The exploration of the different patient transferring techniques used in the medical imaging department.

Abstract

• Purpose: In the health care system, radiographers come in contact with different patients of different weight and with different abilities of motion. Radiographers should not only be capable to provide adequate patient care while handling the patient, but also adopt appropriate transferring measures to avoid back injuries. • Research objectives The main aim of this research study was to investigate the different and most common patient transferring techniques and transfer devices adopted by the local radiographers in the Medical Imaging Department of a large general and acute hospital. Another aim was to investigate whether radiographers commonly suffered from back pain. • Methodology The research tool used was a questionnaire given to twenty six radiographers. Only twenty one of them returned it. Participants were presented with four different cases of patient transfers performed on a daily basis in the department. They were asked to select the most common patient transferring techniques and transfer devices used and to rate their effectiveness. A patient transferring technique chart was given to the radiographers to provide them with basic information about the transferring techniques. • Results The most common transferring techniques used are the Underarm Drag lift, Lateral Transfer, the Front Assisted lift and the Two Person Pivot transfer. The choice of the Underarm Drag lift technique in almost all cases, indicates that local radiographers opt to use techniques which are considered as high risk (ACC, 2003). From the study sample nine (43%) radiographers indicated that they suffered from a type of back pain while ten (48%) did not. It was indicated that radiographers were aware about the common risk factors for back pain, such as bad posture and manual lifting. Training about transferring techniques was given and transfer devices were available. Despite this radiographers still opted to use manual handling instead of transfer devices. It was also indicated that the PAT slide was the most available and popular device used to transfer patients from bed to stretcher/X - ray table. • Conclusions The investigation indicated that more transfer devices should be available in the department and further training to radiographers about transferring techniques should be given. This will reduce manual handling and related occupational injuries which will ensure the radiographer's wellbeing and help to deliver a better health care service.