How to Use a Transfer Board to Move a Patient

There is a wide variety of transfer boards available. Transfer boards can be useful for moving a patient from a stretcher to a bed, from bed to a wheelchair, or from a wheelchair to a car. Some boards have rollers, while others have fabric or vinyl covers that help to reduce friction. You can choose to use a pull sheet between the patient and the board, to reduce friction and help prevent pinching. These instructions are for transferring a patient who can sit on his or her own; a patient who cannot sit up would need more assistance.

Things You'll Need

• Transfer board
• Wheelchair
• Sliding sheet (optional)

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Place the wheelchair as close to the bed as possible, and position it at about a 30-degree angle with the bed.

• 2

  Lock the brakes on the wheelchair, move the footrests out of the way, and remove the armrest on the side closest to the patient.

• 3

  Help the patient to sit on the edge of the bed with his feet flat on the floor.

• 4

  Help the patient to lean over slightly away from the wheelchair, and carefully slide one end of the transfer board under the thigh that is closest to the wheelchair. Point the end of the board down into the bed as you do this, to avoid pinching the patient's skin.

• 5

  Place the other end of the transfer board flat on the seat of the wheelchair with the end of the board pointed at the back seat corner farthest from the bed.

• 6

  Assist the patient with several short "scooting" motions onto the board. If the board is on the patient's left, have him lean his upper body slightly to the right before each scooting motion. The patient can place his hands on the bed and rest some of his weight on his hands to make it easier to move onto the board.

• 7

  Make sure the patient doesn't fall as he moves across the board in several small movements, until he is seated on the wheelchair.

• 8

  Remove the board, replace the armrest, and position the footrests.