Using Sliding Aids - arjo MaxiSlides Mode D'emploi

Using sliding aids

The techniques shown in this IFU are examples of the latest ergonomically correct patient handling
manoeuvres, based on sound biomechanical principles and safe utilization. Caregivers should consult their
local safe patient/resident handling policy for agreed safe practices for use of sliding aids before using Arjo
sliding aids. Other techniques, different from the examples shown in this IFU such as repositioning in the bed,
can be used if the local safe patient/resident handling policy allows it.
Once removed from the box, it is advised to mark each Flites sliding aid with a patient identi er and the date of
rst use to ensure the product is used with its intended patient.
In addition to the patient assessment, always make an assessment of the type of transfer to make sure that
the correct size and type of sliding aid is chosen. The number of caregivers and which transfer/repositioning
technique to use should be determined by the patient's condition and what movement is to be performed. Arjo
recommends to be at least two caregivers because of safety reasons.
If a patient's medical mobility level allows, the patient is encouraged to assist the movement by using their
arms, legs etc. This is to reduce the load on the caregivers and motivate the patient to use their muscles.
Two different techniques for applying the sliding aid under the patient are described in this IFU:
• The unravelling technique
• The log-roll technique
Due to their medical conditions, some patients who are unable to assist are not suitable for log-rolling. In these
cases, the unravelling technique is a more appropriate way to apply a sliding aid.
If a pressure mattress is used, gently push down to assist tting the sliding aid underneath the patient. You
may also nd it helpful to set the mattress pressure to a rm setting for the procedure.
Arjo recommends that pushing actions are carried out with the transfer surfaced raised to ensure controlled
movements and to allow the caregiver to pro t from their leg muscles. Pulling should be carried out with the
transfer surface lowered, and with the elbows straight to avoid overuse of shoulders and to allow use of the leg
muscles to achieve movement. Adjust the transfer surface according to the action being performed.
To facilitate lateral transfer, position the receiving surface slightly lower than the surface where the transfer
starts from. Choose a sliding aid which will cover the transfer distance. Unless a risk assessment states
otherwise, Arjo recommends to use a rm at supine transfer board to bridge a potential gap between the two
surfaces and prevent patient entrapment or fall between the surfaces.
Lateral transfer with a tubular sliding aid can be done with or without a draw sheet. The advantage of a transfer
with a tubular sliding aid and a draw sheet is the participation of both caregivers in the actual transfer, one
pushing and the other one pulling. After initiating the push, the length of the draw sheet provides additional
reach for the caregiver on the receiving side to pull.
For lateral transfers with sliding sheets, Arjo advises the use of pull straps which can be connected to the
handles on the sliding sheets to prevent the caregiver leaning over the receiving surface and overreach for the
slide sheet handles.
Repositioning/boosting of the patient can be performed both with and without a draw sheet together with the
sliding aid. For patient comfort, we recommend that the patient's head is placed on a pillow.
Two different techniques for removing the sliding aid from under the patient are described in this IFU:
• Removing while the patient remains in a supine position
• Removing using a log-roll technique
USING SLIDING AIDS
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