Who is responsible for transferring an immobile patient from the OR table to the stretcher?

The correct answer is the anesthesia provider, as they play a key role in the safety of the patient during the process of transferring an immobile patient from the operating room (OR) table to a stretcher. The anesthesia provider is responsible for ensuring that the patient remains stable and secure during this critical transition. Their continuous monitoring of the patient's vital signs and anesthesia level allows them to provide necessary intervention if complications arise.

In addition to their monitoring duties, the anesthesia provider is often positioned at the head of the patient during the transfer, which allows them to maintain control and oversight. This positioning is essential, especially when dealing with an immobile patient who may require special handling to avoid injury or distress.

While other team members, such as the surgical technologist or circulator, contribute to the overall environment and workflow in the OR, the responsibility of monitoring the patient’s safety and stability during transfer primarily falls to the anesthesia provider. The surgeon is usually not involved in the transfer process since their focus is on the surgical procedure and they may need to remain sterile after surgery. Thus, the role of the anesthesia provider is crucial and specific when it comes to patient transfer in a surgical setting.