A routine for in-hospital transportation: key elements for critically ill patient safety

Abstract

Intrahospital transfer is a frequent procedure at Intensive Care Units usually underestimated as it is done by health professionals within hospital environment. We sought to investigate more appropriate dynamics to encourage reflection and potential adaptations by health professionals regarding the safety required to transfer critically ill patients. The following online databases were searched: Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences (LILACS), and the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), all available at the Virtual Health Library (BVS) of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Besides, other publications from bodies and authors with expertise on the subject were consulted. Therefore, the planning, the participation of qualified professionals, and use of appropriate monitoring equipment are paramount for a safe transfer, playing a crucial role in reducing intercurrences during the procedure. For better understanding purposes, the intrahospital transfer can be divided into three phases, namely: preparation of the patient, equipment and materials; the transfer itself and the return of the patient to the unit of origin. The patient’s safety during the entire procedure is essential to keep its purpose in contributing to a better prognosis. Hence, it is noticeable that the presence of an instrument that guides the actions to be taken by professionals in intrahospital transfers is critical for the patient’s safety, especially those admitted in the ICU. Based on past studies and before the unavoidable need to perform intrahospital transfers, it becomes clear how imperative is to seek ways to reduce and even eliminate adverse events related to this procedure.