I am currently doing my neuro prac at a major hospital and am predominantly working with stroke patients. Last week we had two new stroke patients, both older males who were quite large. So after treating them in bed for the initial stage we decided it would be best to take them down to the gym. Now since they are both really acute strokes the transfers in/out of bed as well as up/down and across the bed all needed assistance.
So the first couple of times I transferred the patients I really found that it was starting to take a toll on my back. Now i was trying to do the technique in the safest way to protect my back but it still seemed to be niggling me. So I asked my supervisor for suggestions as to how she transfers these patients on her own (as shes a smallish lady) and she came in and showed me several alternative ways to move the patients.
Over the next few sessions I trialled several of the different techniques to find which ones suited me more and I found specific techniques which felt as if they were a lot easier on my back. So froom this it really made me think back to when we were learning all the different transfers and how much different it is when you actually get out there and have to move a fully dependent patient. It really made me think about the exact way we got taught the transfers and realised how important each little aspect of the transfer is - from the patients starting position to our feet position.
So upon reflection I guess it is advice to everyone going into a neuro prac or even working in that field next year to really concentrate on perfecting a transfer technique that works for you and that you really practice the whole motto that our safety is priority number one and then the patients. If you are unable to figure out a way to transfer patients without feeling your back is straining then possibly ask for assistance to do a 2 person transfer or to ask more experienced PTs as for alternative suggestions for performing the necessary transfer.
2 comments:
I had a similar experience on my neoro prac - these clinical placements really highlights the importance of body mechanics don't they!! The first few days of my neuro prac were quite painfull for my back too. I suppose it's something we learn at uni that we don't really fully appreciate until 4th year. I'm on my musculo placement now and I'm also learning just how important my thumbs are and how to do as much as you can without using them!!!
I am going to have my neuro prac next and this piece of advice you left, is just great Leigh! Your body mechanics really do matter a lot when doing transfers. A slight mistake could hurt you for life. Also, if the pt is really too big, using the hoist would be a good thing too right? Sometimes, it's just better to take more precautions, it's better to be safer then sorry. Thanks for the great advice!
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