Improving the safety and quality of the intra‐hospital transport of critically ill patients

Abstract Background Adverse events during patient transport are common and may threaten critically ill patients' lives. Aim This study aimed to determine the incidence of adverse events during intra‐hospital transport and to obtain suggestions from critical care nurses for improving the transportation process. Design This was a cross‐sectional study. Methods This study was carried out with 160 critical care nurses between September 2018 and January 2019. Data were collected through a semi‐structured interview using a 53‐item questionnaire developed by Brunsveld‐Reinders et al. It assesses nurses' experiences of adverse events during the three phases of intra‐hospital transport related to equipment, patient physiology, monitoring, medications, and fluid management. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics in SPSS software, and the responses of open‐ended questions were analysed using a conventional qualitative content analysis. Results On scales from 0 to 10, the mean (and SD) values of fear, confidence, and skill to carry out a safe intra‐hospital transport were 2.66 (2.73), 6.45 (3.16), and 7.75 (1.55), respectively. The most important causes of feeling afraid or unconfident about the transport among the nurses were unstable patient condition, cardiac arrest, extubation, and oxygen desaturation. In all three phases, oxygen desaturation, haemodynamic instability, and agitation were reported as the most frequent events. The most important suggestions by nurses for improving the transport process were related to paying attention to the patient's clinical condition and connections before, during, and after the transfer. Conclusions Along with the acquisition and improvement of technical and tactical skills, adequate human resources and appropriate equipment can improve the quality of intra‐hospital transport. Relevance to clinical practice Nurses are key members of the transport team and lead the team. They are responsible for keeping patients safe during transport. By identifying adverse events and trying to modify risk factors, nurses can improve patients' safety.