Transfer Boards: 5 Fast Facts

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Fact #1. Transfer boards are one of the safest and most convenient methods to transfer patients. They're typically made from wood or some type of rigid plastic and used to bridge two surfaces of roughly equal height. The main benefit is that they allow a patient to move themselves, or be moved, without having to use their legs.
Fact #2. These are integral in independent and assisted transfers. An independent transfer is when the patient performs all of the actions involved in the transfer. This includes setting up the board, lifting themselves off of the surface they're sitting or lying on, and sliding themselves across the board. In assisted transfers, the aide will perform some of the actions and the patient will perform others.
Fact #3. The best candidates for these boards are those with good upper body strength, but who have difficulty standing. Patients who have recently had a knee replacement, ankle surgery, or who are in a cast for a broken leg are also good candidates.
Fact #4. Transfer boards aren't just beneficial for the patient, but also for the caregiver. Physical injury of caregivers while turning, transferring, or lifting a patient is actually quite frequent. Studies have found that nearly 52 percent of caregivers have experienced some form of musculoskeletal injury when moving a patient. This usually affects the back. This is because the spine provides the majority of the support for the human body. It's one of the most vulnerable areas to injury caused from repetitive lifting.
Fact #5. If possible, you should always wear clothes or some other type of covering during transfers. This can be as simple as wrapping yourself in a sheet when transferring out of bed. Do your best to avoid dragging your backside to reduce the possibility of chafing caused by excessive friction.