From Supine to Sitting at the Edge of the Bed

If your patient is ready to attempt sitting at the edge of the bed (blood pressure, trunk control and endurance have all been assessed) here are a few practical tips to make it easier.

	First, measure the length of the femur. This is important to determine the starting position and distance the patient should be from the edge of the bed.
	Decrease extensor tone of the lower extremity by placing your hand along the ball of the involved foot. Bring the foot into dorsiflexion and eversion as both legs are brought into hip and knee flexion.
	Have your patient roll onto the involved side and swing both legs over the edge of the bed. (Note the femur is fully supported.) Stand in front of your patient to prevent sliding or falling forward.
	Carefully support the involved arm and cradle it next to your side. Place your hand along the scapula, taking care not to pull on the arm. Facilitate along the illac crest of the pelvis as you bring the patient into a sitting position.

For more tips and step-by-step handling skills related to bed mobility,
refer to, Teaching Independence: A Therapeutic Approach.

For therapists working in the ICU or acute care setting,
refer to, Treatment Strategies in the Acute Care of Stroke Survivors.

All healthcare providers are under the gun to use Evidence-Based Practice in their physical therapy and occupational therapy programs. I will be incorporating current evidence into my workshops, newsletters and online courses.

The Cochrane Library is a reliable source of evidence in health care. They have a great short video that explains the Cochrane Collaboration.

On April 11, I will be presenting a 3-hour session at the AOTA National Conference in Long Beach, California on “Functional Treatment Ideas and Strategies in Stroke Rehabilitation: An Evidence-Based Approach.” To learn more or to sign up for this session, go to the AOTA 2008 Program Planner and search for “WS203.” If you are planning to attending the conference, I hope to see you there!

Our Spring Workshops (April 26-27 in St. Louis, MO and May 31-June 1 in Cincinnati) are now approved for PTs by the state boards in Ohio and Missouri. Sign up while space is available.

Therapists often ask me to recommend a 3-week NDT Certificate Course. I only recommend courses when I have experience with the instructors.

There is an excellent course coming up in Seattle, WA, April 7-25, 2008. For more information contact or , of Diamond PT Continuing Education.

International Clinical Educators, inc.