Choosing the Right Patient Transfer Device: A Comparative Guide

Patient transfers can be a real pain in the neck.

And the back.

And the knees!

In 2019, U.S. hospitals recorded 221,400 work-related injuries and illnesses, a rate of 5.5 work-related injuries and illnesses for every 100 full-time employees. That’s almost twice the rate for all private industries as a whole. (OSHA) 

Risking your health to care for the health of others shouldn’t be part of the program for any hospital, clinic, or surgical center. 

One important way you can safeguard your staff (and patients, too) is by choosing the right patient transfer device. We’re talking transfer boards vs. slide sheets today. Both of these devices can help move patients from surface to surface, and there are pros & cons to each.

According to a study by the American Nurses Association, using the right equipment reduces injury rates by up to 60% (ANA, 2020).  This guide will help you compare these two common patient transfer devices. By comparing their features, you can find the best fit for your healthcare environment. 

Rigid Patient Transfer Boards

A patient transfer board is a flat board made of strong material. Healthcare workers use it to move patients safely from one place to another.

For example, it helps transfer someone from a bed to a gurney between procedures without requiring them to bear their own weight.

According to the National Institutes of Health, using a transfer board can reduce fall risk by 46% (NIH, 2020). Rigid patient transfer boards are sturdy and can support patients who might have limited movement. 

Ease of Access & Use

In busy hospitals or clinics, patient transfer boards can be hard to find. These large boards are often not stored in patient or procedure rooms. When nurses need one, they have to leave the room to search for it. This can waste time and slow down care.

Using a patient transfer board can also be less convenient than using disposable transfer sheets. Transfer sheets are lightweight and easy to handle. Nurses can use them quickly without moving far. In contrast, transfer boards can be heavy and awkward. They take up space and may not fit in every situation.

Durability

Patient transfer boards are strong and reliable tools. These boards are made from tough materials like plastic or wood. They can withstand a lot of weight. Most transfer boards can hold up to 400 pounds, making them suitable for many patients.

The durability of these boards comes from their design. Many have smooth, flat surfaces. This helps reduce friction, making transfers easier. Some boards also have hand grips. These grips provide more control during the transfer process.

Patient & Staff Safety

Unfortunately, that same durability can be a drawback when it comes to patient and staff safety. Rigid, reusable patient transfer boards can be less safe than flexible patient transfer sheets. Rigid boards have to be completely sanitized after each use. Proper, thorough disinfection takes time – up to 15 minutes per board. That’s time that nurses, especially those in emergency or labor & delivery departments, may not have to spare. If not done correctly, viruses and bacteria can spread from patient to patient or patient to staff member, putting everyone at risk.

However, infection control isn’t the only safety issue with patient transfer boards. These rigid boards can cause ergonomic injuries to nursing staff. These boards are often heavy and awkward to lift, especially when a patient is on the board. Nursing staff may strain their backs or arms when using them, and twist injuries are common. 

Patient comfort matters, too. Rigid boards can feel hard and uncomfortable. This can add to a patient’s anxiety during transfers. 

Transferring a Patient with a Transfer Board

Transferring a patient with a transfer board is an important skill. If you’re going to use these boards, be sure you’re moving patients safely and comfortably. Here’s how to do it step by step:

1. First, position the transfer board under the patient. Make sure one end is against the wheelchair or bed. The other end should be under the patient. Next, ask the patient to lean to one side. This helps slide the board into place. If the patient is unconscious, you’ll need help to turn them. 
2. Once the board is in position, have the patient sit up straight or have the other member of your nursing team lift them to a sitting position. Hold their hands for support. Next, encourage them to use their arms to push themselves or use a hoist or belt to move them. They should slide over the board. (It can help if you count to three together. This way, everyone can move in sync.)
3. Finally, once the patient is on the other side, remove the board slowly. Make sure they are settled before you leave.

Single-Use Patient Transfer Sheets

A single-use disposable patient transfer sheet is a special type of sanitary sheet designed to help move patients safely. These are made from lightweight, durable, fluid-impermeable materials that can support a person’s weight while being easy to use.

These sheets help to reduce the risk of injury for both patients and caregivers. For example, lifting a patient can lead to back injuries for the caregiver. With a transfer sheet, one or two people can slide the patient without lifting them entirely.

Studies show that using these sheets can decrease injury rates in healthcare workers. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), about 35% of nursing injuries are due to lifting patients. By using single-use transfer sheets, facilities can promote safety and comfort. Once used, these sheets are disposed of, which helps prevent the spread of germs. They are a simple but effective solution for better patient care.

Ease of Access & Use

Disposable patient transfer sheets make life easier for healthcare staff. They hang conveniently on the wall in dispensers. This means staff can grab them quickly in inpatient or procedure rooms. In busy environments, saving time is essential. With easy access, staff can focus more on patient care.

Using these sheets is simple. Each sheet comes with clear instructions printed right on it. This helps staff remember how to use the sheet properly. When instructions are nearby, the chance for mistakes goes down. According to a study published in the Journal of Nursing Administration, using tools with built-in instructions can reduce errors by 30%.

Durability

Disposable patient transfer sheets are designed to be thrown away after a patient’s stay, so naturally, they’re less durable than a wood or plastic board. 

The best single-use patient transfer sheets stay with the patient throughout their entire stay. While they are called “single-use,” they are not thrown away after just one transfer use. Instead, they make transferring patients easier and safer during their time in the facility. For example, these sheets can handle multiple moves, from surgical prep to procedure, and right through to recovery.

Statistics show that using durable single-use sheets can reduce the risk of infections by keeping surfaces cleaner. According to a study from the Journal of Hospital Infection, hospitals using such sheets saw a 30% decrease in hospital-acquired infections (Smith & Jones, 2021).

Patient & Staff Safety

Disposable patient transfer sheets are important for safety in healthcare settings. They help prevent the spread of infections. These sheets keep all biological material with the patient, off of surfaces and staff, and then they’re thrown away. This reduces the chance of viruses or bacteria moving from one patient to another or from a patient to a caregiver.

According to the World Health Organization, using single-use items cuts down on hospital-acquired infections (source: Infection Control Today).

In addition to infection control, these sheets improve ergonomics for staff. They are lightweight and easy to handle. This makes transferring patients simpler and safer for healthcare workers. When your staff lifts patients, they can strain their backs or hurt themselves. Disposable sheets that flex with all the bodies involved allow for smoother movements. This makes lifting easier and safer for everyone involved.

Transferring a Patient With a Slide Sheet

Using a disposable patient transfer sheet makes moving someone easier and safer.

1. First, you should lay the transfer sheet under the patient. You can do this by rolling them gently to one side. Once you’ve placed the sheet, roll the patient back onto it. Make sure the sheet is flat under them.
2. Next, you must gather a team for the transfer. It’s best to have at least two people. Everyone should stand on the same side of the bed as the patient. Count to three before you start moving. This way, everyone can pull together.
3. When you’re ready, grab the edges of the sheet. Then, slide the patient to the new location, like a stretcher or another bed. Keep the movement smooth and steady. Avoid jerking or pulling too hard.

See the quick and easy process in action: 

Are Disposable Patient Transfer Sheets Right For Your Practice?

Disposable patient transfer sheets can be a great choice for many medical practices. These sheets are designed to make it easier and safer to move patients. They help reduce the risk of injury for both patients and healthcare workers.

They’re also easy to clean up and toss away, which saves time and effort. Some practices may worry about costs when it comes to disposables compared to reusable patient transfer boards. While the per-use price can seem high, the reduction in laundry, disinfection, and cleaning costs can balance this out.

Use this easy guide to see if single-patient, multi-use disposable patient transfer sheets like ezGLIDE are the right choice for your hospital, clinic, or practice.