when to use a transfer belt?

abbaking · Aug 22, 2011

Transfer belts (Gait belts) are not used anymore. Its outdated and antiquated not to mention restrictive for the patient - legally could be trouble if not documented properly.

When I was in CNA school it was as if it was a life or death item to have. I ended up spending alot of money on something that NOBODY ever uses.

Don't waste your time, effeort, energy, or MONEY on something that you can accomplish with you own two hands and a walker or a cane.

If you have an instructor, nurse, manager that is hell bent on you having one - Have them supply one for you and clearly explain and allow for documentation.

WillRegNurse · Aug 22, 2011

What do you mean they are not used anymore..? They are used all the time in rehab. Ideally, everyone is transferred using a gait belt. Unfortunately that is a reality in few facilities. I can't imagine why a gait belt would be restrictive. They are not supposed to be fastened tightly. They are there for you to have something to grab on to if the patient begins falling, so that you can ease them downward along your leg.

Lifting people under their arms is not recommended as that can injure them, but it's how most of us transfer people.

In some facilities, especially LTC and subacute rehab, you can be automatically disciplined if someone sees you transferring someone without a gait belt. They are kept in every single room, in those places.

Stcroix, ASN, PhD, RN · Aug 22, 2011

I work part time as a transporter and I help move patients all day. I can tell you that over the last year I have not seen a single gait belt being used. I agree with the PP that canes, walkers and assist are the methods in use (or of course we slide bedridden patients onto a stretcher). My 1 1/2 cents.

systoly · Aug 22, 2011

Outdated and antiquated here. If it doesn't work for the pt, change the POC. As long as the 485 says transfer belt, use it.

ktliz · Aug 22, 2011

This is a good question. It seems like one of those issues where "best practice" does not always align with the real world.

In my clinicals, I could never find the gait belt when I needed it. I got along fine for several weeks, until the unit manager chewed me out for not using one with a large patient who was also a 2-assist (but mobile enough that I could assist her alone without hurting my back.)

SkiMama · Aug 22, 2011

Gait belts are not outdated and they are for everyone's safety. I am a NS and don't know how widely they are used in acute care, but in subacute/rehab everyone wears a gait belt and uses them all of the time if the pt is any type of fall risk (in rehab they all are!). Grabbing a pt under the arms is bad practice bc you can cause injuries and skin tears. When you use a gait belt properly with proper body mechanics, it greatly aids transferring.

Poi Dog · Aug 22, 2011

Outdated and antiquated here. If it doesn't work for the pt, change the POC. As long as the 485 says transfer belt, use it.

What is a 485?

Thanks!

MN-Nurse, ASN, RN · Aug 22, 2011

Transfer belts (Gait belts) are not used anymore. Its outdated and antiquated not to mention restrictive for the patient - legally could be trouble if not documented properly.
When I was in CNA school it was as if it was a life or death item to have. I ended up spending alot of money on something that NOBODY ever uses.
Don't waste your time, effeort, energy, or MONEY on something that you can accomplish with you own two hands and a walker or a cane.
If you have an instructor, nurse, manager that is hell bent on you having one - Have them supply one for you and clearly explain and allow for documentation.

Aside from the fact your facility should provide any necessary equipment, the above post is 100% false.

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Aug 23, 2011

When I was a CNA in a nursing home, the facility provided a gait belt to every CNA and we were expected to have it at all times. We wore it around our waist until we needed it for a patient. They had plastic clips, not belt buckles, so they were easy to fasten and remove. However, we received little instruction on their use.

I think some of the problems with gait belts comes when they are not used properly. A person should not be dragged up or yanked by the gait belt. It is there to assist the patient's own momentum and provide a place to hold to support the patient if they become unstable.

They definately save the CNAs from straining so much during transfers and keep the patient from being hauled up under the arms, which is uncomfortable and can cause injury. They aren't outdated. OP, ask if your facility will provide a gait belt for you. Also ask if they will provide inservice education about how they should be used.

abbaking · Aug 23, 2011

Aside from the fact your facility should provide any necessary equipment, the above post is 100% false.

Gait belts are not needed - its useless and a waste of time. Thats me personally. I feel that I can accomplish more with a walker, 2-person assist or other devices.

My biggest pet peave with the gait belt was how cumbersome it was and how silly it made me and the patients feel.

Personally, I leave it to PT if they are going to use a gait belt - I know what work for me and a gait belt is NOT one of them.

Next time please remember to state your opinions to support your idea.

If my post is 100% fale - elaborate otherwise you look like a fool for not supporting your views.

itsmejuli · Aug 23, 2011

Transfer belts (Gait belts) are not used anymore.

Really? Maybe where you work.

On the med rehab unit I work on we use transfer belts quite often.

Our PT people assess every patient we get to determine the type of transfer they require.