These beds are highly versatile and may reduce the number of patient transfers performed. Gait belts are used by some staff to assist with patients during transfers or for patients who ambulate with unsteady or unpredictable gait. Some models are collapsible, making them easy to transport and require very little storage space. However, reports from some facilities indicate that patient care staff does not utilize sling lifts because they are not conveniently located. These are ideal for areas that have a regular population of dependent or obese patients and eliminates equipment storage problems.
Administrative strategies involve modifying policies or adopting new ones.
For example, a department can provide annual body mechanics training sessions to patient care staff. However, using good body mechanics is not a substitute in those situations where the use of equipment is the only safe way to perform a patient transfer. One administrative strategy, which is being investigated for use at Duke, is the concept of dedicated patient transfer teams. Other hospitals and extended care facilities have experienced a great deal of success in utilizing these teams. They found the use of transfer teams reduced the incidence of back injuries related to patient handling.