Interfacility Transfer of Emergency Care Patients Position Statement-Interfacility Transfer of Emergency Care Patients Position Statement

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Interfacility transfer of emergency care patients refers to the movement of a patient from one healthcare facility to another. This may be necessary when a patient requires specialized care or a higher level of treatment. However, transferring a patient comes with potential risks to patient and staff safety, such as clinical deterioration, transport delays, miscommunication, equipment failure, and accidents during transport.<br /><br />To ensure safe and effective transfers, the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) has outlined several key positions. These include advocating for patient transfers that promote well-being and optimal outcomes, adhering to federal regulations, ensuring transfers are conducted by trained and competent personnel, implementing transfer protocols and agreements for safe handoffs, and advocating for further research and collaboration to improve patient care during transfers.<br /><br />The composition of interfacility transport teams can vary, but it is important to have personnel with the necessary training to manage patients in out-of-hospital environments. Advanced education may be required for certain providers to assist or cover for others during transport. Specialized transport teams, such as the Air and Surface Transport Nurses Association (ASTNA), ensure that nurses are adequately prepared to provide exceptional care during transport.<br /><br />Costs associated with interfacility transfers can vary depending on the mode of transport, but there are currently no clear guidelines regarding team selection or mode of transport based on patient condition. However, the use of tools like the Transport Triage Tool (TTT) may help guide team selection and transport mode in the future.<br /><br />Collaboration among peer groups and specialty organizations, such as ASTNA and ENA, is crucial for patient safety and future research. Education and resources, like the Inter Facility Transport Toolkit for the Pediatric Patient, have been developed collaboratively to improve the transfer process.<br /><br />In conclusion, interfacility transfer of patients is a complex process that requires ongoing collaboration, research, and training. Implementing best practices and utilizing resources can help ensure safe and effective transfers that prioritize patient well-being.

Meta Tag

interfacility transfer discharge

interfacility transfer transport

interfacility transfer report

interfacility transfer communication

interfacility transfer stabilization

interfacility transfer handoff

interfacility transfer hand off

Keywords

Interfacility transfer

Emergency care patients

Specialized care

Higher level of treatment

Patient and staff safety

Clinical deterioration

Transport delays

Miscommunication

Equipment failure

Accidents during transport