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Evaluation of the Intra-Hospital Transfer Process for Critically Ill Patients in an Emergency Department of a Univesitiy's Hospital in Tehran: A Cross Sectional Study
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Alireza Abasi Niasar   , Hosein Mahmoudi * , ُSeyed Tayeb Moradian , Zohreh Vafadar |
| Nursing Care Research Center, Clinical Science Institute and Nursing Faculty of Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , h.mahmoudi@bmsu.ac.ir |
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Abstract: (247 Views) |
Background & aim: Intrahospital patient transfer, particularly for critically ill patients in the emergency department, plays a crucial role in patient recovery and reducing mortality rates. Numerous factors, including coordination and time management, influence this process. A thorough examination of patient transfer procedures within hospitals can significantly contribute to identifying challenges and enhancing healthcare services. This study aimed to investigate the process of transferring critically ill patients within the emergency department.
Methods: A descriptive-analytic study was conducted in 2023. The study population consisted of critically ill patients requiring admission to Intensive Care Units (ICUs). A sample size of 100 patients was selected using a convenience sampling method, considering the sample size formula and previous studies. Data was collected using a patient transfer safety and demographic questionnaire through observation and patient records.
Results: An evaluation of the physiological parameters of critically ill patients during the transfer process revealed significant changes in blood pressure (P<0.05), while changes in other physiological parameters such as respiratory rate and heart rate were not significant (P>0.05). Out of 100 transfers, adverse events were observed in 12 patients. The most common adverse event reported was hemodynamic instability in 12 cases (12%). A significant correlation was found between the occurrence of intra-transfer disturbances and the implementation of standards for transferring critically ill patients. Non-compliance with transfer standards at certain stages of the transfer process, such as checking patients' blood pressure medications and using infusion pumps, led to adverse events and unfavorable changes in the health status of critically ill patients.
Conclusion: The process of transferring critically ill patients in the emergency department was associated with adverse events that have a significant impact on patient outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of evaluating the transfer of critically ill patients in the emergency department. Strategies such as transferring critically ill patients by a trained team, using appropriate equipment and checklists, and avoiding the transfer of patients with unstable clinical conditions are effective. |
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| Keywords: Adverse Events of Transfer, In-Hospital Patient Transfer Standards, Critically Ill Patients, Transfer to Intensive Care Unit |
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Full-Text [PDF 1089 kb]
(65 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2024/12/12 | Accepted: 2024/12/29 | Published: 2025/04/16
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