Patient Care Guide

To assist in offering better care techniques in nursing homes and hospitals, the VISN 8 Patient Safety Center under the direction of Dr. Audrey Nelson, PhD, RN, FAAN developed patient assessment algorithms for caregivers in order to determine patient handling procedures and when to use devices, such as the ErgoSlides® or ErgoBelts. Each algorithm follows a series of questions a caregiver should review prior to making any advancement with moving a patient.

Algorithm 1 - Transfer to and from: Bed to Chair, Chair to Toilet, Chair to Chair, or Car to Chair.

Algorithm 2 - Lateral Transfer to and from: Bed to Stretcher, Trolley.

Algorithm 3 - Reposition in Bed: Side-to-Side, Up in Bed.