Analysis of the interface and data transfer from ICU to normal wards in a German University Hospital.
Typically general wards and intensive care units (ICU) have very different labor organizations, structures and IT-systems in Germany. There is a need for coordination, because of the different working arrangements. Our team investigated the interface between ICU and general ward and especially the respective information transfer in the University hospital in Erlangen (Bavaria, Germany). The research team used a combination of interviews, observations and the analysis of transfer records and forms as part of a methodical triangulation. We identified 41 topics, which are discussed or presented in writing during the handover. In a second step, we investigate the requirements of data transmission in expert interviews. A data transfer concept from the perspective of the nurses and physicians was developed and we formulated recommendations for improvements of process and communication for this interface. Finally the data transfer concept was evaluated by the respondents.
Departmant of Medical Informatics, Friedrich-Alexander University, Erlangen, Germany.
Anne-Maria
AM
Vollmer
Stefan
S
Skonetzki-Cheng
Hans-Ulrich
HU
Prokosch
D057286:Electronic Health Records / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005568:Forms and Records Control / Q000458:organization & administration; D005858:Germany; D006747:Hospital Communication Systems / Q000458:organization & administration; D006785:Hospitals, University / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval / Q000379:methods*; D007362:Intensive Care Units / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008498:Medical Record Linkage / Q000379:methods; D062209:Patient Handoff / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010360:Patient Transfer / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010362:Patients' Rooms / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014584:User-Computer Interface