Guidelines for the inter- and intrahospital transport of critically ill patients /

Abstract

These practice guidelines were developed by a task force of critical care experts under the American College of Critical Care Medicine to provide structured recommendations for the safe transport of critically ill patients both within (intrahospital) and between (interhospital) healthcare facilities. The recommendations are based on a comprehensive literature search from 1986 to 2001 combined with expert opinion, given the limited prospective outcome data available. The guidelines emphasize that transporting critically ill patients carries inherent risks and that each institution should implement a formal transport plan that includes: pretransport coordination and communication, appropriately trained personnel, necessary transport equipment, vigilant physiologic monitoring, and thorough documentation. The plan should be developed by a multidisciplinary team and regularly evaluated and refined through quality improvement processes. Safe patient transfer relies on organized procedures supported by appropriate personnel and equipment, and transport decisions should balance potential benefits against risks.