before transporting the patient to the OR. In the OR, the transfer
device is reinflated and a group of 4 staff members use it to slide the
patient onto the OR table. In most cases, the device in deflated and
remains in place under the patient during the procedure. (Evidence
shows it does not increase risk of skin lacerations or breakdown,
says Ms. Totzkay.) The process is repeated again to move the patient
from the OR table to a stretcher, and from the stretcher to a PACU
bed.
Since implementing the 157-pound trigger for the use of a lateral
transfer device about 2 years ago, Ms. Totzkay has seen a threefold
decrease in injuries associated with patient handling.
"You need to invest in the time to conduct occasional audits to confirm
that proper handling processes are being followed correctly," says Ms.
Totzkay. "The key is to make sure safe practices are always at the fore-
front of your staff members' minds."
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