Chapter 7: Moving and positioning
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Moving a patient from sitting to standing
Evidence‐based approaches
Rationale
Indications
The patient should be encouraged to take the initiative to stand up safely from the edge of the bed by pushing down on the mattress with both hands, leaning forwards by flexing from the hips, and standing in a controlled and safe manner. Once the patient feels safe in their standing balance, they can start to walk safely and independently. This will improve their confidence in mobilizing safely, encourage good lung capacity, promote improved strength in their posture and quadriceps, and promote balance.
Contraindications
If the patient does not feel safe or feels dizzy or unsteady, they should sit back down gently and in a controlled manner by placing their hands back to feel for the mattress, feeling the bed behind the back of their legs and lowering themselves back to sitting. The patient should be assessed, and observations and vital signs should be recorded to ensure there are no concerns regarding these.
If the patient has attachments (e.g. catheter, intravenous drip or feeding tubes) in place, they will require the assistance and supervision of at least one person to ensure they do not trip over or dislodge these.
A physiotherapy referral may be appropriate.
Procedure guideline 7.5
