As healthcare organizations prioritize timely and accurate care delivery, it’s sometimes necessary to transport patients from one area to another. However, this can pose risks to patient safety and quality of care. In this blog post, we’ll explore the distinction between intra- and inter-hospital transport and the importance of safe patient transport.
Introduction
The goal of healthcare organizations is to provide accurate and timely care in the safest and most efficient manner possible. However, sometimes it’s necessary to move patients from one area to another, which can pose risks to patient safety. One area of interest in this regard is the distinction between intra- and inter-hospital transport.
Intra-Hospital Transport
Intra-hospital transport refers to the transportation of patients from one space to another within the hospital. This can involve moving patients to and from the emergency department, operating room, radiology department, and other areas of the hospital. As Knight et al. (2015) note, this type of transport is common in hospitals and is essential for providing timely and appropriate care to patients. However, it can also pose risks to patient safety if it’s not managed properly.
Interfacility Patient Transport
Interfacility patient transport, on the other hand, refers to the transportation of patients from one healthcare facility to another. This can include transporting patients from a hospital to a rehabilitation center or nursing home or from a long-term care facility to a hospital. As Haque, Derksen Caldao, and Foster (2015) note, interfacility patient transport is a complex process that requires careful planning to ensure patient safety and quality of care.
Importance of Safe Patient Transport
Both intra- and inter-hospital transport are important for providing timely and appropriate care to patients. However, they also pose risks to patient safety if they’re not managed properly. As Schram et al. (2016) note, healthcare organizations must prioritize patient safety and quality of care when transporting patients. This requires careful planning, communication, and collaboration among healthcare providers and transport teams.
Conclusion
In summary, the distinction between intra- and inter-hospital transport is an important area of interest in healthcare. While both types of transport are necessary for timely and appropriate patient care, they also pose risks to patient safety and quality of care. Healthcare organizations must prioritize patient safety and quality of care when transporting patients, which requires careful planning, communication, and collaboration among healthcare providers and transport teams.
Resources
- Knight, J., et al. “Intra-hospital transport of critically ill patients: Expectations versus reality.” Critical Care 19.1 (2015): 1-7.
- Haque, M., Derksen Caldao, K., & Foster, S. (2015). Interfacility patient transport: Current practices and future directions. Journal of Healthcare Transportation, 3(1), 17-26.
- Schram, A. P., et al. “A framework for patient safety in emergency medical services.” Prehospital Emergency Care 20.1 (2016): 33-44.
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