Patient Transfer

Rebecca Jackson

Preparing a Patient for Transfer

• Always explain to the patient the details of their transfer such as where are they being transferred and why. Also, notify family and friends as needed or requested per patient.
• Pack up the patient's belongings.
• Ensure that all equipment both that is needed to transfer patient safely, and what the patient may require such as oxygen or a wheelchair are ready to go.
• Communication with the other unit is a key unit in safely transferring a patient from one unit to the next unit.
• Ensure that a patient's medical chart are to go with them during transfer. For example, it is extremely important if a patient is a DNR to have a copy of signed form with patient in transferring to a new unit (Till, Sall, & Wilkinson, 2014).

Before Transfer

During the Transfer Process

• Ensure that a patient has all their proper identification on them. Properly identify the patient to be transferred and to what unit. Make sure to always keep the patient's dignity and safety in mind at all times (Nolan, 2016)
• Stay at the head of the chair or bed patient is being transferred in to be able to keep an eye on the patient. Now is not the time to stop and have a conversation with a fellow employee about your day.
• Make sure that any equipment that is needed to safely transfer the patient such as a lift to move to a chair if that is what is needed is able to be used and whomever the staff is using it are properly trained.
• Communicate with the patient often during transfer to promote ease with the patient and to assist in safely handling the patient during transfer.
• Any staff that are assisting in transfer should have been trained in basic life support in case it is needed during transfer (Till, Sall, & Wilkinson, 2014).

During Transfer

Handover of the Patient

• Upon arrival to the new unit ensure that the other nurse is aware of the patient's arrival and obtain the correct room for the patient.
• Make sure the new room is adequately prepared and has all required equipment that patient may need such as an IV stand, their personal belongings, and walker or wheelchair if they have one.
• Unpack the patient's belongings to make sure that all of the patient's things were brought over with them. Make sure the patient is comfortable and has a water pitcher in reach if they are allowed one, and that the call light is within reach.
• Make sure that you give an accurate report to the new nurse to promote continuity of care. Ensure that all of the patient's required medications were brought over from the old unit and that all medication lists are correct that have accompanied patient over.
• Assist the other nurse to help get patient settled and answer any questions they may have.

During Handover

References

Nolan, M. (2016). Creating an Enriched Environment of Care for Older People, Staff and Family Carers. Patient-Centred Health Care, 7(2). doi:10.1057/9781137308931.0013

Till, A., Sall, H., & Wilkinson, J. (2014). Safe Handover : Safe Patients - The Electronic Handover System. BMJ Quality Improvement Reports, 2(2). doi:10.1136/bmjquality.u202926.w1359