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Critical Care
Published in: Critical Care 3/2010

Open Access 01-06-2010 | Research

Recommendations for the intra-hospital transport of critically ill patients

Authors: Benoît Fanara, Cyril Manzon, Olivier Barbot, Thibaut Desmettre, Gilles Capellier

Published in: Critical Care | Issue 3/2010

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Abstract

Introduction

This study was conducted to provide Intensive Care Units and Emergency Departments with a set of practical procedures (check-lists) for managing critically-ill adult patients in order to avoid complications during intra-hospital transport (IHT).

Methods

Digital research was carried out via the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and HEALTHSTAR databases using the following key words: transferring, transport, intrahospital or intra-hospital, and critically ill patient. The reference bibliographies of each of the selected articles between 1998 and 2009 were also studied.

Results

This review focuses on the analysis and overcoming of IHT-related risks, the associated adverse events, and their nature and incidence. The suggested preventive measures are also reviewed. A check-list for quick execution of IHT is then put forward and justified.

Conclusions

Despite improvements in IHT practices, significant risks are still involved. Basic training, good clinical sense and a risk-benefit analysis are currently the only deciding factors. A critically ill patient, prepared and accompanied by an inexperienced team, is a risky combination. The development of adapted equipment and the widespread use of check-lists and proper training programmes would increase the safety of IHT and reduce the risks in the long-term. Further investigation is required in order to evaluate the protective role of such preventive measures.
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Metadata
Title
Recommendations for the intra-hospital transport of critically ill patients
Authors
Benoît Fanara
Cyril Manzon
Olivier Barbot
Thibaut Desmettre
Gilles Capellier
Publication date
01-06-2010
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Critical Care / Issue 3/2010
Electronic ISSN: 1364-8535
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/cc9018

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