Oxford
Slings
Selecting a sling for an individual patient involves more than simply measuring their size and deciding what the
sling will be used for. Basic factors to take into consideration are the level of support required from the sling
and whether a commode aperture is necessary. However, to be sure that a sling meets specific requirements
and is the most appropriate sling available, many further aspects need to be considered as part of the selection
process. Some of these are discussed briefly here.
Selecting the Best Type of Sling
In order to be sure that the sling selected will be suited to its required use, it is necessary to determine the type of
transfer task(s) that are desired, together with the frequency with which they will occur. This relates closely to the
functional requirements of the sling. (for instance: a sling that is to be used for toileting will require a commode
aperture). See Access sling listed on page 4.
Information About the Tasks:
When selecting slings, it is important to be mindful of the person(s) who will be fitting the sling and using the lift.
Their abilities and limitations - especially experience and training - must be considered. Some slings are more
complicated than others to fit and a handler may be reluctant to use a sling if the process of fitting it is too complex.
The number of carers available to fit the sling as well as the total number of carers involved in a patient’s care may
also be important considerations - a range of carers may have a range of capabilities.
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Information About the Carer(s) or Handler(s):
