AST Guideline for Patient Transportation

3 C. The furniture and equipment in the ward room should be moved as necessary to ensure adequate space for the safe transfer of the patient to the transportation device. D. If using a stretcher, position as close against the patient’s ward bed as possible and lock the wheels of the stretcher. E. Confirm the wheels on the patient’s ward bed are locked if wheels are present. F. The accessory items should be secured, such as IV lines and drainage devices before transferring the patient; ensure the lines remain patent and functioning. If the patient has an indwelling urinary catheter, the bag must be positioned below the level of the patient to prevent reflux of urine and must not be placed on the floor. 3 4. The following patient care concepts should be carried out during the transfer of the patient. A. The CST who is responsible for transporting the patient should introduce and identify herself/himself to lessen patient anxiety. 2 B. The CST must correctly identify the patient’s name and procedure to be performed to prevent wrong patient and procedure. 1) The CST should approach this much like performing the “Time Out” procedure in the OR to prevent patient errors; the patient should state his name that is cross-references to his/her name band, patient chart and surgery schedule. 4 If the patient is unconscious, the CST should rely on the patient’s chart to verify the information as well as two identifiers, the CST and a RN, to confirm the information. 5 C. If the patient is conscious, the CST should explain the transfer procedure prior to executing to reduce the anxiety of the patient and promote safety. 2 1) The CST should verbally communicate to the patient that he/she will indicate that they are ready for the patient to move over to the stretcher. The CST should instruct the patient to move slowly to avoid severe physiological alterations. 6 2) The CST should confirm one last time that the wheels on the ward bed, if present, and stretcher are locked. 3) When the patient is instructed to move from the ward bed to the stretcher, the CST should lean against the stretcher to prevent movement and keep against the ward bed. 4) The HCP should maintain the patient’s dignity during the transfer by keeping him/her covered. 2 This will help in decreasing the patient’s anxiety and ensure their personal and moral rights.