Chicago Prepares for Lourdes with first Annual Transfer Training

Over the course of centuries, the Order of Malta has sought to live its commitment to our Lords, the poor and the sick.  From its original manifestation in the Holy Land, tending to the needs of pilgrims, to our myriad projects across the world, and most visibly, on our annual pilgrimage to Lourdes, Knights and Dames have undertaken countless acts of mercy to bring comfort and healing to the sick.

But, as anyone in health care can tell you, the most important thing to do when treating a patient is to ensure you do not make anything worse by your actions.  The same idea applies to the Order’s work.

To this end, in early April, members of the Chicago Region participated in a patient transfer training session at Rush Specialty Hospital in Chicago.  Rush Specialty is a post-acute care hospital focused on rehabilitation and recovery so patients can return to their homes and thrive.  They help frail patients improve capabilities and adapt to the changes resulting from serious health episodes.

The idea was spearheaded by Suzanne Nelson, PT, DM, Chicago Region Hospitaller and former Physical Therapist. Nelson shared her concerns with Doug O’Brien, emphasizing her perspective rooted in prevention through education. “Learning more about how to best help those in our care—how to physically assist many times means taking the Malades lead.  But you also need to recognize potential problems, and how to prevent falls or injuries—only makes sense,” she explained. “I knew Doug was the right person in our region to take this on—and once I shared it with him, he took the lead and made it happen.”

Physical Therapists from Rush Specialty learned from Knights and Dames about the unique circumstances we face with malades, the methods of transportation, and the venues they are visiting.  That allowed the team to focus on transfer techniques that would be most in need at Lourdes.  But, as the therapists noted, many of these techniques are just as important if we are helping someone in need go up or down stairs or get into our out of a chair or bed and apply anywhere we serve.

Knights and Dames were shown how to properly position themselves to be ready if a malade has trouble moving or standing.  Therapists also noted that these practices not only help the frail but protect the care-giver from injuries that can occur when helping. Members practiced these techniques and sought to replicate the issues faced assisting malades in Lourdes as well as those seen every day.

“It was incredibly helpful and made me more confident I won’t inadvertently hurt any malades, or myself,” said Doug O’Brien, KM, Vice President of the Rush University System for Health, who helped arrange the training.  “We thought, this is such an important part of what we do, and we have to do it the best we can.  From that came the idea of using our connections in healthcare to arrange the transfer training,” he added.

“I believe this is an idea that nearly any region can replicate,” said Nelson. “We understand our charism and what it calls us to do. It’s our responsibility to continually seek knowledge and training to strengthen our ministry.”