Transfer of critically ill adults—assessing the need for training

Background: Transfer of critically ill patients within the hospital is commonly associated with adverse incidents, but, despite this, no standardised training exists on how to carry out this task. Very little information is published in the literature on the learning needs of staff undertaking these transfers, and this limits our ability to provide a focused and appropriate educational intervention. Aims: This study aimed to explore the organisational, environmental and individual issues that increase risk to patients during intrahospital transport (IHT) and to explore the potential educational solutions to these issues as articulated by these practitioners. Methods: This qualitative descriptive study was conducted in an Irish tertiary hospital critical care unit. Semi-structured interviews were conducted on critical care practitioners until data saturation was achieved. After manual transcription of the data, they were then analysed to identify themes. Results: Two themes emerged: challenges related to intrahospital transport and plans to improve intrahospital transport. Conclusions: Organisational, communication and individual issues need to be considered when addressing problems associated with IHT. A multifaceted approach is needed, with a focus on organisational solutions in the form of checklists as well as educational interventions such as interprofessional education initiatives. Further studies on implementation of educational initiatives will add to the findings we report here.