Evaluation of the safety status of intrahospital transfer of critically ill patients from the perspective of emergency and ICU nurses: a cross-sectional study in Iran

Abstract

ObjectiveCritically ill patients often require intrahospital transfer (IHT) for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. However, this process carries potential risks and can harm the patient’s safety. This study aimed to assess the safety of IHT for critically ill patients by gathering feedback from emergency and intensive care unit (ICU) nurses.DesignA cross-sectional study.SettingA study was conducted in Ardabil City, Iran’s educational and medical hospitals. The study involved 288 emergency and ICU nurses. The data were collected through a paper-based form, which included demographic and work-related characteristics and an IHT safety scale.ResultsThe mean score of IHT was 75.2±15.53. The results of multiple regression analysis showed that work experience (B=0.291, p=0.011), perception of IHT safety (B=0.196, p=0.003), education level (B=−0.123, p=0.038) and equipment checker (B=−0.121, p=0.045), variables were the predictors of IHT safety.ConclusionThe study found that the safety level during the interhospital transfer (IHT) was low. Hospitals aim to create a safe environment that minimises the risks associated with IHT. Therefore, they must identify potential risks during the transfer process and take necessary measures to mitigate them. Practical strategies that can be employed include using experienced nursing staff, conducting equipment checks, ensuring a complete understanding of the tools and technologies involved in the transfer process, and increasing awareness of IHT safety.

Status of knowledge, attitude and practice of clinical nurses towards the intrahospital transport of critically ill patients: A cross‐sectional study

“…Several studies have been conducted on the risks associated with IHT and checklists have been developed based on evidence and expert opinions (Bergman et al., 2020 ; Brunsveld‐Reinders et al., 2015 ; Murata et al., 2022 ). However, the percentage of aEs has not yet been reduced to zero (Hashemian et al., 2023 ). Therefore, pursuing a study on nurses’ level of knowledge, attitude and behaviour is essential to inform any efforts to promote critically ill patient safety during IHT.…”