Name of the Procedure:

Patient Lift, Hydraulic or Mechanical
Technical term: E0630

Summary

This procedure involves the use of a hydraulic or mechanical device to lift and transfer patients who have limited mobility. The lift includes various supportive parts such as seats, slings, straps, or pads to ensure the patient is safely and comfortably moved.

Purpose

The primary purpose of a patient lift is to assist in the safe transfer of patients with limited mobility, reducing the risk of injury to both the patient and healthcare providers. It is often used to move patients from a bed to a wheelchair, commode, or other location within the care environment.

Indications

• Patients with severe mobility impairments or paralysis
• Individuals recovering from surgery who are unable to move on their own
• Patients with chronic conditions, such as severe arthritis or degenerative diseases, that impede movement
• Care settings where manual transfers are unsafe or impractical

Preparation

• Ensure the lift is properly maintained and tested before use
• Patient and caretaker should be educated on how the device works
• No specific fasting or medication adjustments typically required
• A physical assessment to understand the patient's weight and movement limitations

Procedure Description

1. Setup: The lift is positioned close to the patient.
2. Preparation: Attach the sling, straps, or pads under and around the patient’s body to provide support.
3. Operation: Use the hydraulic pump or mechanical mechanism to gradually lift the patient off the surface.
4. Transfer: Move the lifted patient to the desired location, such as a wheelchair or another chair.

5. Lowering: Gently lower the patient into a secure and comfortable position.

   Tools: Hydraulic or mechanical lift, slings, straps, pads.
   No anesthesia or sedation is required.

Duration

The entire process usually takes about 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the patient's condition and the distance of the transfer.

Setting

Typically performed in a hospital, outpatient rehabilitation clinic, long-term care facility, or even at home by trained caregivers.

Personnel

• Nurses
• Physical therapists
• Trained caregivers or healthcare assistants

Risks and Complications

• Risk of improper sling attachment leading to falls
• Potential for skin irritation from slings or straps
• Mechanical failure of the lift equipment
• Anxiety or discomfort experienced by the patient

Benefits

• Safe and efficient transfer of patients with limited mobility
• Reduced risk of injury to healthcare providers
• Enhanced patient comfort and dignity

Recovery

• There is no physical recovery needed from the use of a patient lift as it is a transfer mechanism.
• Ensure the patient is comfortable post-transfer.
• Regularly check the skin for any signs of pressure sores or irritation following transfers.

Alternatives

• Manual lifting by multiple caregivers (higher risk of injury)
• Overhead ceiling lifts (permanent fixtures, more complex setup)
• Transfer boards or sliding sheets (less supportive, requires more physical effort)

Patient Experience

• The patient might feel a sense of being lifted suspended in the air, which can be disconcerting at first.
• Care providers should talk reassuringly to the patient throughout the process for comfort.
• Pain is minimal; any discomfort largely comes from improper positioning or ill-fitting slings and straps.