Essentials of intensive care medicine
Patient transfer and handover
The safe transfer of critically ill patients, whether within the hospital or to another facility, is a complex process requiring meticulous planning, risk assessment, and standardized protocols to ensure patient stability and continuity of care.
Inter- and intrahospital transfers pose potential risks, including physiological instability, adverse events, and delays in critical interventions. To mitigate these risks, structured transfer protocols, multidisciplinary coordination, and effective communication between healthcare teams are essential.
This section covers evidence-based guidelines and reviews on best practices for patient transfer and handover, emphasizing the importance of pre-transport preparation, monitoring during transport, and post-transfer evaluation. By implementing these strategies, healthcare professionals can enhance patient safety, minimize complications, and ensure seamless transitions in care.
Inter- and intrahospital transfer
Guidelines for the inter- and intrahospital transport of critically ill patients
Jonathan Warren et al., Critical Care Medicine (2004)
What’s inside
This article provides guidelines for the intra- and interhospital transport of critically ill patients, emphasizing the importance of structured protocols to ensure patient safety during transfers.
Why it’s relevant
Transporting critically ill patients poses significant risks, including physiological instability and potential adverse events. Implementing standardized guidelines can mitigate these risks and improve patient outcomes.
Key focus
- Development of a formalized transport plan addressing pretransport coordination, communication, personnel, equipment, monitoring, and documentation.
- Involvement of a multidisciplinary team in creating and regularly evaluating the transport plan.
- Emphasis on compliance with regulations and the establishment of an organized, efficient process supported by appropriate equipment and personnel.
Takeaway
Adhering to these guidelines promotes safe intra- and interhospital transport of critically ill patients by ensuring thorough preparation, effective communication, and proper resource utilization.
Patient transfer
Transfer of the critically ill adult patient
S. Bourn et al., BJA Education (2018)
What’s inside
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices involved in the safe transfer of critically ill adult patients. It emphasizes the importance of meticulous planning, risk assessment, and adherence to standardized protocols to ensure patient safety during intra- and inter-hospital transfers.
Why it’s relevant
Transferring critically ill patients presents significant challenges and risks, including potential physiological instability and adverse events. Understanding the key steps in organizing and performing safe patient transfers is crucial for healthcare professionals to minimize these risks and ensure continuity of care.
Key focus
- Indications and contraindications for patient transfer, ensuring that transfers are performed only when absolutely necessary and in the patient's best interests.
- Identification and anticipation of risks involved in transferring critically ill patients, allowing for proactive management of potential complications.
- Key steps in organizing and performing a safe patient transfer, including pre-transfer coordination, communication, personnel requirements, equipment preparation, monitoring during transfer, and post-transfer evaluation.
Takeaway
Adhering to standardized protocols and thorough preparation are essential for the safe transfer of critically ill adult patients. By recognizing indications, anticipating risks, and following key organizational steps, healthcare providers can enhance patient safety and outcomes during transfers.