A sliding board, also known as a transfer board, is a flat, rigid piece of equipment made from wood or smooth plastic designed to bridge the gap between two surfaces, such as a wheelchair and a bed. It facilitates safe transfers for individuals with limited or no lower body mobility who retain adequate upper body strength to assist. The board allows a user to move horizontally using a series of small, controlled movements, minimizing physical strain on the caregiver and reducing the risk of falls or injury during the transition. Careful preparation and precise execution are essential for a smooth transfer.
Essential Preparation Before Transfer
Securing the environment is paramount before initiating any movement. All wheels on the starting and receiving surfaces, such as a wheelchair or hospital bed, must be fully locked to prevent rolling during the transfer. Obstacles like armrests and footrests closest to the receiving surface should be removed or swung out of the way to ensure a clear path.
The two surfaces being bridged should be positioned as close together as possible, ideally at an angle of approximately 30 to 45 degrees, which provides a safer and more manageable transfer path. It is advantageous if the transfer is executed from a slightly higher surface to a lower one, as gravity will assist the movement. The user should be dressed in clothing that covers the skin, as contact with bare skin against the board can cause painful friction burns or pinching injuries.
To place the board, the user must lean away from the direction of the transfer, lifting the hip closest to the receiving surface. The board is slid under the user’s upper thigh and buttocks, ensuring the rough side is down and skin is not pinched. Approximately one-third of the board should be positioned under the user, with the remaining portion resting flat and stable on the receiving surface to create a secure bridge.
Step-by-Step Transfer Technique
Once the board is in place, the user should scoot forward to the front edge of the starting surface, planting their feet flat on the floor slightly ahead of their knees, if possible. The user positions their hands flat on the board at their sides, near their thighs, ready to push down. They must never place fingers under the edges of the board, as this poses a severe risk of crushing injury during weight shifts.
To begin the slide, the user should lean their head and shoulders in the direction opposite the intended movement. This shifts their weight away from the buttocks that need to move, allowing the user to push down on the board with their arms and lift their hips slightly off the surface. The goal is a series of small, controlled “scooting” or push-up movements, not one long, continuous slide.
The user performs the push-up and slides their hips a short distance across the board toward the receiving surface. Repeating this sequence—leaning away, pushing up with the arms, and sliding a small distance—ensures a gradual and stable transfer. This method avoids dragging the skin across the low-friction surface, which can cause shearing forces and potential injury.
The caregiver, if assisting, should remain positioned directly in front of the user, using a gait belt to guide the movement and maintain stability. Once the user is fully seated and stable on the receiving surface, the board can be removed. The user must lean away from the board again, allowing the caregiver to slide the board out from underneath their hips and thighs.
Safety and Assistance Guidelines
Clear and consistent communication is necessary between the user and any assisting caregiver throughout the process. The caregiver should explain each step and use a verbal count, such as “one, two, three, move,” to coordinate the action. This coordination prevents unexpected movements and maximizes the effectiveness of the user’s effort.
Caregivers must practice proper body mechanics to protect themselves from injury. This involves bending at the knees and hips, keeping the back straight, and maintaining a wide, stable base of support. The caregiver should use the strong muscles in their legs to assist with the movement, pivoting their feet instead of twisting their torso.
Following the completion of the transfer, the user’s skin integrity should be checked, particularly in the areas that were in contact with the board. This confirms no excessive pressure or friction caused skin reddening or breakdown.
The sliding board is appropriate for individuals who have the requisite core and upper body strength to participate actively. If a user lacks the necessary trunk control or arm strength to assist in lifting their weight, or if the required assistance places too much physical demand on the caregiver, a mechanical lift should be used instead to ensure safety.