A slide board transfer is a method of transferring a resident to and from a wheelchair to a bed or chair.
Slide board transfers are used to transfer residents who cannot stand. A board is placed on the surface where the resident is sitting to the surface where the resident is to be moved, and as the name suggests, the resident slides across the board to the destination. For residents who have significant lower extremity weakness, this is a safer alternative to a pivot transfer because there is no need for the resident to support their weight.
Some of the areas of concern regarding a slide board transfer include making sure that the board is positioned properly both at the starting point and end point, making sure that the locks to the wheelchair are applied at the time of transfer, and supporting the resident’s torso during the transfer to make sure that the resident does not lean too far forward or backward during the transfer. Failing to address any of these could easily result in a nursing home fall.
Another area of concern relates to the the sliding part of the transfer, as dragging the resident across the board can result in a bed sore or deep tissue injury as a result of exposing the resident to shear. One way to avoid this occurring is to place a sheet or pillow case underneath the resident which acts like a draw sheet. In any event, exposing the resident’s bare skin to the board during the transfer should be avoided as that can cause painful friction, abrasions, or skin tears.
Finding safe methods of transferring residents who are unable to do so independently is a key step to keeping nursing home residents safe.