From Backboard to Scanner: Early Spinal Board Removal, Safe Patient Transfer, and Interprofessional Practice in Emergency Imaging

Rigid spinal boards may be retained until imaging, creating a safety problem across emergency and radiology services. The purpose was to synthesize evidence on early board removal, imaging effects, safe transfer, and interprofessional practice. This Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles–informed critical narrative review searched PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Scopus through 29 July 2026, supplemented by citation chaining and professional guidance. Imaging before removal was associated with longer board exposure. Multidisciplinary policies reduced board time and computed tomography performed on a board. Boards and accessories may increase radiation exposure, noise or artifacts, although effects vary by device and scanner. Experimental evidence generally favored lift-and-slide or scoop-based transfer over log roll for limiting spinal motion, but clinical outcome evidence remains limited. Imaging logistics alone do not justify prolonged rigid-board use. Early removal should be paired with planned motion-restricted transfer, device-specific compatibility checks, shared roles, documented exceptions, and interdepartmental audit.