Knowledge of inter-facility transport among emergency nurses in Hong Kong: a questionnaire survey.
BACKGROUND
Inter-facility transport (IFT) is a dynamic process and its quality largely depends on pre-transport preparation, emergency equipment support and recognition of possible en route adverse events. This study aims to evaluate knowledge of IFT among emergency nurses of three Accident and Emergency Departments in Hong Kong.


METHODS
Questionnaires were distributed to registered nurses of the three departments. Data was sought on participants' characteristics, knowledge on equipment preparation and management of en route adverse events. Four clinical IFT scenarios were set for participants and answers were scored. Measured outcomes were defined as (1) relationships between clinical experience and relevant training in IFT with questionnaire results, (2) staff knowledge of the equipment carried routinely in ambulances and (3) the en route adverse events encountered according to the participants' past experience.


RESULTS
Participants' test scores ranged from 24 to 37 (out of 40) with a mean of 30.6 (95% confidence interval 29.7-31.5). Participants with more clinical experience demonstrated significantly better test scores (p<0.05). Most participants were familiar with the monitoring devices carried in ambulances but were less familiar with the pharmacologic agents and airway devices available routinely in Hong Kong ambulances. Thirty participants (59%) had encountered en route adverse events in the past.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses in emergency departments in Hong Kong have good knowledge of IFT. Extensive clinical experience is related to better IFT knowledge. IFT training for nurses should emphasize available ambulance service resources and capabilities.
Yeung
K L
KL
Accident and Emergency Department, Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong. kevchris@netvigator.com
Yeung
Gladys W Y
GW
Chan
Miranda W S
MW
Lee
Sara B C
SB
Choi
Kenny T Y
KT
Lee
Larry L Y
LL
Tang
Simon Y H
SY
Graham
Colin A
CA
Chan
Jimmy T S
JT
D004358:Drug Therapy; D004864:Equipment and Supplies; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000295:instrumentation; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital; D010360:Patient Transfer; D014187:Transportation of Patients