Proper Body Mechanics Techniques for Patient Transfers, Bed Mobility and Activities of Daily Living

1
Proper Body Mechanics Techniques for Patient
Transfers, Bed Mobility and Activities of Daily
Living

• A Safer Approach for Employees

2
Proper Body Mechanics Techniques for Patient
Transfers, Bed Mobility and Activities of Daily
Living

• General Rules for Safe Patient Handling
• Think first before initiating any patient
  activity
• Plan the activity
• Maintain the curve in your low back
• Get as close to the patient as possible when
  providing care
• Get necessary assistance of another person or
  assistive equipment whenever possible
• Keep your stomach tight and your head and
  shoulders up

3
Proper Body Mechanics Techniques for Patient
Transfers, Bed Mobility and Activities of Daily
Living

• General Rules for Safe Patient Handling
• Pivot or side step DO NOT TWIST
• Make sure the path is clear and the floor is dry
• If transferring to a chair, make sure the chair
  is properly positioned
• Always transfer the patient to their unaffected
  stronger side unless otherwise instructed by a
  Physical Therapist
• Use your legs, not your back, when lifting
• Bend your knees never lift with your legs
  straight

4
Proper Body Mechanics Techniques for Patient
Transfers, Bed Mobility and Activities of Daily
Living

• General Rules for Safe Patient Handling
• Have the patient help you as much as possible
  know their transfer and ADL status
• Provide simple clear directions for the patient
  and explain what you are doing each step of the
  way
• Use a draw sheet if the patient is heavy or can
  only minimally assist
• Raise the bed to waist level when making bed or
  providing patient care

5
Proper Body Mechanics Techniques for Patient
Transfers, Bed Mobility and Activities of Daily
Living

• General Rules for Safe Patient Handling
• If providing patient care with another caregiver,
  communicate clearly about what you are doing or
  planning
• Whenever possible, use your body weight and
  momentum to move the patient rather than just
  muscle strength
• Place feet shoulder width apart or one foot in
  front of the other to provide a wide, solid base
  of support

6
Proper Body Mechanics Techniques for Patient
Transfers, Bed Mobility and Activities of Daily
Living

• General Suggestions for Activities of Daily
  Living
• Allow the patient to do as much as possible
  including the use of adaptive equipment
• If the patient can stand, dress them from the
  wheelchair rather than on the edge of the bed
• When dressing, always put the affected or weaker
  side in first and out last
• When dressing in bed, adjust bed height so you
  are not bending forward.
• Assist the patient to roll gently from side to
  side or walk around the bed DO NOT LEAN OVER
  the patient

7
Proper Body Mechanics Techniques for Patient
Transfers, Bed Mobility and Activities of Daily
Living

• Bathing and Hygiene
• Allow the patient to do as much for themselves as
  they are capable of doing
• When offering a bedpan, raise the bed to waist
  level and gently roll the patient onto the bedpan
• When bathing a patients back, keep them close to
  you with their back facing you. If the patient
  is unable to maintain a side-lying position, prop
  them in the center of the bed and have them hold
  the side rail

8
Proper Body Mechanics Techniques for Patient
Transfers, Bed Mobility and Activities of Daily
Living

• Picking Items Up Off the Floor
• Avoid bending from the waist
• Squat

9
Proper Body Mechanics Techniques for Patient
Transfers, Bed Mobility and Activities of Daily
Living

• Wheelchair Footrests
• Avoid bending from the waist
• Use deep squat, partial squat or half kneel
  position

10
Proper Body Mechanics Techniques for Patient
Transfers, Bed Mobility and Activities of Daily
Living

• General Safe Work Behaviors
• Pace yourself and plan ahead
• Take scheduled breaks
• Knowing risks and how to eliminate or minimize
  them through the use of proper body mechanics
  will help you to work injury free
• You are the key to keeping safe
• Thank You!!