Recommendations for the intra-hospital transport of critically ill patients.
BACKGROUND
This study was conducted to provide Intensive Care Units and Emergency Departments with a set of practical procedures (check-lists) for managing critically-ill adult patients in order to avoid complications during intra-hospital transport (IHT).


METHODS
Digital research was carried out via the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and HEALTHSTAR databases using the following key words: transferring, transport, intrahospital or intra-hospital, and critically ill patient. The reference bibliographies of each of the selected articles between 1998 and 2009 were also studied.


RESULTS
This review focuses on the analysis and overcoming of IHT-related risks, the associated adverse events, and their nature and incidence. The suggested preventive measures are also reviewed. A check-list for quick execution of IHT is then put forward and justified.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite improvements in IHT practices, significant risks are still involved. Basic training, good clinical sense and a risk-benefit analysis are currently the only deciding factors. A critically ill patient, prepared and accompanied by an inexperienced team, is a risky combination. The development of adapted equipment and the widespread use of check-lists and proper training programmes would increase the safety of IHT and reduce the risks in the long-term. Further investigation is required in order to evaluate the protective role of such preventive measures.
Fanara
Benoît
B
Department of Emergency Medicine, Jean Minjoz University Hospital, 25030 Besançon, France. fan.ben@netcourrier.com
Manzon
Cyril
C
Barbot
Olivier
O
Desmettre
Thibaut
T
Capellier
Gilles
G
D057189:Checklist; D016638:Critical Illness; D006801:Humans; D010360:Patient Transfer / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D012196:Review Literature as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D012308:Risk Management
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