Transport systems for the critically ill: focuses for development.
There is a worldwide increase in the transportation of critically ill patient which reflects the increasing technological specialisation and centralisation of services. In the United Kingdom (UK) a minimum of 10,000 patients with life-threatening illnesses are transported between hospitals each year (Wright, McDonald & Rogers 1988). Transport programmes are generally being more carefully assessed, and application of past experience can make them safer for patients and personnel and most cost-effective (Purdie, Ridley & Wallace 1990). This applies to both primary (movement of a patient from the community to hospital) and secondary transport (movement of a patient between hospitals). These processes are as active in the UK as in other countries with developed systems of medical care. This paper will focus on two important areas, which are relevant to how transport facilities may be expanded for the best overall advantage. These areas are the means of transport and the transporting team. The discussion is supported by a literature review. It became apparent on preparing this paper that much of the transport literature from other countries, whilst helpful, is not directly applicable to the UK.
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D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003422:Critical Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016638:Critical Illness / Q000401:mortality; D006801:Humans; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D016730:Program Development; D014187:Transportation of Patients / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology