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McDougall G, Loubani O. Interfacility transfer of the critically ill: Transfer status does not influence survival. J Crit Care 2024; 82:154813. [PMID: 38636357 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2024.154813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To estimate differences in case-mix adjusted hospital mortality between adult ICU patients who are transferred during their ICU-stay and those who are not. METHODS 19,260 visits to 12 ICUs in Nova Scotia (NS), Canada April 2018-September 2023 were analyzed. Data were obtained from the NS Provincial ICU database. Generalized additive models (GAMs) were used to estimate differences in case-mix adjusted hospital mortality between patients who underwent transfer and those who did not. RESULTS 1040/19,260 (5%) ICU visits involved interfacility-transfer. No difference in hospital mortality was identified between transferred and non-transferred patients by GAM (OR, 0.99, 95% CI, 0.82 to 1.19; p = 0.91). No mortality difference was observed between patients undergoing a single transfer versus multiple (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.45 to -1.69; p = 0.68). A GAM including the categories no transfer, one transfer, and multiple transfers identified a difference in hospital mortality for patients that underwent multiple transfers compared to non-transferred patients (OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.46 to 1.00, p = 0.05), but no difference was identified in a post-hoc matched cohort sensitivity analysis (OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.46 to 1.01, p = 0.05). CONCLUSION The transfer of critically ill patients between ICUs in Nova Scotia did not impact case-mix adjusted hospital mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garrett McDougall
- Department of Emergency Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Osama Loubani
- Department of Critical Care, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
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Hansen PM, Rudolph SS, Barfod C, Hansen TM, Knudsen JS, Fedoq TN, Krog J. Inter hospital transfers in rotor wing aircraft. Patterns and challenges. Protocol for a scoping review. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 2024. [PMID: 39004509 DOI: 10.1111/aas.14500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inter-hospital transfer is necessary for the transport of patients to specialized treatment. Rotor-wing aircraft may be used in lieu of ambulances in time-critical conditions over long distances and when specialist team skills are called for. The purpose of the review is to assess the current scientific literature that describes the scenario to develop a national guideline for inter-hospital transfers using rotor-wing aircraft. The aim is to describe the patterns and challenges. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The authors will conduct a scoping review as per Joanna Briggs Institute guideline. The protocol for the scoping review will adhere to the Open Science Framework guideline for scoping reviews and we will report the findings of the scoping review as per PRISMA-ScR guideline. We have developed the search strategy with the help of a research librarian and will conduct search in relevant electronic databases and include gray literature as well, using the PRESS and PRISMA-S guidelines. Two authors will independently screen titles and abstracts for inclusion as per eligibility criteria and conflicts will be resolved by a third reviewer. Full text retrieval will be conducted accordingly. We will analyze the extracted data using validated statistical methods. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION According to Danish law, scoping reviews are exempt from ethics committee approval. The findings of this scoping review will provide the scientific foundation for a national guideline on rotor-wing aircraft conveyed inter-hospital transfers in Denmark. Furthermore, we will publish the results of the scoping review in a relevant scientific journal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Martin Hansen
- Danish Air Ambulance, Aarhus, Denmark
- Prehospital Research Unit, Region of South Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Odense University Hospital Svendborg, Svendborg, Denmark
| | - Søren Steemann Rudolph
- Danish Air Ambulance, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Car E Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Barfod
- Danish Air Ambulance, Aarhus, Denmark
- Danish Armed Forces Health Services, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Jens Stubager Knudsen
- Danish Air Ambulance, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Sygehus Lillebælt, Kolding, Denmark
| | | | - Jan Krog
- Danish Air Ambulance, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Anesthesiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Passariello M, Tarrant C. Psychological safety in an ECMO retrieval team: a qualitative study to inform improvement. BMJ Open Qual 2024; 13:e002706. [PMID: 38782489 PMCID: PMC11116852 DOI: 10.1136/bmjoq-2023-002706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In healthcare teams, psychological safety is associated with improved performance, communication, collaboration and patient safety. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) retrieval teams are multidisciplinary teams that initiate ECMO therapy for patients with severe acute respiratory failure in referring hospitals and transfer patients to regional specialised centres for ongoing care. The present study aimed to explore an ECMO team's experience of psychological safety and generate recommendations to strengthen psychological safety. METHODS The study was conducted in the Royal Brompton Hospital (RBH), part of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust in London. RBH is one of six centres commissioned to provide ECMO therapy in the UK. 10 participants were recruited: 2 consultants, 5 nurses and 3 perfusionists. Semistructured interviews were used to explore the team members' views on teamwork, their perceived ability to discuss concerns within the team and the interaction between speaking up, teamwork and hierarchy. A Reflexive Thematic Analysis approach was used to explore the interview data. RESULTS The analysis of the interview dataset identified structural and team factors shaping psychological safety in the specific context of the ECMO team. The high-risk environment in which the team operates, the clearly defined process and functions and the structured opportunities that provide legitimate moments to reflect together influence how psychological safety is experienced. Furthermore, speaking up is shaped by the familiarity among team members, the interdependent work, which requires boundary spanning across different roles, and leadership behaviour. A hierarchy of expertise is privileged over traditional institutional ranking. CONCLUSION This study surfaced the structural and team factors that influence speaking up in the specific context of an ECMO retrieval team. Such information is used to suggest interventions to improve and strengthen psychological safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Passariello
- Adult Intensive Care Unit, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, part of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Carolyn Tarrant
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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Liu S, Su S, Long J, Cao S, Ren J, Li F, Gao Z, Gao H, Wang D, Hu F, Zhang X. Evaluating the learning curve of endoscopic surgery for spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: A single-center experience in a county hospital. J Clin Neurosci 2024; 123:209-215. [PMID: 38626528 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2024.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endoscopic surgery has shown promise in treating Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage (sICH), but its adoption in county-level hospitals has been hindered by the high level of surgical expertise required. METHODS In this retrospective study at a county hospital, we utilized a Cumulative Sum (CUSUM) control chart to visualize the learning curve for two neurosurgeons. We compared patient outcomes in the learning and proficient phases, and compared them with expected outcomes based on ICH score and ICH functional outcome score, respectively. RESULTS The learning curve peaked at the 12th case for NS1 and the 8th case for NS2, signifying the transition to the proficient stage. This stage saw reductions in operation time, blood loss, rates of evacuation < 90 %, rebleeding rates, intensive care unit stay, hospital stay, and overall costs for both neurosurgeons. In the learning stage, 6 deaths occurred within 30 days, less than the 10.66 predicted by the ICH score. In the proficient stage, 3 deaths occurred, less than the 15.88 predicted. In intermediate and high-risk patients by the ICH functional outcome score, the proficient stage had fewer patients with an mRS ≥ 3 at three months than the learning stage (23.8 % vs. 69.2 %, P = 0.024; 40 % vs. 80 %, P = 0.360). Micromanipulating bipolar precision hemostasis and aspiration devices in the endoport's channels sped up the transition from learning to proficient. CONCLUSION The data shows a learning curve, with better surgical outcomes as surgeons gain proficiency. This suggests cost benefits of surgical proficiency and the need for ongoing surgical education and training in county hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengyang Su
- Department of Surgery, People's Hospital of Jinping Miao, Yao and Dai Autonomous Country, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Jinyong Long
- Department of Surgery, People's Hospital of Jinping Miao, Yao and Dai Autonomous Country, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Shikui Cao
- Department of Surgery, People's Hospital of Jinping Miao, Yao and Dai Autonomous Country, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Jirao Ren
- Department of Surgery, People's Hospital of Jinping Miao, Yao and Dai Autonomous Country, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Fuhua Li
- Department of Surgery, People's Hospital of Jinping Miao, Yao and Dai Autonomous Country, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Zihui Gao
- Department of Surgery, People's Hospital of Jinping Miao, Yao and Dai Autonomous Country, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Huaxing Gao
- Department of Neurology, People's Hospital of Jinping Miao, Yao and Dai Autonomous Country, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Deqiang Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, People's Hospital of Jinping Miao, Yao and Dai Autonomous Country, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Fan Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaobiao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Rylander C, Sternley J, Petzold M, Oras J. Unit-to-unit transfer due to shortage of intensive care beds in Sweden 2015-2019 was associated with a lower risk of death but a longer intensive care stay compared to no transfer: a registry study. J Intensive Care 2024; 12:10. [PMID: 38409081 PMCID: PMC10898117 DOI: 10.1186/s40560-024-00722-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intensive care unit-to-unit transfer due to temporary shortage of beds is increasing in Sweden. Transportation induces practical hazards, and the change of health care provider may prolong the length of stay in intensive care. We previously showed that the risk of death at 90 days did not differ between patients transferred due to a shortage of beds and non-transferred patients with a similar burden of illness in a tertiary intensive care unit. The aim of this study was to widen the analysis to a nation-wide cohort of critically ill patients transferred to another intensive care unit in Sweden due to shortage of intensive care beds. METHODS Retrospective comparison between capacity transferred and non-transferred patients, based on data from the Swedish Intensive Care Registry during a 5-year period before the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients with insufficient data entries or a recurring capacity transfer within 90 days were excluded. To assess the association between capacity transfer and death as well as intensive care stay within 90 days after ICU admission, logistic regression models with step-wise adjustment for SAPS3 score, primary ICD-10 ICU diagnosis and the number of days in the intensive care unit before transfer were applied. RESULTS From 161,140 eligible intensive care admissions, 2912 capacity transfers were compared to 135,641 discharges or deaths in the intensive care unit. Ninety days after ICU admission, 28% of transferred and 21% of non-transferred patients were deceased. In the fully adjusted model, capacity transfer was associated with a lower risk of death within 90 days than no transfer; OR (95% CI) 0.71 (0.65-0.69) and the number of days spent in intensive care was longer: 12.4 [95% CI 12.2-12.5] vs 3.3 [3.3-3.3]. CONCLUSIONS Intensive care unit-to-unit transfer due to shortage of bed capacity as compared to no transfer during a 5-year period preceding the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden was associated with lower risk of death within 90 days but with longer stay in intensive care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Rylander
- Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University and Uppsala University Hospital, 715 85, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Jesper Sternley
- Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University and Uppsala University Hospital, 715 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Max Petzold
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jonatan Oras
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Bathe J, Renner HJ, Watzinger S, Olave-Rojas D, Hannappel L, Wnent J, Nickel S, Gräsner JT. [The SCATTER project: computer-based simulation in the strategic transfer of intensive care patients]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2024; 67:215-224. [PMID: 38153419 PMCID: PMC10834643 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-023-03811-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The need for a concept for the nationwide strategic transfer of critical care patients in Germany was highlighted during the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic. Despite the cloverleaf concept developed specifically for this purpose, the transfer of large numbers of critical care patients represents a major challenge. With the help of a computer simulation, the SCATTER research project uses a fictitious example to test, develop, and recommend transfer strategies. METHOD The simulation was programmed after collecting procedural and structural data on critical care transports within Germany. The simulation allows altering various parameters and testing different transfer scenarios. In a fictitious scenario, nationwide transfers starting from Schleswig-Holstein were simulated and evaluated using predetermined criteria. RESULTS In the case of ground-based transfers, it became apparent that, depending on the selected target region, not all patients could be transferred due to the limited range of ground-based vehicles. Although a higher number of patients can be transferred by air, this is associated with additional gurney changes and potential risk to the patient. A distance-dependent transport strategy led to the identical results as purely air-bound transport, since air-bound transport was always chosen due to the long distances. DISCUSSION The simulation can be used to develop recommendations and to draw important conclusions from different transfer strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janina Bathe
- Institut für Rettungs- und Notfallmedizin, Campus Kiel und Campus Lübeck, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus 808, 24105, Kiel, Deutschland.
| | - Hanna-Joy Renner
- Institut für Rettungs- und Notfallmedizin, Campus Kiel und Campus Lübeck, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus 808, 24105, Kiel, Deutschland
| | - Sven Watzinger
- Institut für Operations Research - Diskrete Optimierung und Logistik, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie, Karlsruhe, Deutschland
| | - David Olave-Rojas
- Institut für Operations Research - Diskrete Optimierung und Logistik, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie, Karlsruhe, Deutschland
| | - Leonie Hannappel
- Institut für Rettungs- und Notfallmedizin, Campus Kiel und Campus Lübeck, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus 808, 24105, Kiel, Deutschland
- Fachgruppe Intensivmedizin, Infektiologie und Notfallmedizin (Fachgruppe COVRIIN), Fachgebiet ZBS 7 - Strategie und Einsatz, Koordination: Robert Koch-Institut, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Jan Wnent
- Institut für Rettungs- und Notfallmedizin, Campus Kiel und Campus Lübeck, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus 808, 24105, Kiel, Deutschland
- Fachgruppe Intensivmedizin, Infektiologie und Notfallmedizin (Fachgruppe COVRIIN), Fachgebiet ZBS 7 - Strategie und Einsatz, Koordination: Robert Koch-Institut, Berlin, Deutschland
- School of Medicine, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
- Klinik f. Anästhesiologie und Operative Intensivmedizin, Campus Kiel, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Deutschland
| | - Stefan Nickel
- Institut für Operations Research - Diskrete Optimierung und Logistik, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie, Karlsruhe, Deutschland
| | - Jan-Thorsten Gräsner
- Institut für Rettungs- und Notfallmedizin, Campus Kiel und Campus Lübeck, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus 808, 24105, Kiel, Deutschland
- Fachgruppe Intensivmedizin, Infektiologie und Notfallmedizin (Fachgruppe COVRIIN), Fachgebiet ZBS 7 - Strategie und Einsatz, Koordination: Robert Koch-Institut, Berlin, Deutschland
- Klinik f. Anästhesiologie und Operative Intensivmedizin, Campus Kiel, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Deutschland
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Dean K, Chang C, McKenna E, Nott S, Hunter A, Tall JA, Setterfield M, Addis B, Webster E. A retrospective observational study of vCare: a virtual emergency clinical advisory and transfer service in rural and remote Australia. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:100. [PMID: 38238698 PMCID: PMC10797963 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10425-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Provision of critical care in rural areas is challenging due to geographic distance, smaller facilities, generalist skill mix and population characteristics. Internationally, the amalgamation telemedicine and retrieval medicine services are developing to overcome these challenges. Virtual emergency clinical advisory and transfer service (vCare) is one of these novel services based in New South Wales, Australia. We aim to describe patient encounters with vCare from call initiation at the referring site to definitive care at the accepting site. METHODS This retrospective observational study reviewed all patients using vCare in rural and remote Australia for clinical advice and/or inter-hospital transfer for higher level of care between February and March 2021. Data were extracted from electronic medical records and included remoteness of sites, presenting complaint, triage category, camera use, patient characteristics, transfer information, escalation of therapeutic intervention and outcomes. Data were summarised using cross tabulation. RESULTS 1,678 critical care patients were supported by vCare, with children (12.5%), adults (50.6%) and older people (36.9%) evenly split between sexes. Clinicians mainly referred to vCare for trauma (15.1%), cardiac (16.1%) and gastroenterological (14.8%) presentations. A referral to vCare led to an escalation of invasive intervention, skill, and resources for patient care. vCare cameras were used in 19.8% of cases. Overall, 70.5% (n = 1,139) of patients required transfer. Of those, 95.1% were transferred to major regional hospitals and 11.7% required secondary transfer to higher acuity hospitals. Of high-urgency referrals, 42.6% did not receive high priority transport. Imaging most requested included CT and MRI scans (37.2%). Admissions were for physician (33.1%) and surgical care (23.3%). The survival rate was 98.6%. CONCLUSION vCare was used by staff in rural and remote facilities to support decision making and care of patients in a critical condition. Issues were identified including low utilisation of equipment, heavy reliance on regional sites and high rates of secondary transfer. However, these models are addressing a key gap in the health workforce and supporting rural and remote communities to receive care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberley Dean
- Orange Health Service, Western NSW Local Health District, 1530 Forest Road, Orange, NSW, 2800, Australia
| | - Cynthia Chang
- Maitland Hospital, Hunter New England Local Health District, 51 Metford Rd, Metford, NSW, 2323, Australia
| | - Erin McKenna
- School of Rural Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, 4 Moran Drive, Dubbo, NSW, 2830, Australia
| | - Shannon Nott
- School of Rural Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, 4 Moran Drive, Dubbo, NSW, 2830, Australia
- Western NSW Local Health District, 7 Commercial Ave, Dubbo, NSW, 2830, Australia
| | - Amanda Hunter
- vCare Western NSW Local Health District, PO Box 739, Dubbo, NSW, 2830, Australia
| | - Julie A Tall
- Health Intelligence Unit, Western NSW Local Health District, Ward 22, Bloomfield Campus, Locked Bag 6008, Orange, NSW, 2800, Australia
| | - Madeline Setterfield
- School of Rural Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, 4 Moran Drive, Dubbo, NSW, 2830, Australia
| | - Bridget Addis
- School of Rural Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, 4 Moran Drive, Dubbo, NSW, 2830, Australia
| | - Emma Webster
- School of Rural Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, 4 Moran Drive, Dubbo, NSW, 2830, Australia.
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Haslam N, Giouse A, Dean J, Abu-Habsa M, Finney SJ. Developing key performance indicators for adult critical care transfer services: Scoping review and Delphi technique. J Intensive Care Soc 2023; 24:438-441. [PMID: 37841300 PMCID: PMC10572479 DOI: 10.1177/17511437231153049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2021 NHS England commissioned regional Adult Critical Care Transfer Services. These services will replace a historically predominant ad hoc approach to adult critical care transfers nationally. It is anticipated that these new formal services will provide a system of robust regional & national governance previously acknowledged to be deficient. As part of this process, it is important that an agreed set of transfer service quality indicators are developed to drive equitable improvement in patient care. We used a Delphi technique to develop a set of key performance indicators through consensus for a recently established London critical care transfer service. We believe this may be the first-time key performance indicators have been developed for adult critical care transfer services using a consensus method. We hope services will consider tracking similar measures to enable benchmarking and drive improvements in patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Haslam
- Department of Critical Care, Barts Heart Centre, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Aurelien Giouse
- Department of Critical Care, The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Jonathon Dean
- North East London Critical Care Transfer and Retrieval, The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Mamoun Abu-Habsa
- North East London Critical Care Transfer and Retrieval, The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Simon J Finney
- Department of Critical Care, Barts Heart Centre, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
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Greene A, Dion PM, Nolan B, Trachter R, Vu E, Trojanowski J. Overcoming distance: an exploration of current practices of government and charity-funded critical care transport and retrieval organizations. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2023; 31:52. [PMID: 37789319 PMCID: PMC10548638 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-023-01125-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For critically ill and injured patients, timely access to definitive care is associated with a reduction in avoidable mortality. Access to definitive care is significantly affected by geographic remoteness. To overcome this disparity, a robust critical care transport (CCT) or retrieval system is essential to support the equity of care and overcome the tyranny of distance. While critical care transport or retrieval systems have evolved over the years, there is no universally accepted system or standard, which has led to considerable variation in practices. The objective of this mixed-methods study was to identify and explore the current clinical, operational, and educational practices of government and charity-funded critical care transport and retrieval organizations operating across access- and weather- challenged geography. METHODS This study utilized a mixed-methods approach comprising a rapid review of the literature and semi-structured interviews with identified subject matter experts (SME). RESULTS A total of 44 articles and 14 interviews with SMEs from six different countries, 12 different services/systems, and seven operational roles, including clinicians (physician, paramedic, and nurse), educator, quality improvement, clinical governance, clinical informatics and research, operations manager, and medical director were included in the narrative analysis. The study identified several themes including deployment, crew composition, selection and education, clinical governance, quality assurance and quality improvement and research. CONCLUSION This mixed-methods study underscores the paucity of literature describing current clinical, operational, and educational practices of government or charity-funded CCT or retrieval programs operating across access- and weather- challenged geography. While many common themes were identified including clearly defined mission profiles, use of dedicated or specialized transport teams, central coordination, rigorous selection processes, service-sponsored graduate education, and strong clinical governance, there is little consensus and considerable variation in current practices. Further research is needed to identify and harmonize best practices within the CCT and retrieval environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Greene
- British Columbia Emergency Health Services, Provincial Health Services Authority, Victoria, BC, Canada.
- School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK.
| | - Pierre-Marc Dion
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Brodie Nolan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rob Trachter
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, Nanaimo, BC, Canada
| | - Erik Vu
- British Columbia Emergency Health Services, Provincial Health Services Authority, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vancouver General Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vancouver General Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jan Trojanowski
- British Columbia Emergency Health Services, Provincial Health Services Authority, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Kelowna General Hospital, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
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Venter M, Stassen W. A national retrospective descriptive analysis of critical care transfers in the private sector in South Africa. S Afr Med J 2023; 113:38-43. [PMID: 37882134 DOI: 10.7196/samj.2023.v113i8.672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Critical care transfers (CCTs) are necessitated by the growing prevalence of high-acuity patients who require upgrade of care to multidisciplinary teams from less-equipped referring facilities. Owing to the high acuity of the critical care patient, specialised teams with advanced training and equipment are called upon to undertake these transfers. The inherent understanding of the potential effects, and therefore the needs of the critical care patient during transfer, are affected owing to the paucity of international, but more specifically, local data relating to CCTs. OBJECTIVES To describe a cohort of patients who underwent CCT by dedicated critical care retrieval services (CCRS) in the private sector in South Africa (SA). METHODS This retrospective, descriptive study sampled all paediatric and adult CCTs completed over a 1-year period (1 January 2017 - 31 December 2017) from the dedicated CCRS of two national emergency medical services in SA. All neonatal patients were excluded. Data were extracted from patient report forms by trained data extractors and subjected to descriptive analysis. RESULTS A total of 1 839 patients were transferred between the two services. A total of 3 143 diagnoses were recorded, yielding an average of ~2 diagnoses per patient. The most prevalent primary diagnosis was cardiovascular disease (n=457, 25%), followed by infection (n=180, 10%) and head injury (n=133, 7%). Patients had an average of ~3 attachments, with the most prevalent being patient monitoring (n=2 856, 155%), peripheral intravenous access (n=794, 43%) and mechanical ventilation (n=445, 24%). A total of 2 152 instances of medication infusion or administration were required during transport, yielding an average of ~1 medication or infusion per patient transported. The most common medications recorded were central nervous system depressants (n=588, 32%), followed by analgesics (n=482, 26%) and inotropic or vasoactive agents (n=320, 17%). CONCLUSION This study provides insight into the demographics, most prevalent diagnoses and interfacility transfer monitoring needs of patients being transported in SA by two private dedicated CCRS. The results of this study may be used to inform future specialised critical care transport courses and qualifications, equipment procurement and scopes of practice for providers undertaking critical care transfers.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Venter
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - W Stassen
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa.
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Slave M, Scribante J, Perrie H, Lambat F. Carbon dioxide levels of ventilated adult critically ill post-operative patients on arrival at the intensive care unit. SOUTHERN AFRICAN JOURNAL OF CRITICAL CARE 2023; 39:10.7196/SAJCC.2023.v39i1.655. [PMID: 37521962 PMCID: PMC10378180 DOI: 10.7196/sajcc.2023.v39i1.655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The transportation of critically ill patients presents a precarious situation in which adverse events may occur. At Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH) patients were manually ventilated using a manual resuscitator bag during transportation from theatre to the intensive care unit (ICU). Objectives To evaluate the arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2 ) levels of ventilated adult critically ill post-operative patients on arrival at the ICU at CHBAH. Methods This was a cross-sectional study using convenience sampling. Pre- and post-transportation arterial blood gases were obtained from 47 patients. Results There was a statistically significant difference in the pre- and post-transport PaCO2 level (p=0.03), with a mean difference of 3.3 mmHg. The pre- and post-transport arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2 ) level (p≤0.001) and the week and weekend pre-transport (p≤0.001) and post-transport (p=0.01) PaCO2 were statistically significantly different. No statistically significant difference was found in the other arterial blood gas parameters or in the post-transport PaCO2 of those patients (26 (55.3%)), who received a neuromuscular blocking drug compared with those that did not. Adverse events were noted during 12 (25.6%) of the transports, 5 (41.7%) of which were patient-related, and 7 (58.3%) of which were infrastructure-related. Conclusion There was a statistically but not clinically significant difference in the pre- and post-transport PaCO2 level and between week and weekend transportations. Hypercarbia was the most common derangement in all transports. Adverse events occurred during one-quarter of transportations. Contributions of the study This study evaluated the PaCO2 levels of critically ill patients at CHBAH during transportation from theatre to the ICU. The findings indicate that manual ventilation was not injurious. The authors recommend reproducing the study in patients with severe ARDS and pulmonary hypertension to ascertain if manual ventilation is safe in this population; and also with healthcare practitioners other than anaesthesiologists, who may not be as experienced in manual ventilation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Slave
- Department of Anaesthesia, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - J Scribante
- Surgeons for Little Lives, Department of Paediatric Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand,
Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - H Perrie
- Department of Anaesthesia, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - F Lambat
- Private Practice, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Mitra B, Law A, Mathew J, Crabtree A, Mertin H, Underhill A, Noonan M, Hunter P, Smit DV. Telehealth consultation before inter-hospital transfer after falls in a subacute hospital (the PREVENT-2 study). Emerg Med Australas 2023; 35:306-311. [PMID: 36358005 DOI: 10.1111/1742-6723.14130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Inter-hospital transfers are increasingly common due to the regionalisation of healthcare, but are associated with patient discomfort, high costs and adverse events. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a trauma outreach service for preventing inter-hospital transfers to a major trauma centre. METHODS This was an observational pre- and post-intervention study over a 12-month period from 1 October 2020 to 30 September 2021. Eligible patients sustained a fall at Caulfield Hospital, a subacute care hospital specialising in community services, rehabilitation, geriatric medicine and aged mental health. The intervention was delivery of site-specific education at Caulfield Hospital and a trauma outreach service by specialist trauma clinicians at The Alfred Hospital who provided remote assessment, assisted with clinical management decisions and advised on appropriateness of transfer. RESULTS The present study included 160 patients in the pre-intervention phase and 203 after the intervention. The primary outcome of transfer occurred in 19 (11.9%) patients in the pre-intervention phase and 4 (2.0%) in the post-intervention phase (P < 0.001). In the subgroup of patients without pelvis or long bone fractures, pre-intervention transfer occurred for 17 (10.9%) patients and post-intervention transfer occurred for 4 (2.0%) patients (P < 0.001). CT imaging was performed for 54 (33.8%) patients in the pre-intervention and 45 (22.2%) patients in the post-intervention group (P = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS Telehealth consultation with a trauma specialist was associated with significant reduction of inter-hospital transfers, and significant reduction of CT imaging. This supports continuation of the service with scope for expansion and evaluation of patient-centred outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biswadev Mitra
- Emergency and Trauma Centre, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- National Trauma Research Institute, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amelia Law
- Emergency and Trauma Centre, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joseph Mathew
- Emergency and Trauma Centre, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- National Trauma Research Institute, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Trauma Service, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amelia Crabtree
- Health of Older People Unit, Caulfield Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Helen Mertin
- Health of Older People Unit, Caulfield Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew Underhill
- Emergency and Trauma Centre, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Noonan
- Emergency and Trauma Centre, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- National Trauma Research Institute, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Trauma Service, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter Hunter
- Health of Older People Unit, Caulfield Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - De Villiers Smit
- Emergency and Trauma Centre, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- National Trauma Research Institute, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Vähäkangas P, Nordquist H, Terkamo-Moisio A. Urgent hospital transfers - The experiences and required skills of paramedics. Int Emerg Nurs 2023; 67:101269. [PMID: 36812117 DOI: 10.1016/j.ienj.2023.101269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Global changes in the health and social care sector have centralized the treatment of emergency patients, leading to an increase of urgent hospital transfers. The aim of this study is to describe paramedics' experiences gained while working in prehospital emergency care, regarding urgent hospital transfers and the skills that performing urgent hospital transfers requires. METHODS Twenty paramedics with experience in urgent hospital transfers participated in this qualitative study. The data collected via individual interviews were analyzed using inductive content analysis. RESULTS Paramedics' experiences of urgent hospital transfers resulted in two upper categories: Factors related to paramedics, and factors related to transfer, conditions, and technology. The upper categories were grouped from six subcategories. Paramedics' experiences of skills required in urgent hospital transfers resulted in two upper categories: Professional competence, and interpersonal skills. The upper categories were grouped from six subcategories. CONCLUSIONS Organizations should support and promote training related to urgent hospital transfers to enhance the quality of care and patient safety. Paramedics play a key role in successful transfer and collaboration, and thus the required professional competences and interpersonal skills should be addressed in their education. Furthermore, developing standardized procedures is recommended to enhance patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piia Vähäkangas
- Wellbeing services county of South Karelia, Emergency medicine and services department, Valto Käkelän katu 1, 53130 Lappeenranta, Finland
| | - Hilla Nordquist
- South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, Department of Health Care and Emergency Care, Pääskysentie 1, 48220 Kotka, Finland.
| | - Anja Terkamo-Moisio
- University of Eastern Finland, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing Science, P.O. Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess recent advances in interfacility critical care transport. DATA SOURCES PubMed English language publications plus chapters and professional organization publications. STUDY SELECTION Manuscripts including practice manuals and standard (1990-2021) focused on interfacility transport of critically ill patients. DATA EXTRACTION Review of society guidelines, legislative requirements, objective measures of outcomes, and transport practice standards occurred in work groups assessing definitions and foundations of interfacility transport, transport team composition, and transport specific considerations. Qualitative analysis was performed to characterize current science regarding interfacility transport. DATA SYNTHESIS The Task Force conducted an integrative review of 496 manuscripts combined with 120 from the authors' collections including nonpeer reviewed publications. After title and abstract screening, 40 underwent full-text review, of which 21 remained for qualitative synthesis. CONCLUSIONS Since 2004, there have been numerous advances in critical care interfacility transport. Clinical deterioration may be mitigated by appropriate patient selection, pretransport optimization, and transport by a well-resourced team and vehicle. There remains a dearth of high-quality controlled studies, but notable advances in monitoring, en route management, transport modality (air vs ground), as well as team composition and training serve as foundations for future inquiry. Guidance from professional organizations remains uncoupled from enforceable regulations, impeding standardization of transport program quality assessment and verification.
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15
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Slagt C, Spoelder EJ, Tacken MCT, Frijlink M, Servaas S, Leijte G, van Eijk LT, van Geffen GJ. Safety during interhospital helicopter transfer of ventilated COVID-19 patients. No clinical relevant changes in vital signs including non-invasive cardiac output. Respir Res 2022; 23:256. [PMID: 36123727 PMCID: PMC9484339 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-022-02177-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background During the COVID-19 pandemic in The Netherlands, critically ill ventilated COVID-19 patients were transferred not only between hospitals by ambulance but also by the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS). To date, little is known about the physiological impact of helicopter transport on critically ill patients and COVID-19 patients in particular. This study was conducted to explore the impact of inter-hospital helicopter transfer on vital signs of mechanically ventilated patients with severe COVID-19, with special focus on take-off, midflight, and landing. Methods All ventilated critically ill COVID-19 patients who were transported between April 2020 and June 2021 by the Dutch ‘Lifeliner 5’ HEMS team and who were fully monitored, including noninvasive cardiac output, were included in this study. Three 10-min timeframes (take-off, midflight and landing) were defined for analysis. Continuous data on the vital parameters heart rate, peripheral oxygen saturation, arterial blood pressure, end-tidal CO2 and noninvasive cardiac output using electrical cardiometry were collected and stored at 1-min intervals. Data were analyzed for differences over time within the timeframes using one-way analysis of variance. Significant differences were checked for clinical relevance. Results Ninety-eight patients were included in the analysis. During take-off, an increase was noticed in cardiac output (from 6.7 to 8.2 L min−1; P < 0.0001), which was determined by a decrease in systemic vascular resistance (from 1071 to 739 dyne·s·cm−5, P < 0.0001) accompanied by an increase in stroke volume (from 88.8 to 113.7 mL, P < 0.0001). Other parameters were unchanged during take-off and mid-flight. During landing, cardiac output and stroke volume slightly decreased (from 8.0 to 6.8 L min−1, P < 0.0001 and from 110.1 to 84.4 mL, P < 0.0001, respectively), and total systemic vascular resistance increased (P < 0.0001). Though statistically significant, the found changes were small and not clinically relevant to the medical status of the patients as judged by the attending physicians. Conclusions Interhospital helicopter transfer of ventilated intensive care patients with COVID-19 can be performed safely and does not result in clinically relevant changes in vital signs. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12931-022-02177-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelis Slagt
- Helicopter Emergency Medical Service Lifeliner 3 and 5, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. .,Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, Huispost 717, Route 714, Postbus 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Eduard Johannes Spoelder
- Helicopter Emergency Medical Service Lifeliner 3 and 5, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, Huispost 717, Route 714, Postbus 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marijn Cornelia Theresia Tacken
- Helicopter Emergency Medical Service Lifeliner 3 and 5, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, Huispost 717, Route 714, Postbus 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Maartje Frijlink
- Helicopter Emergency Medical Service Lifeliner 3 and 5, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, Huispost 717, Route 714, Postbus 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd Servaas
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, Huispost 717, Route 714, Postbus 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Guus Leijte
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, Huispost 717, Route 714, Postbus 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lucas Theodorus van Eijk
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, Huispost 717, Route 714, Postbus 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Jan van Geffen
- Helicopter Emergency Medical Service Lifeliner 3 and 5, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, Huispost 717, Route 714, Postbus 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Putra KR, Wulandari I, Suharsono T, Hany A. Adverse events during intra-hospital transport of critically ill patients: an observational study. CENTRAL EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY 2022. [DOI: 10.15452/cejnm.2022.13.0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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17
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Grier S, Browne R. Developments in adult critical care transfer in England: a positive legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic. Anaesthesia 2022; 77:858-860. [PMID: 35510956 PMCID: PMC9347502 DOI: 10.1111/anae.15752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S Grier
- Retrieve Adult Critical Care Transfer Service, Bristol, UK
| | - R Browne
- Adult Critical Care Co-ordination and Transfer Service, Birmingham, UK
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18
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Villacrés S, Katyal C, Gomez J, Longani N, Chang D, Velasco S, Zeiman L, Choi S. Response Time in the Transport of Pediatric Patients to a Tertiary Critical Care Unit. Pediatr Qual Saf 2022; 7:e558. [PMID: 35720870 PMCID: PMC9197356 DOI: 10.1097/pq9.0000000000000558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Various barriers delay the process of patient transfer to critical care units. We implemented quality improvement methods to decrease the time required for interhospital transfer of critical care patients. As a result, we aimed to decrease the time from initial transfer call to specialized transport team arrival at the referring hospital from 150 minutes to <40 minutes over 2 years. Methods: Quality improvement initiative monitoring the length of transport time of 245 patients transferred from referral hospitals to a tertiary pediatric intensive care unit for 31 months from March 2013 to October 2015. We reviewed preexisting transport protocols and identified barriers to the timely arrival to the pediatric intensive care unit. We implemented 3 interventions: a transport information line serving as a central communication center to coordinate the transport process between all stakeholders, the formation of a specialized pediatric transport team, and a training program. We collected transport response time data and monitored the impact of interventions via statistical process control charts. Results: There was a significant decrease in the length of the time course pre- and postintervention. We noted a special cause to decrease in time from referral hospital call to arrival of our transport team by 76% from 150 minutes to 36 minutes. In addition, the statistical process chart revealed a stable and effective process without significant shifts above the process mean as early as 3 months postintervention. Conclusions: By improving our transport services with additional resources and people, we have improved the efficiency of patient transport between institutions.
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Parenmark F, Walther SM. Intensive care unit to unit capacity transfers are associated with increased mortality: an observational cohort study on patient transfers in the Swedish Intensive Care Register. Ann Intensive Care 2022; 12:31. [PMID: 35377019 PMCID: PMC8980179 DOI: 10.1186/s13613-022-01003-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Transfers from one intensive care unit (ICU) to another ICU are associated with increased length of intensive care and hospital stay. Inter-hospital ICU transfers are carried out for three main reasons: clinical transfers, capacity transfers and repatriations. The aim of the study was to show that different ICU transfers differ in risk-adjusted mortality rate with repatriations having the least risk. Results Observational cohort study of adult patients transferred between Swedish ICUs during 3 years (2016–2018) with follow-up ending September 2019. Primary and secondary end-points were survival to 30 days and 180 days after discharge from the first ICU. Data from 75 ICUs in the Swedish Intensive Care Register, a nationwide intensive care register, were used for analysis (89% of all Swedish ICUs), covering local community hospitals, district general hospitals and tertiary care hospitals. We included adult patients (16 years or older) admitted to ICU and subsequently discharged by transfer to another ICU. Only the first admission was used. Exposure was discharge to any other ICU (ICU-to-ICU transfer), whether in the same or in another hospital. Transfers were grouped into three predefined categories: clinical transfer, capacity transfer, and repatriation. We identified 15,588 transfers among 112,860 admissions (14.8%) and analysed 11,176 after excluding 4112 repeat transfer of the same individual and 300 with missing risk adjustment. The majority were clinical transfers (62.7%), followed by repatriations (21.5%) and capacity transfers (15.8%). Unadjusted 30-day mortality was 25.0% among capacity transfers compared to 14.5% and 16.2% for clinical transfers and repatriations, respectively. Adjusted odds ratio (OR) for 30-day mortality were 1.25 (95% CI 1.06–1.49 p = 0.01) for capacity transfers and 1.17 (95% CI 1.02–1.36 p = 0.03) for clinical transfers using repatriation as reference. The differences remained 180 days post-discharge. Conclusions There was a large proportion of ICU-to-ICU transfers and an increased odds of dying for those transferred due to other reasons than repatriation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13613-022-01003-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredric Parenmark
- Centre for Research and Development, Uppsala University, Region Gävleborg, Gävle, Sweden. .,Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Gävle Hospital, Gävle, Sweden. .,Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Sten M Walther
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
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Fredriksson Sundbom M, Sangfelt A, Lindgren E, Nyström H, Johansson G, Brändström H, Haney M. Respiratory and circulatory insufficiency during emergent long-distance critical care interhospital transports to tertiary care in a sparsely populated region: a retrospective analysis of late mortality risk. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e051217. [PMID: 35168967 PMCID: PMC8852674 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-051217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To test if impaired oxygenation or major haemodynamic instability at the time of emergency intensive care transport, from a smaller admitting hospital to a tertiary care centre, are predictors of long-term mortality. DESIGN Retrospective observational study. Impaired oxygenation was defined as oxyhaemoglobin %-inspired oxygen fraction ratio (S/F ratio)<100. Major haemodynamic instability was defined as a need for treatment with norepinephrine infusion to sustain mean arterial pressure (MAP) at or above 60 mm Hg or having a mean MAP <60. Logistic regression was used to assess mortality risk with impaired oxygenation or major haemodynamic instability. SETTING Sparsely populated Northern Sweden. A fixed-wing interhospital air ambulance system for critical care serving 900 000 inhabitants. PARTICIPANTS Intensive care cases transported in fixed-wing air ambulance from outlying hospitals to a regional tertiary care centre during 2000-2016 for adults (16 years old or older). 2142 cases were included. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES All-cause mortality at 3 months after transport was the primary outcome, and secondary outcomes were all-cause mortality at 1 and 7 days, 1, 6 and 12 months. RESULTS S/F ratio <100 was associated with increased mortality risk compared with S/F>300 at all time-points, with adjusted OR 6.3 (2.5 to 15.5, p<0.001) at 3 months. Major haemodynamic instability during intensive care unit (ICU) transport was associated with increased adjusted OR of all-cause mortality at 3 months with OR 2.5 (1.8 to 3.5, p<0.001). CONCLUSION Major impairment of oxygenation and/or major haemodynamic instability at the time of ICU transport to get to urgent tertiary intervention is strongly associated with increased mortality risk at 3 months in this cohort. These findings support the conclusion that these conditions are markers for many fold increase in risk for death notable already at 3 months after transport for patients with these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Fredriksson Sundbom
- Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences/Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Amalia Sangfelt
- Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences/Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Emma Lindgren
- Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences/Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Helena Nyström
- Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences/Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Göran Johansson
- Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences/Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Helge Brändström
- Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences/Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Michael Haney
- Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences/Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Eiding H, Kongsgaard UE, Olasveengen TM, Heyerdahl F. Interhospital transport of critically ill patients: A prospective observational study of patient and transport characteristics. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 2022; 66:248-255. [PMID: 34811736 DOI: 10.1111/aas.14005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cohort of critically ill patients transported between Intensive Care Units (ICUs) in Norway has not been studied previously. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of patients and transports for different types of interhospital transfers and explore whether there were differences in morbidity and mortality between the different transfer categories and the general Norwegian ICU population. METHODS All transports of critically ill adult patients transferred between two geographically different Intensive Care Units during a one-year period were registered. Patient and transport data were obtained from The Norwegian Intensive Care Registry, The Norwegian Cause of Death Registry, the hospital Electronic Patient Journal, the Air Ambulance Journal System, and the Emergency Medical Communication Centre database. RESULTS 821 transports of 788 surgical and medical patients were enrolled. Simplified Acute Physiology Scores (SAPSII) were 43, 36 and 38 for urgent secondary transport, non-urgent secondary transport and return transfers, respectively. These were comparable to nationwide SAPSII scores that were 40 for university hospitals and 34 for local hospitals during the same time period. The return transfers had a median SOFA-score of 4.7 and 53% were mechanically ventilated. Only 33% of return transfers were performed by established teams. CONCLUSION Intensive care patients transferred between ICUs are as critically ill as the rest of the ICU population, with a similar morbidity and mortality. The return transfers of ICU-patients appear under-triaged compared to secondary transports in terms of allocated resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helge Eiding
- Division of Emergencies and Critical Care Oslo University Hospital Oslo Norway
- Department of Research and Development Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation Oslo Norway
| | - Ulf E. Kongsgaard
- Division of Emergencies and Critical Care Oslo University Hospital Oslo Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine Medical Faculty University of Oslo Oslo Norway
| | - Theresa M. Olasveengen
- Division of Emergencies and Critical Care Oslo University Hospital Oslo Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine Medical Faculty University of Oslo Oslo Norway
| | - Fridtjof Heyerdahl
- Department of Research and Development Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation Oslo Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine Medical Faculty University of Oslo Oslo Norway
- Division of Prehospital Services Oslo University Hospital Oslo Norway
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Matias ARC, Sá FLFRGD. Intervenções da equipe multiprofissional no transporte de pacientes em estado crítico: revisão sistemática de métodos mistos. ESCOLA ANNA NERY 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/2177-9465-ean-2021-0452pt] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
RESUMO Objetivo Analisar como intervenções da equipe multiprofissional promovem a segurança no transporte de pacientes em estado crítico. Método Revisão sistemática de métodos mistos elaborada com as recomendações do Joanna Briggs Institute, seguindo uma abordagem integrada convergente. A pesquisa foi realizada nas bases de dados MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews e Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, resultando em 107 estudos. Após a remoção de estudos duplicados e a aplicação de critérios de inclusão e exclusão, 17 estudos foram avaliados quanto à sua qualidade metodológica, havendo 15 estudos na amostra final. A extração dos dados foi realizada por um instrumento em forma de tabela e sintetizada por meio de análise temática. Resultados A decisão ponderada, o planejamento, a atuação na resolução de problemas e a ação para a melhoria são intervenções que a equipe multiprofissional promove na segurança do transporte de pacientes em estado crítico. Conclusão e implicações para a prática A padronização do transporte (criação de protocolos institucionais, check-list e adequação de equipamentos), a educação permanente e o treinamento de competências na capacitação das equipes fomentam uma cultura de segurança que evita o dano ao paciente. Sugerem-se pesquisas sobre a dimensão subjetiva e a inclusão da família no transporte.
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Matias ARC, Sá FLFRGD. Multiprofessional team interventions in transporting critically ill patients: a systematic mixed-methods review. ESCOLA ANNA NERY 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/2177-9465-ean-2021-0452en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Aim To analyze how interventions of a multidisciplinary team promote the safe transportation of critically ill patients. Method A systematic mixed-methods review was developed using an integrated convergent approach according to the Joanna Briggs Institute. This study was conducted using MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials electronic databases, which generated 107 references. After removing duplicates and applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 17 articles were evaluated for methodological quality, resulting in 15 articles as the final sample. Data extraction was performed using a tool in the form of a table and synthesized through thematic analysis. Results Thoughtful decision, planning, problem-solving action and action for improvement are interventions that the multiprofessional team promotes the safe transportation of critically ill patients. Conclusion and implications for practice The standardization of transport (institutional protocols, a checklist, and equipment adequacy), continuing education, and skills training in the capacitation of teams foster a culture of safety that prevents harm to the patient. Further research is suggested on the subjective dimension and with the family in transportation.
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Laupland KB, Ramanan M, Shekar K, Kirrane M, Clement P, Young P, Edwards F, Bushell R, Tabah A. Is intensive care unit mortality a valid survival outcome measure related to critical illness? Anaesth Crit Care Pain Med 2021; 41:100996. [PMID: 34902631 DOI: 10.1016/j.accpm.2021.100996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Use of death as an outcome of intensive care unit (ICU) admission may be biased by differential discharge decisions. OBJECTIVE To determine the validity of ICU survival status as an outcome measure of all cause case-fatality. METHODS A retrospective cohort of first admissions among adults to four ICUs in North Brisbane, Australia was assembled. Death in ICU (censored at discharge or 30 days) was compared with 30-day overall case-fatality. RESULTS The 30-day overall case-fatality was 8.1% (2436/29,939). One thousand six hundred and thirty-one deaths occurred within the ICU stay and 576 subsequent during hospital post-ICU discharge within 30-days; ICU and hospital case-fatality rates were 5.4% and 7.4%, respectively. An additional 229 patients died after hospital separation within 30 days of ICU admission of which 110 (48.0%) were transferred to another acute care hospital, 80 (34.9%) discharged home, and 39 (17.0%) transferred to an aged care/chronic care/rehabilitation facility. Patients who died after ICU discharge were older, had higher APACHE III scores, were more likely to be elective surgical patients, and were less likely to be out of state residents or managed in a tertiary referral hospital. Limiting determination of case-fatality to ICU information alone would correctly detect 95% (780/821) of all-cause mortality at day 3, 90% (1093/1213) at day 5, 75% (1524/2019) at day 15, 72% (1592/2244) at day 21, and 67% (1631/2436) at day 30 of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Use of ICU case-fatality significantly underestimates the true burden and biases assessment of determinants of critical illness-related mortality in our region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin B Laupland
- Department of Intensive Care Services, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Mahesh Ramanan
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Intensive Care Unit, Caboolture Hospital, Caboolture, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kiran Shekar
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Intensive Care Unit, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Marianne Kirrane
- Department of Intensive Care Services, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Pierre Clement
- Department of Intensive Care Services, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Patrick Young
- Intensive Care Unit, Caboolture Hospital, Caboolture, Queensland, Australia; Intensive Care Unit, Redcliffe Hospital, Redcliffe, Queensland, Australia
| | - Felicity Edwards
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rachel Bushell
- Intensive Care Unit, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Alexis Tabah
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Intensive Care Unit, Redcliffe Hospital, Redcliffe, Queensland, Australia
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Catalán-Ibars RM, Martín-Delgado MC, Puigoriol-Juvanteny E, Zapater-Casanova E, Lopez-Alabern M, Lopera-Caballero JL, González de Velasco JP, Coll-Solà M, Juanola-Codina M, Roger-Casals N. Incidents related to critical patient safety during in-hospital transfer. Med Intensiva 2021; 46:14-22. [PMID: 34802990 DOI: 10.1016/j.medine.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the incidents related to patient safety (IRSP) and their risk factors during in-hospital transfer (IHT) of critical patients after the application of a protocol, and to evaluate safety during transfer using quality indicators. DESIGN A prospective, observational and non-intervention cohort study was carried out. SETTING A 10-bed multipurpose Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a second level university hospital. PATIENTS All IHTs of critical patients in the ICU for diagnostic tests and to the operating room between March 2011 and March 2017 were included in the study. MAIN MEASUREMENTS Demographic variables, patient severity, transfer priority, moment of the day, reason and type of transfer team. Pre-transport checklist items and IRSP were collected. A biannual analysis was made of quality indicators designed for IHT. RESULTS A total of 805 transfers were registered, mostly of an urgent nature (53.7%) and for diagnostic tests (77%). In turn, 112 transfers (13.9%) presented some type of IRSP; 54% related to the equipment and 30% related to team and organization. Adverse events occurred in 19 (2.4%) transfers. Risk factors identified in the multivariate analysis were mechanical ventilation and the transport team. The evolution of the indicators related to transport was significantly favorable. CONCLUSIONS After the application of an IHT protocol, IRSP are low. The main risk factor is invasive mechanical ventilation. The experience of the team performing IHT influences the detection of a greater number of incidents.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Catalán-Ibars
- Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, Hospital Universitario de Vic-Consorcio Hospitalario de Vic, Spain; Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud y Bienestar, Universidad de Vic-Central de Cataluña, Spain
| | - M C Martín-Delgado
- Servicio de Medicina Intensiva, Hospital Universitario de Torrejón, Madrid, Spain; Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (UFV), Madrid, Spain.
| | - E Puigoriol-Juvanteny
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud y Bienestar, Universidad de Vic-Central de Cataluña, Spain; Transferencia de Conocimiento, Hospital Universitario de Vic-Consorcio Hospitalario de Vic, Spain
| | - E Zapater-Casanova
- Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, Hospital Universitario de Vic-Consorcio Hospitalario de Vic, Spain
| | - M Lopez-Alabern
- Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, Hospital Universitario de Vic-Consorcio Hospitalario de Vic, Spain
| | - J L Lopera-Caballero
- Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, Hospital Universitario de Vic-Consorcio Hospitalario de Vic, Spain
| | - J P González de Velasco
- Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, Hospital Universitario de Vic-Consorcio Hospitalario de Vic, Spain
| | - M Coll-Solà
- Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, Hospital Universitario de Vic-Consorcio Hospitalario de Vic, Spain
| | - M Juanola-Codina
- Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, Hospital Universitario de Vic-Consorcio Hospitalario de Vic, Spain
| | - N Roger-Casals
- Transferencia de Conocimiento, Hospital Universitario de Vic-Consorcio Hospitalario de Vic, Spain; Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Vic-Central de Cataluña, Spain
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Kabrah AM, Kabrah SM, Bahwerth FS, Alredaini NF. Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Common Bacteria Isolated from Blood Stream, Lower Respiratory Tract and Urinary Infections in Intensive Care Unit in Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Study. Ethiop J Health Sci 2021; 31:1231-1240. [PMID: 35392341 PMCID: PMC8968372 DOI: 10.4314/ejhs.v31i6.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The rate of infections in the intensive care units (ICUs) is rising, mainly because of the increasing use of invasive procedures and specialized devices. This study aimed to identify the antibiotic resistance profile of common bacteria isolated from lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), bloodstream infections (BSIs), and urinary infections (UTIs) in ICUs in Saudi Arabia. Methods In the current retrospective study, the isolates and antibiotic resistance were collected from the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) for respiratory, blood, and urine samples. The study sample compromised 96 patients admitted to the ICU at least for 48 hours and have a central venous catheter (CVC) between November 1, 2020, and January 31, 2021. Results 66 (68.8%) of the study sample were males, and 30 (31.2%) were females. LRTIs were the most common isolates (51 samples), followed by BSIs (28 samples) and UTIs (17 samples). The isolated pathogens in this study were Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) (59.4%), Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) (11.5%), Escherichia coli (E. coli) (8.4%), Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) (7.3%), and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (6.2%). BSI were frequently caused by CoNS (35.7%) and K. pneumoniae (35.7%), while Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) represented 10.7% of BSI. Vancomycin, Synercid, and Teicoplanin were the commonly used antibiotics and showed 100% sensitivity among S. aureus, including MRSA, while almost 100% resistance was observed for penicillin and oxacillin against the same organisms. The maximum resistance was observed with aztreonam (96.4%), ampicillin (87.3%), followed by co-amoxiclav (83.9%), cotrimoxazole (79.5%) and cephalosporin group antibiotics. Conclusions Strict adherence to infection prevention practices and wise use of antibiotics are recommended to slow the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Kabrah
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Saeed M Kabrah
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Fayez S Bahwerth
- Molecular Genetics, King Faisal Hospital, Ministry of Health, Makkah - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Naof F Alredaini
- Faculty Member, King Abdulaziz University in Rabigh, Rabigh - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Bako AT, Bambhroliya A, Meeks J, Pan A, Potter T, Ifejika N, Vahidy FS. National Trends in Transfer of Patients with Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage: An Analysis of 12-Year Nationwide Data. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2021; 30:106116. [PMID: 34562791 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2021.106116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The guidelines of the American Hospital Association encourage transferring intracerebral hemorrhage patients from community hospitals to centers with stroke expertise. However, research on the differences in outcomes between transferred intracerebral hemorrhage hospitalizations and directly admitted hospitalizations have been largely limited to small single-center studies. In this study, we explored the national trends in transferred intracerebral hemorrhage hospitalizations, as well as evaluated the differences, in terms of demographic characteristics, co-morbidity, resource utilization, and outcomes, between transferred intracerebral hemorrhage hospitalizations and directly admitted hospitalizations. MATERIALS AND METHODS From the National Inpatient Sample (2004 - 2016), we assessed the linear trends in the proportion of interhospital transfers for intracerebral hemorrhage hospitalizations. We constructed a series of multivariate logistic regression models to explore the association of transfer status with inpatient mortality and discharge disposition, controlling for demographic, clinical, and hospital characteristics. We used survey design variables to report nationally weighted estimates. RESULTS Among 786,999 hospitalizations, 137,340 (17.5%, 95% CI: 16.4-18.6) were transferred. Overall, interhospital transfers for intracerebral hemorrhage has been increasing over the 12-year period of this study. Patients in transferred hospitalizations were younger, more likely to be white, and more likely to have private insurance. Transferred hospitalizations were associated with significantly lower adjusted odds of inpatient mortality, compared to directly admitted hospitalizations. CONCLUSIONS As the US healthcare system continues shifting towards value-based care, evidence on the short- and long-term outcomes of transfer of intracerebral hemorrhage patients will inform optimal management of intracerebral hemorrhage patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulaziz T Bako
- Center for Outcomes Research, Houston Methodist, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Arvind Bambhroliya
- Center for Outcomes Research, Houston Methodist, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jennifer Meeks
- Center for Outcomes Research, Houston Methodist, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Alan Pan
- Center for Outcomes Research, Houston Methodist, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Thomas Potter
- Center for Outcomes Research, Houston Methodist, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Nneka Ifejika
- University of Texas Southwestern at Dallas, United States
| | - Farhaan S Vahidy
- Center for Outcomes Research, Houston Methodist, Houston, TX, United States; Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston Methodist, Houston, TX, United States.
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Denton G, Green L, Palmer M, Jones A, Quinton S, Simmons A, Choyce A, Higgins D, Arora N. Evaluation of the safety of inter-hospital transfers of critically ill patients led by advanced critical care practitioners. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 30:470-476. [PMID: 33876681 DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2021.30.8.470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ten thousand inter-hospital transfers of critically ill adults take place annually in the UK. Studies highlight deficiencies in experience and training of staff, equipment, stabilisation before departure, and logistical difficulties. This article is a quality improvement review of an advanced critical care practitioner (ACCP)-led inter-hospital transfer service. METHODS The tool Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence was used as the format for the review, combined with clinical audit of advanced critical care practitioner-led transfers over a period of more than 3 years. RESULTS The transfer service has operated for 8 years; ACCPs conducted 934 critical care transfers of mechanically ventilated patients, including 286 inter-hospital transfers, between January 2017 and September 2020. The acuity of transfer patients was high, 82.2% required support of more than one organ, 49% required more than 50% oxygen. Uneventful transfer occurred in 81.4% of cases; the most common patient-related complication being hypotension, logistical issues were responsible for half of the complications. CONCLUSION This quality improvement project provides an example of safe and effective advanced practice in an area that is traditionally a medically led domain. ACCPs can provide an alternative process of care for critically ill adults who require external transfer, and a benchmark for audit and quality improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin Denton
- Advanced Critical Care Practitioner Intensive Care Unit, Heartlands Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham Foundation Trust, Birmingham
| | - Lindsay Green
- Advanced Critical Care Practitioner Intensive Care Unit, Heartlands Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham Foundation Trust, Birmingham
| | - Marion Palmer
- Advanced Critical Care Practitioner Intensive Care Unit, Heartlands Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham Foundation Trust, Birmingham
| | - Anita Jones
- Advanced Critical Care Practitioner Intensive Care Unit, Heartlands Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham Foundation Trust, Birmingham
| | - Sarah Quinton
- Advanced Critical Care Practitioner Intensive Care Unit, Heartlands Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham Foundation Trust, Birmingham
| | - Andrew Simmons
- Advanced Critical Care Practitioner Intensive Care Unit, Heartlands Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham Foundation Trust, Birmingham
| | - Andrew Choyce
- Advanced Critical Care Practitioner Intensive Care Unit, Heartlands Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham Foundation Trust, Birmingham
| | - Daniel Higgins
- Advanced Critical Care Practitioner Intensive Care Unit, Heartlands Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham Foundation Trust, Birmingham
| | - Nitin Arora
- Intensive Care Consultant Intensive Care Unit, Heartlands Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham Foundation Trust, Birmingham
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Rali P, Sacher D, Rivera-Lebron B, Rosovsky R, Elwing JM, Berkowitz J, Mina B, Dalal B, Davis GA, Dudzinski DM, Duval A, Ichinose E, Kabrhel C, Kapoor A, Lio KU, Lookstein R, McDaniel M, Melamed R, Naydenov S, Sokolow S, Rosenfield K, Tapson V, Bossone E, Keeling B, Channick R, Ross CB. Interhospital Transfer of Patients With Acute Pulmonary Embolism (PE): Challenges and Opportunities. Chest 2021; 160:1844-1852. [PMID: 34273391 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2021.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The management paradigm for acute PE has evolved in recent years with wider availability of advanced treatment modalities ranging from catheter-directed reperfusion therapies to mechanical circulatory support. This evolution has coincided with the development and implementation of institutional pulmonary embolism response teams (PERT) nationwide and internationally. Because most institutions are not equipped or staffed for advanced PE care, patients often require transfer to centers with more comprehensive resources, including PERT expertise. One of the unmet needs in current PE care is an organized approach to the process of interhospital transfer (IHT) of critically ill PE patients. In this review, we discuss medical optimization and support of patients before and during transfer, transfer checklists, defined roles of emergency medical services, and the roles and responsibilities of referring and receiving centers involved in the IHT of acute PE patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parth Rali
- Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA.
| | | | | | - Rachel Rosovsky
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jean M Elwing
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | | | | | - Bhavinkumar Dalal
- Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Royal Oak, MI
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ka U Lio
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Charles B Ross
- Piedmont Heart Institute, Piedmont Atlanta Hospital, Atlanta, GA
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Soft Factors, Smooth Transport? The role of safety climate and team processes in reducing adverse events during intrahospital transport in intensive care. Health Care Manage Rev 2021; 45:32-40. [PMID: 29176495 DOI: 10.1097/hmr.0000000000000188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrahospital patient transports (IHTs) in intensive care involve an appreciable risk of adverse events (AEs). Research on determinants of AE occurrence during IHT has hitherto focused on patient, transport, and intensive care unit (ICU) characteristics. By contrast, the role of "soft" factors, although arguably relevant for IHTs and a topic of interest in general health care settings, has not yet been explored. PURPOSE The study aims at examining the effect of safety climate and team processes on the occurrence of AE during IHT and whether team processes mediate the effect of safety climate. METHODOLOGY/APPROACH Data stem from a noninterventional, observational multicenter study in 33 ICUs (from 12 European countries), with 858 transports overall recorded during 28 days. AEs include medication errors, dislodgments, equipment failures, and delays. Safety climate scales were taken from the "Patient Safety Climate in Healthcare Organizations" (short version), team processes scales from the "Leiden Operating Theatre and Intensive Care Safety" questionnaire. Patient condition was assessed with NEMS (Nine Equivalents of Nursing Manpower Use Score). All other variables could be directly observed. Hypothesis testing and assessment of effects rely on bivariate correlations and binomial logistic multilevel models (with ICU as random effect). FINDINGS Both safety climate and team processes are comparatively important determinants of AE occurrence, also when controlling for transport-, staff-, and ICU-related variables. Team processes partially mediate the effect of safety climate. Patient condition and transport duration are consistently related with AE occurrence, too. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Unlike most patient, transport, and ICU characteristics, safety climate and team processes are basically amenable to managerial interventions. Coupled with their considerable effect on AE occurrence, this makes pertinent endeavors a potentially promising approach for improving patient safety during IHT. Although literature suggests that safety climate is slow and hard to change (also compared to team processes), efforts to improve safety climate should not be forgone.
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Temsah MH, Al-Sohime F, Alhaboob A, Al-Eyadhy A, Aljamaan F, Hasan G, Ali S, Ashri A, Nahass AA, Al-Barrak R, Temsah O, Alhasan K, Jamal AA. Adverse events experienced with intrahospital transfer of critically ill patients: A national survey. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e25810. [PMID: 33950984 PMCID: PMC8104182 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000025810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Research that focuses on transfers to and from the intensive care unit (ICU) could highlight important patients' safety issues. This study aims to describe healthcare workers' (HCWs) practices involved in patient transfers to or from the ICU.This cross-sectional study was conducted among HCWs during the Saudi Critical Care Society's annual International Conference, April 2017. Responses were assessed using Likert scales and frequencies. Bivariate analysis was used to evaluate the significance of different indicators.Overall, 312 HCWs participated in this study. Regarding transfer to ICUs, the most frequently reported complications were deterioration in respiratory status (51.4%), followed by deterioration in hemodynamic status (46.5%), and missing clinical information (35.5%). Regarding transfers from ICUs to the general ward, the most commonly reported complications were changes in respiratory status (55.6%), followed by incomplete clinical information (37.9%), and change in hemodynamic conditions (29%). The most-used models for communicating transfers were written documents in electronic health records (69.3%) and verbal communication (62.8%). One-fourth of the respondents were not aware of the Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation (SBAR) method of patients' handover. Pearson's test of correlation showed that the HCW's perceived satisfaction with their hospital transfer guidelines showed significant negative correlation with their reported transfer-related complications (r = -0.27, P < .010).Hemodynamic and respiratory status deterioration is representing significant adverse events among patients transferred to or from the ICU. Factors controlling the perceived satisfaction of HCWs involved in patients, transfer to and from the ICU need to be addressed, focusing on their compliance to the hospital-wide transfer and handover policies. Quality improvement initiatives could improve patient safety to transfer patients to and from the ICU and minimize the associated adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad-Hani Temsah
- College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric Department
| | - Fahad Al-Sohime
- College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric Department
| | - Ali Alhaboob
- College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric Department
| | - Ayman Al-Eyadhy
- College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric Department
| | - Fadi Aljamaan
- College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh
- Critical Care Department, King Saud University Medical City, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gamal Hasan
- Assiut Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
- Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Salma Ali
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric Department
| | - Ahmed Ashri
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric Department
| | | | | | | | | | - Amr A. Jamal
- College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh
- Family & Community Medicine Department, College of Medicine, King Saud University Medical City
- Evidence-Based Health Care & Knowledge Translation Research Chair, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Methods and measures to quantify ICU patient heterogeneity. J Biomed Inform 2021; 117:103768. [PMID: 33839305 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbi.2021.103768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Patients in intensive care units are heterogeneous and the daily prediction of their days to discharge (DTD) a complex task that practitioners and computers are not always able to solve satisfactorily. In order to make more precise DTD predictors, it is necessary to have tools for the analysis of the heterogeneity of the patients. Unfortunately, the number of publications in this field is almost non-existent. In order to alleviate this lack of tools, we propose four methods and their corresponding measures to quantify the heterogeneity of intensive patients in the process of determining the DTD. These new methods and measures have been tested with patients admitted over four years to a tertiary hospital in Spain. The results deepen the understanding of the intensive patient and can serve as a basis for the construction of better DTD predictors.
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Dabija M, Aine M, Forsberg A. Caring for critically ill patients during interhospital transfers: A qualitative study. Nurs Crit Care 2021; 26:333-340. [PMID: 33594775 DOI: 10.1111/nicc.12598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in an increased number of interhospital transfers of patients with artificial airways. The transfer of these patients is associated with risks and has been experienced as highly challenging, which needs to be further explored. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To describe critical care nurses' experiences of caring for critically ill patients with artificial airways during interhospital transfers. DESIGN A cross-sectional study using a qualitative approach was conducted during spring 2020. Participants were critical care nurses (n = 7) from different hospitals (n = 2). METHODS The data were collected through semi-structured interviews based on an interview guide. A qualitative content analysis using an inductive approach was performed. RESULTS The analysis resulted in one main theme, "Preserving the safety in an unknown environment," and three sub-themes, "Being adequately prepared is essential to feel secure," "Feeling abandoned and overwhelmingly responsible," and "Being challenged in an unfamiliar and risky environment." CONCLUSIONS Critical care nurses experienced interhospital transfers of critically ill patients with artificial airways as complex and risky. It is essential to have an overall plan in order to prevent any unpredictable and acute events. Adequate communication and good teamwork are key to the safe transfer of a critically ill patient in that potential complications and dangers to the patient can be prevented. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Standardized checklists need to be created to guide the transfers of critically ill patients with different conditions. This would prevent failures based on human or system factors, such as lack of experience and lack of good teamwork.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Dabija
- Division of Nursing, Department of Health Science, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Matilda Aine
- Division of Nursing, Department of Health Science, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Angelica Forsberg
- Division of Nursing, Department of Health Science, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden.,Intensive Care Unit 57, Sunderby Hospital, Luleå, Sweden
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Bischoff T, Sawadsky B, Peddle M, Nolan B. Impact of Prepatching on Paramedic In-Hospital Times for Emergent Interfacility Transfers. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2020; 25:832-838. [PMID: 33205688 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2020.1852351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: The care required for patients at times necessitates they be transferred to another hospital capable of providing specialized care, a process known as an interfacility transfer. Delays to appropriate care for critically ill patients are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Improving efficiencies in interfacility transport process can thus expedite the time to critical treatment. Traditionally paramedics would patch to a transport medicine physician (TMP) after initial patient contact to discuss the case and expected management during transport. The concept of prepatch shifts this discussion between the TMP and paramedics prior to initial patient contact. The objective of this study was to assess if prepatching with paramedics prior to arrival at the patient reduced the in-hospital time for emergent interfacility transfers transported by a provincial critical care transport organization. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of all emergent, adult interfacility transports for patients transported by a provincial critical care transport organization in Ontario, Canada from January 2016 to December 2019. Quantile regression was used to evaluate the impact of prepatching as well as patient and paramedic characteristics on paramedic in-hospital time. Results: A total of 10,088 patients were included in the study, with 3,606 patients having a prepatch conducted and 6,482 without. Ventilated patients and vasopressor use were associated with higher prepatch rates; with the use of prepatch in these patients increasing over subsequent years of the study. Additionally, patients requiring higher levels of care, including being mechanically ventilated or dependent on vasopressors, were associated with longer in-hospital times. Prepatching reduced in-hospital time by 4 minutes at the 90th quantile across all patients. Conclusion: Prepatching reduced paramedic in-hospital time for emergent interfacility transports. Although the clinical impact of this reduction in time is uncertain, prepatching may serve in facilitating shared mental modeling between paramedics and TMPs which may be beneficial to patient safety and team performance.
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Calcium Channel Blocker Intoxication: A Critical Care Transport Perspective. Air Med J 2020; 40:69-72. [PMID: 33455631 DOI: 10.1016/j.amj.2020.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) have seen an increase in rate of non-therapeutic exposure that is both accidental and intentional in nature. Patients experiencing the toxic effects of a CCB overdose are resource intensive and can quickly outstrip the capabilities of local health systems, necessitating transfer to larger tertiary or quaternary care centers. We present a case of intentional non-dihydropyridine CCB overdose and toxicity in a 20-year-old patient requiring initial stabilization at a referring critical access emergency department with continuation of treatment and support during a 60-minute rotor wing transport from the referring hospital to an academic quaternary care center. Emphasis is placed on the unique challenges in resuscitation and ongoing critical care administration during the transport phase of care. Proper stabilization of patients, planning, and consideration of potential problems associated with transport can help minimize stresses and risk of the transport, improving the outcome of extremely ill patients even under challenging circumstances.
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Edwards KH, FitzGerald G, Franklin RC, Edwards MT. Measuring More than Mortality: A scoping review of air ambulance outcome measures in a combined Institutes of Medicine and Donabedian quality framework. Australas Emerg Care 2020; 24:147-159. [PMID: 33246773 DOI: 10.1016/j.auec.2020.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Measuring the performance of air ambulance services are complex and dynamic due to the variability and interconnectedness of emergency systems. The aim of this study is to review the range and nature of air ambulance outcome measures published in peer review articles and construct a quality framework based on the results. A scoping review of the literature was conducted to identify outcome measures that evaluate the quality of air ambulance services. Combined frameworks from the Institutes of Medicine (IOM) and Dr. Avedia Donabedian were used to create a dashboard structure for a framework of air ambulance outcome measures. METHODS A literature search strategy was undertaken, following PRISMA-ScR guidelines and included eight databases over the period 2001-2019. Qualitative content analysis was conducted in 4-phases: 1) table summary of selected article outcome measures, 2) content analysis themes, codes of outcome measures and independent variables 3) narrative description of main themes 4) visual dashboard diagram of service priorities and quality strategies, based on the findings. RESULTS Thirty-four articles were screened by full text and eighteen met the selection criteria. Twenty codes emerged and were grouped to form eight consistent outcome themes; asset/ team type, access to definitive interventions, prehospital factors, mortality, morbidity, responsiveness of service, accessibility of service and patient disposition. CONCLUSIONS A quality framework consisting of eight outcome measures was created, it also identified seven gaps which ordinarily require performance evaluation; patient comfort and satisfaction reporting, cultural awareness training, safety alarms in place to identify volume stress, optimal coordination of resources, cost of service analysis, comprehensive patient journey time and an adaptive referral system analysis. The measures in the framework provide a broad perspective of air ambulance performance we believe will help decision-making and planning to improve patients experience and outcomes.
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Simulation study on flow rate accuracy of infusion pumps in vibration conditions during emergency patient transport. J Clin Monit Comput 2020; 35:1253-1261. [PMID: 33159269 DOI: 10.1007/s10877-020-00588-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Infusion pumps are frequently used when transferring critically ill patients via patient transport cart, ambulance, or helicopter. However, the performance of various infusion pumps under these circumstances has not been explored. The aim of this study was to evaluate the flow rate accuracy of infusion pumps under various clinical vibration conditions. Experiments were conducted with four different types of pumps, including two conventional syringe pumps (Injectomat MC Agilia, Fresenius Kabi and TE-331, Terumo), one conventional peristaltic pump (Volumed μVP7000; Arcomed), and one new cylinder pump (H-100, Meinntech). The flow rate was measured using an infusion pump analyzer on a stable table (0 m/s2) for 1 h with 1 ml/h and 5 ml/h. Experiments were repeated in mild vibration (2 m/s2) (representing vibration of patients in a moving stretcher or ambulance), and in moderate vibration (6 m/s2) (representing vibration in helicopter transport). Any accidental bolus occurrence in extreme vibration situations (20 m/s2) was also analyzed. Simulated vibrations were reproduced by a custom-made vibration table. In the resting state without vibration and in mild vibration conditions, all pumps maintained good performance. However, in moderate vibration, flow rates in syringe pumps increased beyond their known error ranges, while flow rates in peristaltic pumps remained stable. In extreme vibration, accidental fluid bolus occurred in syringe pumps but not in peristaltic pumps. The newly developed cylinder pump maintained stable performance and was unaffected by external vibration environments.
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Usul E, Korkut S, Kayipmaz AE, Halici A, Kavalci C. The role of the quick sequential organ failure assessment score (qSOFA) and modified early warning score (MEWS) in the pre-hospitalization prediction of sepsis prognosis. Am J Emerg Med 2020; 41:158-162. [PMID: 33071081 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2020.09.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Many biomarkers and scoring systems to make clinical predictions about the prognosis of sepsis have been investigated. In this study, we aimed to assess the use of the quick sequential organ failure assessment score (qSOFA) and modified early warning score (MEWS) scoring systems in emergency health care services for sepsis to predict intensive care hospitalization and 28-day mortality. METHOD Patients who arrived by ambulance at the Emergency Department (ED) of Dışkapı YıldırımBeyazıt Training and Research Hospital between January 2017 and December 2019, and who were diagnosed with sepsis and admitted to the hospital were included in the study. Demographic data and physiological parameters from 112 ambulance case delivery forms were recorded.QSOFA and MEWS scores were calculated from vital parameters. RESULTS Of the 266 patients diagnosed with sepsis, 50% (n = 133) were female, and the mean age was 74.8 ± 13. The difference between the rate of intensive care (ICU) hospitalization and mortality for patients with a high MEWS and qSOFA score and patients whose MEWS and qSOFA score were lower was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). Thus, the criteria for MEWS and qSOFA could determine ICU hospitalization and early mortality. Those with a high MEWS value had a mortality rate approximately 1.24 times higher than those with a low MEWS value (p < 0.001, 95% CI: 1.110-1.385), while those with a high qSOFA score had a mortality rate approximately 2.0 times higher than those with a low qSOFA score (p < 0.001, 95% CI: 1.446-2.693). Those with a high MEWS were 1.34 times more likely than hose with a lower MEWS to require ICU hospitalization (p < 0.001, 95% CI: 1.1773-1.5131), while patients with a high qSOFA score were 3.21 times more likely than those with a lower qSOFA score to require ICU care (p < 0.001, 95% CI: 2.2289-4.6093). CONCLUSION Although qSOFA and MEWS are clinical scores used to identify septic patients outside the critical care unit, we believe that patients already diagnosed with sepsis can be assessed with qSOFA and MEWS prior to hospitalization to predict intensive care hospitalization and mortality. qSOFA was found be more valuable than MEWS in determining the prognosis of pre-hospitalization sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eren Usul
- Sincan Dr Nafiz Körez State Hospital, Department of Emergency, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Semih Korkut
- University of Health Sciences, Kartal Dr Lütfi Kırdar Training and Research Hospital, Department of Emergency, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Ali Halici
- Polatlı Duatepe State Hospital, Department of Emergency, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Cemil Kavalci
- University of Health Sciences, Dışkapı Yıldırım Beyazıt Training and Research Hospital, Department of Emergency, Ankara, Turkey
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Abstract
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a lifesaving therapy for severe respiratory and circulatory failure. It is best performed in high-volume centers to optimize resource utilization and outcomes. Regionalization of ECMO might require the implementation of therapy before and during transfer to the high-volume center. The aim of this international survey was to describe the manner in which interhospital ECMO transport care is organized at experienced centers. Fifteen mobile ECMO centers from nine countries participated in this survey. Seven (47%) of them operated under the "Hub-and-Spoke" model. Transport team composition varies from three to nine members, with at least one ECMO specialist (i.e., nurse or perfusionist) participating in all centers, although intensivists and surgeons were present in 69% and 50% of the teams, respectively. All centers responded that the final decision to initiate ECMO is multidisciplinary and made bedside at the referring hospital. Most centers (75%) have a quality control system; all teams practice simulation and water drills. Considering the variability in ECMO transport teams among experienced centers, continuous education, training and quality control within each organization itself are necessary to avoid adverse events and maintain a low mortality rate. A specific international ECMO Transport platform to share data, benchmark outcomes, promote standardization, and provide quality control is required.
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Anand AC, Nandi B, Acharya SK, Arora A, Babu S, Batra Y, Chawla YK, Chowdhury A, Chaoudhuri A, Eapen EC, Devarbhavi H, Dhiman RK, Datta Gupta S, Duseja A, Jothimani D, Kapoor D, Kar P, Khuroo MS, Kumar A, Madan K, Mallick B, Maiwall R, Mohan N, Nagral A, Nath P, Panigrahi SC, Pawar A, Philips CA, Prahraj D, Puri P, Rastogi A, Saraswat VA, Saigal S, Shalimar, Shukla A, Singh SP, Verghese T, Wadhawan M. Indian National Association for the Study of Liver Consensus Statement on Acute Liver Failure (Part-2): Management of Acute Liver Failure. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2020; 10:477-517. [PMID: 33029057 PMCID: PMC7527855 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2020.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute liver failure (ALF) is not an uncommon complication of a common disease such as acute hepatitis. Viral hepatitis followed by antituberculosis drug-induced hepatotoxicity are the commonest causes of ALF in India. Clinically, such patients present with appearance of jaundice, encephalopathy, and coagulopathy. Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and cerebral edema are central and most important clinical event in the course of ALF, followed by superadded infections, and determine the outcome in these patients. The pathogenesis of encephalopathy and cerebral edema in ALF is unique and multifactorial. Ammonia plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis, and several therapies aim to correct this abnormality. The role of newer ammonia-lowering agents is still evolving. These patients are best managed at a tertiary care hospital with facility for liver transplantation (LT). Aggressive intensive medical management has been documented to salvage a substantial proportion of patients. In those with poor prognostic factors, LT is the only effective therapy that has been shown to improve survival. However, recognizing suitable patients with poor prognosis has remained a challenge. Close monitoring, early identification and treatment of complications, and couseling for transplant form the first-line approach to manage such patients. Recent research shows that use of dynamic prognostic models is better for selecting patients undergoing liver transplantation and timely transplant can save life of patients with ALF with poor prognostic factors.
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Key Words
- ACLF, Acute on Chronic liver Failure
- AKI, Acute kidney injury
- ALF, Acute Liver Failure
- ALFED score
- ALT, alanine transaminase
- AST, aspartate transaminase
- CNS, central nervous system
- CT, Computerized tomography
- HELLP, Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets
- ICH, Intracrainial hypertension
- ICP, Intracrainial Pressure
- ICU, Intensive care unit
- INR, International normalised ratio
- LAD, Liver assist device
- LDLT, Living donor liver transplantation
- LT, Liver transplantation
- MAP, Mean arterial pressure
- MELD, model for end-stage liver disease
- MLD, Metabolic liver disease
- NAC, N-acetyl cysteine
- PALF, Pediatric ALF
- WD, Wilson's Disease
- acute liver failure
- artificial liver support
- liver transplantation
- plasmapheresis
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil C. Anand
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kaliga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, 751024, India
| | - Bhaskar Nandi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sarvodaya Hospital and Research Centre, Faridababd, Haryana, India
| | - Subrat K. Acharya
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, KIIT University, Patia, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751 024, India
| | - Anil Arora
- Institute of Liver Gastroenterology & Pancreatico Biliary Sciences, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi, 110 060, India
| | - Sethu Babu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, 500003, India
| | - Yogesh Batra
- Department of Gastroenterology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, SaritaVihar, New Delhi, 110 076, India
| | - Yogesh K. Chawla
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Kushabhadra Campus (KIIT Campus-5), Patia, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751 024, India
| | - Abhijit Chowdhury
- Department of Hepatology, School of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research, Kolkata, 700020, India
| | - Ashok Chaoudhuri
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant, Institute of Liver & Biliary Sciences, D-1 Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, India
| | - Eapen C. Eapen
- Department of Hepatology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Harshad Devarbhavi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, St. John's Medical College Hospital, Bangalore, 560034, India
| | - Radha K. Dhiman
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160 012, India
| | - Siddhartha Datta Gupta
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110 029, India
| | - Ajay Duseja
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160 012, India
| | - Dinesh Jothimani
- Institute of Liver Disease and Transplantation, Dr Rela Institute and Medical Centre, Chrompet, Chennai, 600044, India
| | | | - Premashish Kar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 201 012, India
| | - Mohamad S. Khuroo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dr Khuroo’ s Medical Clinic, Srinagar, Kashmir, India
| | - Ashish Kumar
- Institute of Liver Gastroenterology & Pancreatico Biliary Sciences, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi, 110 060, India
| | - Kaushal Madan
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Max Smart Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, New Delhi, India
| | - Bipadabhanjan Mallick
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, 751024, India
| | - Rakhi Maiwall
- Hepatology Incharge Liver Intensive Care, Institute of Liver & Biliary Sciences, D-1 Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, India
| | - Neelam Mohan
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Liver Transplantation, Medanta – the MedicityHospital, Sector – 38, Gurgaon, Haryana, India
| | - Aabha Nagral
- Department of Gastroenterology, Apollo and Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, 15, Dr Deshmukh Marg, Pedder Road, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400 026, India
| | - Preetam Nath
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kaliga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, 751024, India
| | - Sarat C. Panigrahi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kaliga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, 751024, India
| | - Ankush Pawar
- Liver & Digestive Diseases Institute, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Okhla Road, New Delhi, 110 025, India
| | - Cyriac A. Philips
- The Liver Unit and Monarch Liver Lab, Cochin Gastroenterology Group, Ernakulam Medical Centre, Kochi 682028, Kerala, India
| | - Dibyalochan Prahraj
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kaliga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, 751024, India
| | - Pankaj Puri
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Fortis Escorts Liver & Digestive Diseases Institute (FELDI), Fortis Escorts Hospital, Delhi, India
| | - Amit Rastogi
- Department of Liver Transplantation, Medanta – the MedicityHospital, Sector – 38, Gurgaon, Haryana, India
| | - Vivek A. Saraswat
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Raibareli Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226 014, India
| | - Sanjiv Saigal
- Department of Hepatology, Department of Liver Transplantation, India
| | - Shalimar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Human Nutrition Unit, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 29, India
| | - Akash Shukla
- Department of Gastroenterology, LTM Medical College & Sion Hospital, India
| | - Shivaram P. Singh
- Department of Gastroenterology, SCB Medical College, Dock Road, Manglabag, Cuttack, Odisha, 753 007, India
| | - Thomas Verghese
- Department of Gastroenterology, Government Medical College, Kozikhode, India
| | - Manav Wadhawan
- Institute of Liver & Digestive Diseases and Head of Hepatology & Liver Transplant (Medicine), BLK Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi, India
| | - The INASL Task-Force on Acute Liver Failure
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kaliga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, 751024, India
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sarvodaya Hospital and Research Centre, Faridababd, Haryana, India
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, KIIT University, Patia, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751 024, India
- Institute of Liver Gastroenterology & Pancreatico Biliary Sciences, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi, 110 060, India
- Department of Gastroenterology, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, 500003, India
- Department of Gastroenterology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, SaritaVihar, New Delhi, 110 076, India
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Kushabhadra Campus (KIIT Campus-5), Patia, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751 024, India
- Department of Hepatology, School of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research, Kolkata, 700020, India
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant, Institute of Liver & Biliary Sciences, D-1 Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, India
- Department of Hepatology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, St. John's Medical College Hospital, Bangalore, 560034, India
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160 012, India
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110 029, India
- Institute of Liver Disease and Transplantation, Dr Rela Institute and Medical Centre, Chrompet, Chennai, 600044, India
- Gleneagles Global Hospitals, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 201 012, India
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dr Khuroo’ s Medical Clinic, Srinagar, Kashmir, India
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Max Smart Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, New Delhi, India
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, 751024, India
- Hepatology Incharge Liver Intensive Care, Institute of Liver & Biliary Sciences, D-1 Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, India
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Liver Transplantation, Medanta – the MedicityHospital, Sector – 38, Gurgaon, Haryana, India
- Department of Gastroenterology, Apollo and Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, 15, Dr Deshmukh Marg, Pedder Road, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400 026, India
- Liver & Digestive Diseases Institute, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Okhla Road, New Delhi, 110 025, India
- The Liver Unit and Monarch Liver Lab, Cochin Gastroenterology Group, Ernakulam Medical Centre, Kochi 682028, Kerala, India
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Fortis Escorts Liver & Digestive Diseases Institute (FELDI), Fortis Escorts Hospital, Delhi, India
- Department of Liver Transplantation, Medanta – the MedicityHospital, Sector – 38, Gurgaon, Haryana, India
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Raibareli Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226 014, India
- Department of Hepatology, Department of Liver Transplantation, India
- Department of Gastroenterology and Human Nutrition Unit, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 29, India
- Department of Gastroenterology, LTM Medical College & Sion Hospital, India
- Department of Gastroenterology, SCB Medical College, Dock Road, Manglabag, Cuttack, Odisha, 753 007, India
- Department of Gastroenterology, Government Medical College, Kozikhode, India
- Institute of Liver & Digestive Diseases and Head of Hepatology & Liver Transplant (Medicine), BLK Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi, India
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Karlsson J, Eriksson T, Lindahl B, Schildmeijer K, Fridh I. Critical care nurses' lived experiences of interhospital intensive care unit-to-unit transfers: A phenomenological hermeneutical study. Intensive Crit Care Nurs 2020; 61:102923. [PMID: 32859478 DOI: 10.1016/j.iccn.2020.102923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore critical care nurses' lived experiences of transferring intensive care patients between hospitals. METHODS A phenomenological hermeneutic approach using data generated through individual interviews with 11 critical care registered nurses. SETTING Two general intensive care units in Sweden. FINDINGS Five themes were identified: it depends on me; your care makes a difference; being exposed; depending on interprofessional relationships; and sensing professional growth. These themes were synthesised into a comprehensive understanding showing how transferring intensive care patients between hospitals meant being on an ambivalent journey together with the patient but also on a journey within yourself in your own development and growth, where you, as a nurse, constantly are torn between contradictory feelings and experiences. CONCLUSION Interhospital intensive care unit-to-unit transfers can be a challenging task for critical care nurses but also an important opportunity for professional growth. During the transfer, nurses become responsible for the patient, their colleagues and the entire transfer process. In a time of an increasing number of interhospital intensive care unit-to-unit transfers, this study illuminates the risk for missed nursing care, showing that the critical care nurse has an important role in protecting the patient from harm and safeguarding dignified care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Karlsson
- Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, 501 90 Borås, Sweden. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4844-5266
| | - Thomas Eriksson
- Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, 501 90 Borås, Sweden
| | - Berit Lindahl
- Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, 501 90 Borås, Sweden
| | - Kristina Schildmeijer
- School of Health and Caring Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, 391 82 Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Isabell Fridh
- Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, 501 90 Borås, Sweden; Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Blå Stråket 5, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
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Abstract
Care for rural and urban surgical patients is increasingly more complex due to advancing knowledge and technology. Interhospital transfers occur in approximately 10% of index encounters at rural hospitals secondary to mismatch of patient needs and local resources. Due to the recent expansion of air transport to rural areas, distance and geography are less of a barrier. The interhospital transfer process is understudied and far from standardized. Interhospital transfer status is associated with increase in mortality, complications, length of stay, and costs. The cost, price to patients, and safety of air ambulance transports cannot be ignored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Conyers
- Department of Surgery, PeaceHealth Ketchikan, 3100 Tongass Avenue, Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA.
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Karlsson J, Eriksson T, Lindahl B, Fridh I. Family members' lived experiences when a loved one undergoes an interhospital intensive care unit-to-unit transfer: A phenomenological hermeneutical study. J Clin Nurs 2020; 29:3721-3730. [PMID: 32644235 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.15402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To reveal meanings of family members' lived experiences when a loved one undergoes an interhospital intensive care unit-to-unit transfer. BACKGROUND Interhospital intensive care unit-to-unit transfers take place between different hospitals and their respective intensive care units (ICUs). These types of transfers are an increasing phenomenon but are sparsely studied from the family members' perspective. Indeed, the patient's critical illness and care can have a major impact on family members. During the transfer process, there is a demand for the involved intensive care health personnel to make family members feel safe and cared for. DESIGN A qualitative design based on phenomenological hermeneutics. METHODS The study was conducted at two Swedish general ICUs. Data were generated through individual in-depth interviews with seven family members and analysed using a phenomenological hermeneutical approach. The Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research principles were applied in the conduct and reporting of this study. RESULTS Four themes that reveal meanings of family members' lived experiences were developed: losing your safe haven, dealing with uncertainty, carrying your own and others' burdens and a wish to be close. CONCLUSIONS The study reveals that an interhospital intensive care unit-to-unit transfer affects the whole family and is characterised by family members experiencing many negative feelings. The findings also illustrate that being a family member when a loved one is transferred means being exposed to the core existential elements of being human, such as loneliness and searching for meaning. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE The study highlights the importance of maintaining a family-centred approach during the transfer process. Our findings can provide deeper knowledge for intensive care health personnel, better preparing them for the delicate task of providing family-centred care during the interhospital intensive care unit-to-unit transfer process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Karlsson
- Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
| | - Thomas Eriksson
- Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
| | - Berit Lindahl
- Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden.,Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Isabell Fridh
- Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden.,Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Catalán-Ibars RM, Martín-Delgado MC, Puigoriol-Juvanteny E, Zapater-Casanova E, Lopez-Alabern M, Lopera-Caballero JL, González de Velasco JP, Coll-Solà M, Juanola-Codina M, Roger-Casals N. Incidents related to critical patient safety during in-hospital transfer. Med Intensiva 2020; 46:S0210-5691(20)30215-1. [PMID: 32682510 DOI: 10.1016/j.medin.2020.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the incidents related to patient safety (IRSP) and their risk factors during in-hospital transfer (IHT) of critical patients after the application of a protocol, and to evaluate safety during transfer using quality indicators. DESIGN A prospective, observational and non-intervention cohort study was carried out. SETTING A 10-bed multipurpose Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a second level university hospital. PATIENTS All IHTs of critical patients in the ICU for diagnostic tests and to the operating room between March 2011 and March 2017 were included in the study. MAIN MEASUREMENTS Demographic variables, patient severity, transfer priority, moment of the day, reason and type of transfer team. Pre-transport checklist items and IRSP were collected. A biannual analysis was made of quality indicators designed for IHT. RESULTS A total of 805 transfers were registered, mostly of an urgent nature (53.7%) and for diagnostic tests (77%). In turn, 112 transfers (13.9%) presented some type of IRSP; 54% related to the equipment and 30% related to team and organization. Adverse events occurred in 19 (2.4%) transfers. Risk factors identified in the multivariate analysis were mechanical ventilation and the transport team. The evolution of the indicators related to transport was significantly favorable. CONCLUSIONS After the application of an IHT protocol, IRSP are low. The main risk factor is invasive mechanical ventilation. The experience of the team performing IHT influences the detection of a greater number of incidents.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Catalán-Ibars
- Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, Hospital Universitario de Vic-Consorcio Hospitalario de Vic, España; Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud y Bienestar, Universidad de Vic-Central de CataluñaEspaña
| | - M C Martín-Delgado
- Servicio de Medicina Intensiva, Hospital Universitario de Torrejón, Madrid, España; Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (UFV), MadridEspaña.
| | - E Puigoriol-Juvanteny
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud y Bienestar, Universidad de Vic-Central de CataluñaEspaña; Transferencia de Conocimiento, Hospital Universitario de Vic-Consorcio Hospitalario de Vic, España
| | - E Zapater-Casanova
- Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, Hospital Universitario de Vic-Consorcio Hospitalario de Vic, España
| | - M Lopez-Alabern
- Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, Hospital Universitario de Vic-Consorcio Hospitalario de Vic, España
| | - J L Lopera-Caballero
- Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, Hospital Universitario de Vic-Consorcio Hospitalario de Vic, España
| | - J P González de Velasco
- Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, Hospital Universitario de Vic-Consorcio Hospitalario de Vic, España
| | - M Coll-Solà
- Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, Hospital Universitario de Vic-Consorcio Hospitalario de Vic, España
| | - M Juanola-Codina
- Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, Hospital Universitario de Vic-Consorcio Hospitalario de Vic, España
| | - N Roger-Casals
- Transferencia de Conocimiento, Hospital Universitario de Vic-Consorcio Hospitalario de Vic, España; Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Vic-Central de Cataluña, España
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Minin AS, Shen NP, Panov ID, Bem SA. [Influence of the blood gas composition and mechanical ventilation parameters of the medical evacuation prognosis of critically ill patients.]. Klin Lab Diagn 2020; 65:84-89. [PMID: 32159304 DOI: 10.18821/0869-2084-2020-65-2-84-89] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The clinical estimation of the state of patient is one of the basic components of the checking of the state of patient, but more precise and more objective indices today become necessary. The arterial blood gases analysis helps to select the optimum regime of mechanical ventilation. The medical evacuation of the critically ill patients frequently requires the correction of the parameters of respiratory support. The conducted investigations showed that the prognostics of unfavorable outcome within the first three days from the moment of the medical evacuation are hypercapnia, which exists during the process of evacuation in spite of the correction of the parameters of mechanical ventilation, reduction in the saturation of the arterial blood. The forecast of the medical evacuation is located as well in the direct correlation with the manifestation of acidosis, and at the moment of the completion of the transfer of the patient the greatest prognostic significance they possess the low level of the partial tension of oxygen in the artery. The application of a portable express- analyzer of blood gases permits implementation of correction parameters of respiratory support and to increase quality and safety of the medical evacuation of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Minin
- FGBOU VO Tyumen State Medical University, Department of obstetrics, gynecology and resuscitation with a course of clinical and laboratory diagnostics, 625023, Tyumen, Russia.,GBUS TO «Regional clinical hospital №1», 625032, Tyumen, Russia.,Territorial center of disaster medicine of Tyumen region, 625032, Tyumen, Russia
| | - N P Shen
- FGBOU VO Tyumen State Medical University, Department of obstetrics, gynecology and resuscitation with a course of clinical and laboratory diagnostics, 625023, Tyumen, Russia.,GBUS TO «Regional clinical hospital №1», 625032, Tyumen, Russia
| | - I D Panov
- FGBOU VO Tyumen State Medical University, Department of obstetrics, gynecology and resuscitation with a course of clinical and laboratory diagnostics, 625023, Tyumen, Russia.,GBUS TO «Regional clinical hospital №2», 625039, Tyumen, Russia
| | - S A Bem
- GBUS TO «Regional clinical hospital №1», 625032, Tyumen, Russia.,Territorial center of disaster medicine of Tyumen region, 625032, Tyumen, Russia
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Srithong K, Sindhu S, Wanitkun N, Viwatwongkasem C. Incidence and Risk Factors of Clinical Deterioration during Inter-Facility Transfer of Critically Ill Patients; a Cohort Study. ARCHIVES OF ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2020; 8:e65. [PMID: 33134961 PMCID: PMC7587985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Critically ill and injured patients are at a higher risk of developing clinical deterioration during inter-facility transfers. This study aimed to determine the incidence rate and risk factors of clinical deterioration among critically ill patients during inter-facility transfers in Thailand. METHODS The present cohort study was conducted in 22 referring hospitals and 7 receiving hospitals under the supervision of Ministry of Public Health, Thailand, between March 15 and December 31, 2018. The subjects were comprised of 839 critically ill patients aged 18 and over, 63 coordinator nurses in referral centers, and 312 referral team leaders. Data collected included pre-transfer risk score, clinical data of patient during transfer, characteristics of referral team leader, ambulance type, preparation time, time to definitive care, transfer distance, and National Early Warning Score (NEWS) (clinical deterioration). Multilevel mixed-effects regression analysis was performed. RESULTS The incidence rate of clinical deterioration was 28.69%. The most common types of clinical deterioration were hemodynamic instability, respiratory instability, and neurological alteration. Time between 31-45 minutes was significantly associated with clinical deterioration (β 0.133, P value 0.027). The following illnesses were associated with higher probability of clinical deterioration: body region injuries/head injury/burn/ingested poison (β 0.670, P value 0.030), respiratory distress/convulsion (β 0.919, P value 0.001), shock/ arrhythmias/chest pain/hemorrhage (β 1.134, P value <0.001), comatose/alteration of consciousness/syncope (β 1.343, P value <0.001), and post-cardiac arrest (β 2.251, P value <0.001). Patients with unstable conditions (β 1.689, P value 0.001) and pre-transfer risk score of 8 or higher (β 0.625, P value 0.001) had a higher rate of deterioration. Transfer by non- emergency room (ER) nurses (β 0.495, P value 0.008) and transportation in a mobile intensive care unit (ICU) were associated with a higher rate of deterioration (β 0.848, P value 0.001). CONCLUSION The incidence of clinical deterioration during inter-facility transfer in Thailand was high. Illnesses involving circulatory, respiratory, and neurological systems, clinical instability, high pre-transfer risk score, transport time of 31-45 minutes, transportation by non-ER nurse, and mobile ICU were associated with a higher rate of clinical deterioration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Siriorn Sindhu
- RN, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Surgical nursing, Faculty of Nursing,Mahidol University, Thailand.,Corresponding author: Siriorn Sindhu; Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. No. 2 Wang Lang Road, Siriraj, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok 10700, Thailand, , Phone: +668-1817-6060, Fax: +662-412-8415
| | - Napaporn Wanitkun
- RN, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Surgical nursing, Faculty of Nursing,Mahidol University, Thailand
| | - Chukiat Viwatwongkasem
- PhD, Associate Professor, Biostatistics Department, Faculty of Public Health,Mahidol University, Thailand
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Tette EMA, Nartey ET, Nuertey BD, Azusong EA, Akaateba D, Yirifere J, Alandu A, Seneadza NAH, Gandau NB, Renner LA. The pattern of neonatal admissions and mortality at a regional and district hospital in the Upper West Region of Ghana; a cross sectional study. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232406. [PMID: 32365073 PMCID: PMC7197810 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High global neonatal deaths have triggered efforts to improve facility-based care. However, the outcomes achievable at different levels of care are unclear. This study compared morbidity and mortality patterns of newborns admitted to a regional and a district hospital in Ghana to determine outcome, risk and modifiable factors associated with mortality. OBJECTIVE This study compared morbidity and mortality patterns of newborns admitted to a regional and a district hospital in Ghana to determine outcome, risk and modifiable factors associated with mortality. METHODS A cross-sectional study involving a records-review over one year at the Upper West Regional Hospital, and three years at St Joseph's District Hospital, Jirapa was carried out. Age, sex, gestational age, weight, duration of admission, diagnosis, among others were examined. The data were analysed and statistical inference made. RESULTS Altogether, 2004 newborns were examined, comprising 1,241(62%) from St Joseph's District Hospital and 763(38%) from Upper West Regional Hospital. The proportion of neonatal deaths was similar, 8.94% (St Joseph's District Hospital) and 8.91% (Upper West Regional Hospital). Prematurity, neonatal sepsis, birth asphyxia, low birth weight, neonatal jaundice and pneumonia contributed the most to mortality and suspected infections including malaria accounted for almost half (45.5%). Mortality was significantly associated with duration of stay of 48 hours, being premature, and being younger than 3 days. CONCLUSION Majority of the mortality among the neonates admitted was due to preventable causes. Better stabilization and further studies on the epidemiology of sepsis, prematurity, low birth weight, including the contribution of malaria to these and outcome of transferred neonates are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edem M. A. Tette
- Department of Community Health, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | - Edmund T. Nartey
- Centre for Tropical Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | - Benjamin D. Nuertey
- Department of Community Health, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
- Public Health Department, Tamale Teaching Hospital, Tamale, Ghana
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Naa Barnabas Gandau
- Upper West Regional Hospital, Wa, Ghana
- School of Medical Sciences, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Lorna A. Renner
- Department of Child Health, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
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Chaichotjinda K, Chantra M, Pandee U. Assessment of interhospital transport care for pediatric patients. Clin Exp Pediatr 2020; 63:184-188. [PMID: 31477679 PMCID: PMC7254177 DOI: 10.3345/kjp.2019.00024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many critically ill patients require transfer to a higher-level hospital for complex medical care. Despite the publication of the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for pediatric interhospital transportation services and the establishment of many pediatric transport programs, adverse events during pediatric transport still occur. PURPOSE To determine the incidence of adverse events occurring during pediatric transport and explore their complications and risk factors. METHODS This prospective observational study explored the adverse events that occurred during the interhospital transport of all pediatric patients referred to the pediatric intensive care unit of Ramathibodi Hospital between March 2016 and June 2017. RESULTS There were 122 pediatric transports to the unit. Adverse events occurred in 25 cases (22%). Physiologic deterioration occurred in 15 patients (60%). Most issues (11 events) involved circulatory problems causing patient hypotension and poor tissue perfusion requiring fluid resuscitation or inotropic administration on arrival at the unit. Respiratory complications were the second most common cause (4 events). Equipmentrelated adverse events occurred in 5 patients (20%). The common causes were accidental extubation and endotracheal tube displacement. Five patients had both physiologic deterioration and equipment-related adverse events. Regarding transport personnel, the group without complications more often had a physician escort than the group with complications (92% vs. 76%; relative risk, 2.4; P=0.028). CONCLUSION The incidence of adverse events occurring during the transport of critically ill pediatric patients was 22%. Most events involved physiological deterioration. Escort personnel maybe the key to preventing and appropriately monitoring complications occurring during transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krittiya Chaichotjinda
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Marut Chantra
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Uthen Pandee
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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49
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Edwards KH, FitzGerald G, Franklin RC, Edwards MT. Air ambulance outcome measures using Institutes of Medicine and Donabedian quality frameworks: protocol for a systematic scoping review. Syst Rev 2020; 9:72. [PMID: 32241304 PMCID: PMC7118977 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-020-01316-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dedicated air ambulance services provide a vital link for critically ill and injured patients to higher levels of care. The recent developments of pre-hospital and retrieval medicine create an opportunity for air ambulance providers and policy-makers to utilize a dashboard of quality performance measures to assess service performance. The objective of this scoping systematic review will be to identify and evaluate the range of air ambulance outcome measures reported in the literature and help to construct a quality dashboard based on a healthcare quality framework. METHODS We will search PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (from January 2001 onwards). Complementary searches will be conducted in selected relevant journals. We will include systematic reviews and observational studies (cohort, cross-sectional, interrupted time series) in critically ill or injured patients published in English and focusing on air ambulance delivery and quality measures. Two reviewers will independently screen all citations, full-text articles, and abstract data. The study methodological quality (or bias) will be appraised using appropriate tools. Analysis of the characteristics associated with outcome measure will be mapped and described according to the proposed healthcare quality framework. DISCUSSION This review will contribute to the development of an air ambulance quality dashboard designed to combine multiple quality frameworks. Our findings will provide a basis for helping decision-making in health planning and policy. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42019144652.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin H Edwards
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, 1 James Cook Drive, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Gerard FitzGerald
- Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Rd, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Richard C Franklin
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, 1 James Cook Drive, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mark Terrell Edwards
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, 1 James Cook Drive, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- LifeFlight Retrieval Medicine Australia, Edward Street, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Queensland Health, Emergency Medicine Department Rockhampton, Rockhampton Base Hospital, Canning Street, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia
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Safety of inter-hospital transfer of patients with acute ischemic stroke for evaluation of endovascular thrombectomy. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5655. [PMID: 32221353 PMCID: PMC7101346 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62528-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Stroke networks facilitate access to endovascular treatment (EVT) for patients with ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion. In this study we aimed to determine the safety of inter-hospital transfer and included all patients with acute ischemic stroke who were transferred within our stroke network for evaluation of EVT between 06/2016 and 12/2018. Data were derived from our prospective EVT database and transfer protocols. We analyzed major complications and medical interventions associated with inter-hospital transfer. Among 615 transferred patients, 377 patients (61.3%) were transferred within our telestroke network and had transfer protocols available (median age 76 years [interquartile range, IQR 17], 190 [50.4%] male, median baseline NIHSS score 17 [IQR 8], 246 [65.3%] drip-and-ship i.v.-thrombolysis). No patient suffered from cardio-respiratory failure or required emergency intubation or cardiopulmonary resuscitation during the transfer. Among 343 patients who were not intubated prior departure, 35 patients (10.2%) required medical interventions during the transfer. The performance of medical interventions was associated with a lower EVT rate and higher mortality at three months. In conclusion, the transfer of acute stroke patients for evaluation of EVT was not associated with major complications and transfer-related medical interventions were required in a minority of patients.
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