Efficient Transfer of Patients with Critical Illnesses from General Wards to Intensive Care Units

Transferring patients with critical illnesses from general wards to intensive care units (ICUs) is a crucial and time-sensitive process. This article presents strategies for improving the efficiency of patient transfers, particularly in hospitals where intensive care units are located in buildings separate from general wards. Patient transfers comprise several steps: physicians issue orders, relatives are notified, equipment is prepared, and medical staff coordinate. We identified three factors that influence transfer time: preparation time for bed transfer, time required for shift handovers, and time required for between-ward patient movement. Unfamiliarity with transfer routes and long elevator wait times were factors that also influenced transfer time. The following strategies were proposed: develop a standardized material checklist, design key notes for patient transfers, and optimize transfer routes. These strategies reduced transfer times by 40% to 43%. This study demonstrates that by addressing logistical challenges and streamlining relevant procedures, hospitals can enhance safety and quality of care during patient transfers.