non-weight bearing (NWB)

the pt’s extremities cannot bear weight (must be held off ground)

tow touch or touch down weight bearing (TTWB or TDWB)

cannot bear weight through extremity, but extremity is allowed to touch the floor

partial weight bearing

a percentage of pt’s body weight is allowed

a specific # of pounds if allowed

weight bearing as tolerated (WBAT)

allows pt to bear as much weight as they can tolerate

full weight bearing

pt is allowed to bear full weight on an extremity

total hip precautions

no adduction past neutral

no internal rotation past neutral

no hip flexion above 90degrees (don’t use low chairs, use elevated bed side commode, no crossing legs)

be mindful of WB status (determined by surgeon - generally WBAT but not always)

sternal precautions

no shoulder flexion above 90degrees

no shoulder abduction

no pushing/pulling with bilateral UEs

no lifting > 8-10lbs

when coughing, protect/support trunk w pillow

supervision transfer

pt does not require physical assistance

supervision for decreased safety, require verbal cues for sequencing of t/f or problem solving, assistance in an emergency, does not necessarily mean close proximity

contact guard assisting transfer

can perform activity w/o physical assistance but requires clinician contact w pt to be able to provide assistance immediately

occurs when there is a significant likelihood that the pt require physical assistance for balance or support

minimal assistance transfer

pt performs greater than or equal to 75% of task

moderate assistance transfer

pt performs 50-74% of task

maximum assistance transfer

pt performs 25-49% of task

dependent (total assistance) transfer

pt performs less than 25% of task

documentation of transfers

if more than one person is required in the t/f, # is indicated after the level of assistance

ex: Mod A x3, Max Ax2