Department of Anesthesia Technology, CoHS, GMU successfully conducted a focused hands-on workshop titled ‘MASTERING PATIENT POSITIONING AND TRANSFER’ on Monday, February 16, 2026, at TICS Skills Rooms 1 to 4, Gulf Medical University.
Organized for BSc Anesthesia Technology students, the four-hour session was designed to strengthen essential clinical skills in safe patient handling and perioperative care.
The workshop was led by Dr. Ellen Safadi – Associate Professor & BSc. AT Program Director, along with lecturers Mr. Ghazi Gasmalla, Ms. Sara Musa, Ms. Aparnna Baburaj, and Ms. Ashli Shaji from the Department of Anesthesia Technology, CoHS. The faculty provided structured training on Core Patient Positioning Techniques including prone, supine, lithotomy, head up, head down, lateral, sitting, semi sitting, and semi prone positions. Emphasis was placed on indications, contraindications, anatomical considerations, and prevention of complications such as pressure injuries and peripheral nerve damage.
The second segment focused on Safe Patient Transfer Practices for both immobile and mobile patients. Students were trained in bed to stretcher, stretcher to bed, and wheelchair transfers (for mobile patients only), with clear guidance on safety checklists, proper use of assistive devices, team coordination, and proactive measures to prevent common complications.
A major highlight of the workshop was the Intensive Hands-On Simulation Practice. Participants rotated in small groups across four skills rooms, performing positioning and transfer techniques on high-fidelity mannequins under direct faculty supervision. Immediate feedback, correction of techniques, and a final group debrief helped reinforce safe clinical practices.
Post workshop feedback through structured questionnaires reflected high satisfaction, with students appreciating the realistic simulation environment, personalized supervision, and practical learning approach. Suggestions for future sessions included additional time for individual practice, scenarios involving special populations such as obese and pediatric patients, short reference videos, and demonstrations of advanced transfer equipment.
In summary, the workshop achieved its intended learning outcomes and significantly strengthened the clinical readiness of BSc Anesthesia Technology students, further reinforcing the department’s commitment to patient safety and evidence-based practice.
Dr. Praveen Kumar, Dean of the College of Health Sciences, commented, “Safe patient handling is a critical responsibility in anesthesia practice and emphasized that structured simulation-based learning ensures students graduate with both competence and confidence reflecting high standards of patient safety education aligned with international best practices.”