Slide Board Transfers Can Put Patients At Risk for Injury

Medical slide boards, also known as transfer boards, are mobility aids designed to help those with limited mobility in transferring between two surfaces. These are flat, rigid boards, typically made of durable materials such as plastic, wood, or a composite. They act as a bridge between surfaces, allowing individuals to slide across rather than being lifted.

Although slide board transfers are intended to reduce the physical strain of moving patients, they can pose significant hazards when used incorrectly.

Common Risks of Slide Board Transfers

While slide boards can be helpful for safely transferring patients from one surface to another, they also come with serious risks if used improperly or without the preparation or training, all of which can lead to medical malpractice situations in healthcare facilities and nursing homes.

These risks can affect both patients and caregivers. By understanding these dangers, we can help ensure their safe and effective use.

Patient Falls

Falls are among the most significant risks during a slide board transfer. If the board is not positioned correctly or shifts during use, the patient can lose balance and fall between the two surfaces.

Falls are one of the most frequent risks during slide board use and can lead to:

• Bone Fractures: Particularly in the wrists, hips, or legs when trying to break a fall.
• Head Injuries: Including concussions or traumatic brain injuries if the individual strikes their head.
• Bruises and Contusions: Often occurring on the back, hips, or legs from landing on hard surfaces.

Skin Injuries

The friction generated during a slide board transfer can lead to skin injuries. Patients with fragile or sensitive skin are particularly vulnerable, especially if the board’s surface is rough or the transfer involves dragging across the board.

The friction and pressure from sliding across the board can result in:

• Abrasions or Skin Tears: Especially in older adults or individuals with thin or fragile skin.
• Pressure Sores: If the patient stays in one position too long during a transfer or if the board isn’t smooth.

Improper Alignment

When the surfaces being bridged are not at the same height, the uneven transfer can strain the patient’s body. This can cause injuries, especially for individuals with preexisting conditions such as arthritis or back problems.

Not positioning the patient’s body properly or moving across uneven surfaces can lead to:

• Sprains and Strains: Particularly in the back, shoulders, or hips during awkward transfers.
• Muscle Pulls: Resulting from overexertion while moving across the board.

Spinal or Back Injuries

Incorrect alignment during transfers may stress the spine, leading to:

• Herniated Discs: Caused by sudden or excessive pressure on the back.
• Lower Back Pain: From improper posture or repetitive strain.

Caregiver Injuries

Slide board transfers require caregivers to provide guidance and support, which can lead to physical strain if they do not use proper techniques or when assisting heavier patients or performing repetitive or frequent transfers.

Caregivers assisting with slide board transfers can experience:

• Back Strain: Often caused by bending over repeatedly, lifting patients incorrectly, or trying to move a patient who’s too heavy for them to transfer safely.
• Shoulder and Wrist Injuries: These are caused by stabilizing or guiding the patient during the transfer.
• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs): Due to frequent use of improper techniques.

Equipment Failures

Worn or damaged slide boards can become safety hazards. Cracks, rough edges, or a loss of the board’s non-slip features can increase the risk of accidents and injuries during transfers.

Factors That Increase the Risk of Injury

There are several factors that can increase the likelihood of being injured during a slide board transfer. Recognizing these risks can help caregivers and patients take necessary precautions:

• Inadequate Training: Improper use of a slide board is often due to a lack of proper training. If caregivers and patients don’t fully understand the correct positioning, technique, or support required for a safe transfer, accidents are more likely to happen.
• Patient Limitations: Patients with limited upper body strength or coordination may have trouble performing a slide board transfer safely. Conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, severe arthritis, or neurological impairments can make the process more challenging.
• Poor Surface Preparation: Uneven or slippery surfaces can compromise the stability of the slide board. If the surfaces being bridged are not securely positioned or the board is set on a slippery surface, the risk of accidents increases.
• Time Pressure: Rushed transfers often lead to mistakes, such as skipping essential steps or failing to secure the board properly. This is especially common in busy healthcare settings where caregivers may feel pressured to save time.

The Importance of Vigilance

Caregivers, of course, play a key role in protecting patients from injuries during slide board transfers. By remaining aware of the situation and prioritizing safety over speed or convenience, they can better protect both themselves and those in their care. This includes not only following proper techniques but also being aware of the unique needs and limitations of each patient.

Patients and their families should also advocate for safe practices, whether by asking questions about equipment maintenance or seeking additional training when necessary. Open communication between patients, families, and caregivers helps foster a safer environment for everyone.

Slide board transfers can be invaluable tools for improving mobility and independence, but they are not without risks.

From falls and skin injuries to caregiver strain and equipment failures, the dangers associated with these transfers underscore the importance of proper technique, training, and equipment maintenance.

By recognizing the potential risks and taking proactive steps to keep them from happening, caregivers and patients can help make sure that they experience safe and effective slide board transfers as part of their daily care. Prioritizing safety over convenience is the key to minimizing injuries and maximizing the benefits of these widely used devices.

If you or a loved one has been injured because of a slide board incident, our experienced personal injury attorneys at Prince Law Firm can help you seek justice and fair compensation.