Definition
Transferring a patient from bed to chair is a fundamental nursing skill that promotes mobility, comfort, and independence—but it must be done with precision to ensure safety for both the patient and caregiver.
Purposes
| Purpose | Rationale |
|---|---|
| Promote mobility and independence | Encourages muscle use, joint flexibility, and self-care participation |
| Prevent complications of immobility | Reduces risk of pressure ulcers, pneumonia, DVT, and muscle atrophy |
| Enhance psychological well-being | Boosts confidence, reduces isolation, and fosters a sense of autonomy |
| Facilitate hygiene and personal care | Enables easier access to toileting, grooming, and dressing |
| Support rehabilitation goals | Prepares patients for ambulation and physical therapy |
| Improve comfort and posture | Relieves discomfort from prolonged bed rest and supports digestion and breathing |
| Enable access to services | Allows participation in meals, therapy, and social activities outside the bed |
Equipment
- Wheelchair or stable chair (with brakes locked)
- Gait belt (if needed)
- Non-slip footwear
- Transfer board (if partial weight-bearing)
- Gloves (if required)
- Pillows or cushions for support
Procedure
| Nursing Action | Rationale | |
| 1 | Before procedure Explain the procedure to the patient and instruct him on how he has to cooperate. | Reduces anxiety and promotes patient’s participation |
| 2 | Assist the patient in a sitting position on the side of the bed. Position a chair at 45″ angle to the bed or parallel with the bed. | Positioning patients in a sitting position helps in starting transfer. The chair should be within easy access of the bed. |
| 3 | Spread your feet apart. | Ensures a wider base of support. |
| 4 | Flex your knees and hips online with a patient’s knees. | Lowers center of gravity to the object to be raised. |
| 5 | Reach under the axilla of patient and place hands on scapula. | Reduces pressure on axilla. |
| 6 | Help patient up to a standing position on count of three while straightening your hips and knees. | Reduces effort required. |
| 7 | Pivot on foot that is farthest from the chair. | Maintains support of patient while allowing adequate space for patient to move. |
| 8 | Ask patient to sit only after he/she feels the seat of the chair on the back of his knees. | Reduce risk of fall. |
| 9 | Instruct patient to use arm rest of chair for support, if present. | Increase Increases support and stability. |
| 10 | Flex your hips and knees and lower patient to chair. | Prevents injury caused by poor body mechanics. |
| 11 | Align patient properly to sitting position. |
Aftercare
- Ensure proper alignment and comfort
- Provide blanket or support pillows if needed
- Place call bell within reach
- Document: time, assistance level, patient response, and any complications
Precautions
- Avoid if patient has unstable vitals, recent surgery, or cognitive impairment without supervision
- Use mechanical lift if patient cannot bear weight
- Never allow patient to grab your neck or shoulders
Special Considerations
- Orthostatic hypotension: Allow the patient to sit for a minute before standing.
- Post-surgical precautions: Follow hip/knee precautions if applicable.
- Cognitive impairment: Use simple instructions and reassurance.
- Non-weight-bearing patients: Use a mechanical lift or slide board.
REFERENCES
- Annamma Jacob, Rekha, Jhadav Sonali Tarachand: Clinical Nursing Procedures: The Art of Nursing Practice, 5th Edition, March 2023, Jaypee Publishers, ISBN-13: 978-9356961845 ISBN-10: 9356961840
- Omayalachi CON, Manual of Nursing Procedures and Practice, Vol 1, 3 Edition 2023, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN: 978-9393553294
- Sandra Nettina, Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice, 11th Edition, January 2019, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN-13:978-9388313285
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