How to Transfer From the Exam Table to a Wheelchair

An exam-table transfer should be a series of coordinated and cooperative movements between yourself and the patient. The task of transferring a patient from the exam table to his wheelchair can seem daunting, particularly if your size is disproportionate to his. Naturally, the degree of mobility will vary between patients and you should always take these differences into account before attempting to move someone. According to the Duke University Office of Safety -- Ergonomics division, you should follow several key steps, using strategic effort and proper technique to ensure the safety of yourself and your patient.

Things You'll Need

• Exam table
• Wheelchair

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Instructions

• 1

  Raise the back end of the exam table. This brings the patient to a sitting-up position.

• 2

  Ask the patient to push himself to the edge of the exam table using his arms and torso for movement.

• 3

  Position his wheelchair next to the exam table and angled slightly toward the patient.

• 4

  Wrap your arms under his arms and around the lower back, creating a supportive frame for him to lean on as you ask him to stand.

• 5

  Continue to support the patient with your arms around his lower back and ask him to turn his body toward the wheelchair; he should use your elbows for support if necessary. If able, the patient should step toward the wheelchair; if he is not able to do this, ask him to pivot his leg. This positions the patient in front of the wheelchair to enable a smoother entry.

• 6

  Place your leg between his to block his knee, while still wrapping your arms around his back. Instruct him to slowly sit down in the wheelchair.