Making the Decision...

Research has shown benefits and limitations to both positions, giving an unclear answer as to which is the preferred transfer method

• Healthcare providers and patients should choose what positions are best for the patient based on patient history, situations/environment, knowledge of core skills and advantages and disadvantages to both positions

When a limited environment requires a side position, important skills are:

• Scooting forward
• Utilizing close hand positioning on a stable surface
• Utilizing correct handgrip and head-hips relationship technique.
• Because of the height difference in transfer surfaces with toilet transfers, alternating the leading side (direction of transfer) should be done if the environment allows.

                                                                                                                                                                (Tsai et al., in review)