The transfer of critically ill patients within and between hospitals is common. Many critically ill patients admitted to hospital require transfer around the facility during admission from the emergency department or whilst on a ward – for diagnostic tests, surgery, interventional radiology or augmented care. Patients may be transferred between hospitals for more specialised care or repatriated to their referring hospital following this care. Every transfer is associated with a small but significant rate of adverse events, often related to physiological deterioration in transit, or problems with equipment such as infusion pumps, lines or tubes.The Network Transfer and Audit Group have been in operation for over 10 years. During this time the Group has developed and maintained close monitoring of the interhospital transfer of critical care patients for both clinical and non-clinical reasons. The ultimate aim is to reduce transfers across, within and beyond the East Midlands region.
Patient transfers interrupt the ‘normal’ course of care for critical care patients and involve considerable medical, nursing, ancillary staff and ambulance service time in terms of organising and undertaking transfers. Within the East Midlands Care Network there are approximately 500 transfers (clinical and non-clinical) per annum. In order to reduce risks associated with transfers, a standardised trolley has been designed and procured with standardised associated equipment, training and policies and procedures. All transfers which either begin or end in critical care are being audited using a network wide transfer form.
These EMCCN Transfer Audit Form, Terms of Reference, minutes and agendas from previous meetings are available from the Network Administrator [email protected]
More recently the Network has developed a consultant coordinated transfer service with the provision of dedicated ambulances. This was demonstrated to be of significant benefit during the the first wave of the pandemic and has continued to support services during the second.
Patient transfers interrupt the ‘normal’ course of care for critical care patients and involve considerable medical, nursing, ancillary staff and ambulance service time in terms of organising and undertaking transfers. Within the East Midlands Care Network there are approximately 500 transfers (clinical and non-clinical) per annum. In order to reduce risks associated with transfers, a standardised trolley has been designed and procured with standardised associated equipment, training and policies and procedures. All transfers which either begin or end in critical care are being audited using a network wide transfer form.
These EMCCN Transfer Audit Form, Terms of Reference, minutes and agendas from previous meetings are available from the Network Administrator [email protected]
More recently the Network has developed a consultant coordinated transfer service with the provision of dedicated ambulances. This was demonstrated to be of significant benefit during the the first wave of the pandemic and has continued to support services during the second.