How to Use a Slide Sheet: Guidance for Healthcare Professionals

Slide sheets are smooth, durable sheets used by healthcare professionals and carers to move patients who have limited mobility or are unable to reposition themselves. Designed to reduce friction and make it easier and safer to move patients, slide sheets substantially reducing caregiver burden.

So, let’s explore the different types of slide sheets available and how to use them.

A slide sheet is a strong yet lightweight sheet that is placed under a patient to reduce the amount of physical effort required to move the individual. Designed specially to minimise friction, slide sheets are typically made from a durable material such as nylon or polyester along with a silicon-coated material (often Transtex fabric). This allows the patient to be moved smoothly, even on surfaces that would typically cause friction and make movement difficult. As their name suggests, the aim of using a slide sheet is to allow care professionals to slide rather than lift patients, reducing the risk of injuries and conditions like chronic back pain. 

Slide sheets are also treated with an anti-bacterial finish to kill bacteria and viruses, to support your infection control protocols. 

There are various types of slide sheet, each designed to meet specific needs and suit different situations. Common types include:

Standard slide sheets: The most basic type of slide sheet, suitable for a broad range of patients, including wide models, affordable and premium. Options include lift-free tubular slide sheets to support healthcare settings with no-lift policies.

Padded slide sheets: By including an additional padding layer for increased patient comfort, they are often used for patients with sensitive skin or at risk of pressure sores. They also come in tubular variants. 

Bariatric slide sheets: Catered to patients who are overweight. Bariatric slide sheets are typically made from a more robust material and are wider than standard slide sheets. Options are available that cater to both standard and bariatric uses.

Disposable slide sheets: Designed for single use and often used in hospitals and nursing homes. They are typically made from a lighter-weight material and are less expensive than reusable slide sheets.

Slide sheets provide several vital benefits to patients – promoting their comfort and dignity, and ensuring their safety too:

• Reduced risk of injury: Slide sheets reduce the risk of injury to patients by minimising friction and force during movement, which is particularly important for patients with fragile skin or at risk of pressure sores
• Increased comfort: Slide sheets can improve patient comfort by providing a smooth and gentle movement experience. This can be particularly beneficial for patients in pain or anxious about being moved
• Improved mobility: Slide sheets can improve patient mobility by making it easier for them to be moved, helping patients join in daily activities and maintain their independence

Slide sheets also offer several important benefits to medical and care home staff:

• Reduced risk of injury: Slide sheets reduce the risk of injury to staff (back pain being a major complaint) by minimising the effort required to move patients – important for staff working with heavy or immobile patients
• Improved efficiency: Slide sheets can improve efficiency by making it easier and faster to move patients

Disclaimer: It’s important to note that this information is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice. Slide sheets are a valuable tool for healthcare professionals, but they should only ever be used by trained staff. If you’re unsure how to use a slide sheet, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Here are our top tips for using slide sheets safely and effectively:

• First, choose the right size of slide sheet. Bear in mind the surface the individual is being moved to, their height and weight, and the movement procedure itself, e.g. a lateral bed move, a seated transfer, and so on. Ideally, the slide sheet will reach under the patient’s head and shoulders and extend down to the knees and feet
• Work as a team: When moving a patient with a slide sheet – though usually requiring fewer staff than unassisted methods – it is often helpful to work with another person. This will help to ensure the patient's safety and reduce the risk of injury to staff
• Communicate with the patient: It is important to communicate throughout the transfer, for their comfort and reassurance
• Position the slide sheet correctly and move slowly: The slide sheet should be placed under the patient's draw sheet or incontinence pad. It’s important not to rush any part of the transfer process, for both staff and patient safety and comfort
• Use the correct moving techniques: When moving a patient with a slide sheet, it is essential to use the safest techniques for lifting, so that you avoid injury. This includes keeping your back straight, bending at the knees, and using your legs to help you

By following these tips, you can ensure you get the maximum benefits from slide sheets – they’ll ensure the care and dignity of patients and protect staff health and wellbeing too.

At Medirite we offer a broad selection of slide sheets and other moving and handling equipment from trusted, high-quality brands across a range of budgets.