Intrahospital transports of critically ill patients: critical care nurses' perceptions

Mona Ringdal; Wendy Chaboyer; Margareta Warrén Stomberg

doi:10.1111/nicc.12229

Intrahospital transports of critically ill patients: critical care nurses' perceptions

Nurs Crit Care. 2016 May;21(3):178-84. doi: 10.1111/nicc.12229. Epub 2015 Dec 29.

Authors

Mona Ringdal¹, Wendy Chaboyer^{2

1}, Margareta Warrén Stomberg³

Affiliations

¹ Institute of Health and Care Sciences, University of Gothenburg/The Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg, Sweden.
² NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Nursing (NCREN), Centre for Health Practice Innovation (HPI), Griffith Health Institute Gold Coast campus, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia.
³ Institute of Health and care Sciences, University of Gothenburg/The Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg, Sweden.

PMID: 26714175
DOI: 10.1111/nicc.12229

Abstract

Background: Between 30% and 70% of intrahospital transports is associated with some form of adverse event, compromising patient safety.

Aims: (1) To describe critical care nurses' perceptions of intrahospital transport problems, including the stress associated with transport and their perceived ability to respond appropriately to these problems; (2) to determine if there were associations between problems and responses.

Design and methods: This survey was conducted in three intensive care units. Descriptive data and correlations between perceived problems and responses and correlations between perceptions of the problems and ability to respond appropriately were calculated. Results from the open-ended item were categorised.

Results: Eighty-six nurses completed the web survey, a response rate of 57%. Two-thirds said their intensive care Units had written transport guidelines, and two-thirds of the transports were performed by nurses without physicians. Circulatory failure was the most frequently perceived problem (4·2 ± 2·8) followed by decreased levels of consciousness (3·5 ± 2·9). Positive correlations between two perceived patient problems, circulatory failure and neurological deterioration and nurses' perceptions of how to respond appropriately to them, were identified. Failure in pulse oximetry and equipment-related problems were positively correlated to nurses' responses. Nurses described the transports as an unsafe and stressful task: 'It's like a marathon race'.

Conclusion: Nurses report that undertaking transports were a stressful activity, but they perceived transport problems to be an infrequent occurrence. They stated that they respond appropriately to the problem.

Relevance to clinical practice: Nurses reported they were alert to the potential risks patients face during transport. Because fewer staff remained in the intensive care units, these remaining patients are also at risk during intrahospital transport.

Keywords: Critical care nursing; Intensive care unit; Intrahospital transports; Transport.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Critical Care / psychology*
Critical Care / standards
Critical Care Nursing*
Critical Illness* / therapy
Female
Humans
Intensive Care Units
Male
Patient Safety
Patient Transfer / methods*
Stress, Psychological / psychology
Surveys and Questionnaires