Methods of transfer utilized for stroke patients from wheelchair to tricycle and vice versa: an observational analysis

Date of Completion

2008

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy

Keywords

Stroke, Patient Transfer, Wheelchairs

Abstract

This is a qualitative study that describes the methods of transfer utilized for stroke patients from wheelchair to tricycle and vice versa in the following phases: Preparatory, Execution and Aftercare phase through an observational analysis. The respondents of this study are the stroke patients aged is 35 to 75 years old, weighs 100 to 160 lbs, height of 5́0́ãa to 6́0́ãa feet and uses a tricycle as a mode of transportation in going to the center. The researchers recorded the transfer from wheelchair to tricycle to wheelchair using a video camera in three hospitals namely St. Paul Hospital (Dasmarinas, Cavite), General Emilio Aguinaldo (Trece Martires, Cavite), Medical Center Imus (Imus, Cavite). There are eight patients gathered from the three different rehabilitation centers. Results of the study showed that most of the caregivers placed the wheelchair at 45-60 degrees, wheelchair breaks were locked but most of the caregivers did not use any guarding belt for patientś protection and placement of the footstool was seen in some of the caregivers during the preparatory phase. Asking for permission, state the rationale, and give instructions during this phase of the transfer was not observed. During the execution phase of the activity, manual contact was observed through the use of a grab bar. The researchers noticed that the caregivers did not give any stabilization for the good leg or the bad leg of the patient, pivot movements from the caregiver was not observed. Most of the patient scooted forward and backward to place himself to comfort. The caregiverś position was then at the postero-lateral aspect of the patient or in front of the patient which was then observed during the execution phase of transfer as a part of the methods noted in literatures. In the aftercare phase of the activity, the researchers noted that all of the caregivers did not position the patient for comfort, stability and safety and was then noticed not to document any physiologic reactions or responses from the patient. Removal of for footstool placement was then rarely seen because it was not utilized and prepared during the preparatory phase and also, the caregivers failed to place guarding belts for stabilization which was the same as in the preparatory phase of the transfer activity. The researchers then recommend to conduct a seminar on basic transfer techniques for both patients and caregivers to improve their knowledge regarding methods of transfer from tricycle to wheelchair and vice versa.

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