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BACKGROUND: Critical patients may experience various adverse events during transportation within hospitals. Therefore, quickly evaluating and classifying patients before transporting them from the emergency department and focusing on managing high-risk patients are critical. At present, no unified classification method exists; all the current approaches are subjective. AIMS: To ensure transportation safety, we conducted a cluster analysis of critically ill patients transferred from the emergency department to the intensive care unit. STUDY DESIGN: Single-centre cohort study. This study was conducted at a comprehensive first-class teaching hospital in Beijing. Convenience sampling and continuous enrolment were employed. We collected data from 1 January 2019, to 31 December 2021. All patients were transferred from the emergency department to the intensive care unit, and cluster analysis was conducted using five variables. RESULTS: A total of 584 patients were grouped into three clusters. Cluster 1 (high systolic blood pressure group) included 208 (35.6%) patients. Cluster 2 (high heart rate and low blood oxygen group) included 55 (9.4%) patients. Cluster 3 (normal group) included the remaining 321 (55%) patients. The oxygen saturation levels of all the patients were lower after transport, and the proportion of adverse events (61.8%) was the highest in Cluster 2 (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: This study utilized data on five important vital signs from a cluster analysis to explore possible patient classifications and provide a reference for ensuring transportation safety. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Before transferring patients, we should classify them and implement targeted care. Changes in blood oxygen levels in all patients should be considered, with a focus on the occurrence of adverse events during transportation among patients with high heart rates and low blood oxygen levels.

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AIMS: To explore the knowledge, attitudes and practice status of the intrahospital transport (IHT) of critically ill patients among clinical nurses and their influencing factors. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: A questionnaire determined the nurses' knowledge, attitudes and practice scores. The questionnaire was used for data collection in a tertiary hospital from 10 January to 17 January 2023. Multivariate regression analysis was also used to evaluate the related factors of IHT of critically ill patients in different dimensions. RESULTS: Out of 670 distributed questionnaires, 612 nurses returned the completed questionnaire. The scores of KAP were (9.72 ± 1.61), (42.91 ± 4.58) and (82.84 ± 1.61), respectively. Pearson's correlation analysis showed that knowledge, attitude and behaviour scores were positively correlated. Variables that were associated with the scores of transfer knowledge were the scores of transfer practice, different departments and the scores of transfer attitude. The score of practice, number of IHT and received hospital-level training had statistical significance on the nurses' attitude scores. Furthermore, the score of the attitude and transport knowledge had statistical significance on the nurses' practice. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate a clear need for clinical nurses' knowledge of IHT of critically ill patients, especially in the emergency department (ED) and ICU. In addition, nurses need to be more active in transporting critically ill patients. Managers should enhance nurses' confidence in the IHT of critically ill patients and promote clinical nurses to establish a correct and positive attitude. IMPACT: The findings of this study benefit nursing managers in understanding the current situation of IHT of critically ill patients. Managers should apply new training methods to nursing education and develop a multi-level training program that is systematic, comprehensive and demand-oriented. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: The participants of this study were nurses and this contribution has been explained in the Data collection section. There was no patient contribution in this study.

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BACKGROUND: Intrahospital transport of critically ill patients is a common practice in intensive care units (ICUs), where patients' safety is constantly challenged in high-intensity and dynamic environments. While Intrahospital Transport Safety Scale (IHTSS) is widely used internationally to evaluate the intrahospital transport safety, it has not been introduced in China. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the IHTSS scale among critical care nurses in China. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a cluster sampling method. A total of 544 critical care nurses from 25 ICUs in 10 tertiary hospitals were recruited. We employed exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to examine the questionnaire's underlying factor structure, ensuring construct validity. Additionally, internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, test-retest reliability, and corrected item-total correlation. RESULTS: The Chinese version of the scale displayed robust psychometric properties, with a Cronbach's α coefficient of 0.976, a split-half reliability of 0.906, and a test-retest reliability of 0.856. EFA revealed a robust four-factor model that accounted for 75.970% of the variance, with the factor loadings of the items ranging from 0.433 to 0.951. CFA indicated a strong model fit, with a chi-square to degrees of freedom ratio (CMIN/DF) of 2.765, comparative fit index (CFI) of 0.943, incremental fit index (IFI) of 0.943, and goodness-of-fit index (GFI) of 0.845, supporting the efficacy of the four-factor model in assessing intrahospital transport safety for critically ill patients. CONCLUSION: The Chinese version of the IHTSS demonstrated favourable reliability and validity among critical care nurses in China, making it a suitable tool for measuring the level of intrahospital transport safety for critically ill patients.

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INTRODUCTION: Currently, in intensive care units (ICUs), the in-hospital transport (HIT) of patients is carried out without a unified criterion of personnel necessary for it. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the concordance of the Patient Assessment System for Transport-ICU (PAST-ICU) with the medical criteria (CM) to determine the Human Resources (HR) and identify Adverse Effects (AE). METHODS: Descriptive, cross-sectional and prospective study of the IHT of patients admitted to an area of adult medical-surgical critical patients. The PAST-ICU instrument was created to recommend the HR of HIT. Through the assessment of clinical parameters, the Past-ICU indicates whether the HIT should be performed with (1) a stretcher-bearer (2) Stretcher-bearer/nurse or (3) stretcher-bearer/nurse/doctor. AE were recorded during the hospital transfer. Prior to the IHT, the nurse performed the PAST-ICU and the result was contrasted with the Medical Criteria (MC) responsible for the patient, the latter prevailing. STUDY PERIOD: Phase 1: pilot test 2013-2014. Phase 2: 2015-2021. VARIABLES: Reason and duration HIT, PAST-ICU sheet, checklist, AE. RESULTS: Phase 1: 458 IHT were analyzed. The concordance index between the PAST-ICU and the MC was 84,9% (389 IHT). The Cohen Kappa of 58,5% and p < 0,001. There were a total of 16 AE. Phase 2: 3423 IHT. The Concordance index of 87,2% (2984 TIH). The Cohen Kappa of 63%and the P < 0,001. Registered 49 AE. CONCLUSION: The PAST-ICU could be a useful, safe and reliable tool to adapt the necessary HR. There was good concordance between the PAST-ICU vs the MC to determine the HR in the HIT. The percentage of AE was low.

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BACKGROUND: Intrahospital transport (IHT) is often performed by nurse anaesthetists and specialist intensive care nurses. Studies have shown that IHT increases the risk of mortality and morbidity, with up to 71% negative incidents. Using checklists when preparing for an IHT is important. Several international guidelines exist to ensure IHT safety and reduce the risk of complications. However, existing guidelines are often problematic in clinical practice. AIM: This study aimed to describe the experiences of nurse anaesthetists and specialized intensive care nurses during the IHT of adult patients with critical illnesses. STUDY DESIGN: This study adopted a mixed-methods approach. METHODS: Data were collected through a questionnaire completed by 66 nurses with specialist education in anaesthesia or intensive care. The data were analysed with qualitative content analysis, and the quantitative data were analysed with descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Two categories with two subcategories each emerged from the analysis of the responses of nurse anaesthetists and specialist intensive care nurses regarding their IHT experiences: creating good circumstances (subcategories: being risk-conscious and the importance of meticulous preparations) and the importance of routines and education (subcategories: following guidelines and having adequate training). CONCLUSION: IHT was described as a high risk for patient safety and complications. Routines with good compliance and education can positively impact patient safety during IHT. Checklists and scenario training can better prepare nurse anaesthetists and specialist intensive care nurses to manage complications that may arise during IHT, resulting in safer patient care. RELEVANCE FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE: The findings underscore the importance of written guidelines for IHT, emphasizing awareness and adherence by the entire team. Careful pre-IHT preparations, coupled with an understanding of potential risks, are vital for ensuring patient safety. Clinical training and discussions following incidents during IHT play a crucial role in raising the collective awareness of patient safety within the entire team. Written guidelines about IHT are of utmost importance, and everyone in the team should be aware of and follow the guidelines. It is important to make careful preparations before IHT and to be aware of the possible risks to patient safety. Clinical training and discussions about IHT where patient safety has been impaired are important to increase the whole team's awareness of patient safety during IHT.

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BACKGROUND: Patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) often necessitate intra-hospital transport (IHT) during intensive care treatment. These transfers to facilities outside of the neurointensive care unit (NICU) pose challenges due to the inherent instability of the hemodynamic, respiratory, and neurological parameters that are typical in these patients. METHODS: In this retrospective, single-center cohort study, a total of 108 IHTs were analyzed for demographics, transport rationale, clinical outcomes, and pre/post-IHT monitoring parameters. After establishing clinical thresholds, the frequency of complications was calculated, and predictors of thresholds violations were determined. RESULTS: The mean age was 55.7 (+/-15.3) years, with 68.0% showing severe SAH (World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Scale 5). IHTs with an emergency indication made up 30.8% of all transports. Direct therapeutic consequences from IHT were observed in 38.5%. On average, the first IHT occurred 1.5 (+/-2.0) days post-admission and patients were transported 4.3 (+/-1.8) times during their stay in the NICU. Significant parameter changes from pre- to post-IHT included mean arterial pressure, systolic blood pressure, oxygen saturation, blood glucose levels, temperature, dosages of propofol and ketamine, tidal volume, inspired oxygen concentration, Horovitz index, glucose, pH, intracranial pressure, and cerebral perfusion pressure. Relevant hemodynamic thresholds were violated in 31.5% of cases, while respiratory complications occurred in 63.9%, and neurological complications in 20.4%. For hemodynamic complications, a low heart rate with a threshold of 61/min (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.93-0.99, p = 0.0165) and low doses of midazolam with a threshold of 17.5 mg/h (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95-1.00, p = 0.0232) significantly predicted adverse events. However, the model did not identify significant predictors for respiratory and neurological outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Conclusively, IHTs in SAH patients are associated with relevant changes in hemodynamic, respiratory, and neurological monitoring parameters, with direct therapeutic consequences in 4/10 IHTs. These findings underscore the importance of further studies on the clinical impact of IHTs.

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How to cite this article: Juneja D, Nasa P. Intrahospital Transport of Critically Ill Patients: Safety First. Indian J Crit Care Med 2023;27(9):613-615.

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Background: Critically ill patients are frequently transported to various locations within the hospital for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, which increases the risk of adverse events (AEs). This multicenter prospective observational study was undertaken to determine the incidence of AEs related to intrahospital transport, their severity, and their effects on patient outcomes. Patients and methods: We included consecutive unstable critically ill patients requiring intrahospital transport, across 15 Indian tertiary care centers over 5 months (October 11, 2022-February 20, 2023). Apart from the demographics and severity of illness, data related to transport itself, such as indications and destination, incidence of AEs, their category and treatment required, and patient outcomes, were recorded in a standard form. Results: Eight hundred and ninety-three patients were transported on 1065 occasions out of the intensive care unit (ICU). The mean (SD) acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II score of the patients was 15.38 (±7.35). One hundred and two AEs occurred, wherein cardiovascular instability was the most common occurrence (31, 30.4%). Two patients had cardiac arrest immediately after transport. Acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II [odds ratio (OR): 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) - 1.00-1.05, p = 0.04], emergent transport (OR: 5.11, 95% CI - 3.32-7.88, p = 0.00), and team composition (OR: 5.34, 95% CI - 1.63-17.5, p = 0.00) during transport were found to be independent predictors of AEs. Conclusion: We found a high incidence of AEs during intrahospital transport of critically ill patients. These events were more common during emergent transports and when the patients were transported by doctors. Transport by itself was not related to ICU mortality. We feel that stabilization of the patients before transport and adherence to a standardized protocol may help in minimizing the AEs, thereby enhancing patient safety. How to cite this article: Zirpe KG, Tiwari AM, Kulkarni AP, Govil D, Dixit SB, Munjal M, et al. Adverse Events during Intrahospital Transport of Critically Ill Patients: A Multicenter, Prospective, Observational Study (I-TOUCH Study). Indian J Crit Care Med 2023;27(9):635-641.

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Background Mass transport of neonates is required in cases of disasters and calamities such as fire. It may also be required when there is a need for the upgradation of infrastructure. Neonatal transport even for a short period is a period of stress for the neonate. Mass transport of neonates needs much planning, and even after diligent planning, may result in the destabilization of neonates. Objectives The objectives of this study were to assess the impact of mass intrahospital neonatal transport on the vital parameters of neonates, the occurrence of any adverse event during transport. To study the frequency of adverse events in mass intrahospital neonatal transport and factors related to it. Materials and methods This was a retrospective observational study on a cohort of 16 neonates who were transported to an alternate site in the hospital so that renovation and upscaling of the infrastructure of the newborn intensive care unit (NICU) could be undertaken. Site selection, preparation, and transport details were observed. Vital parameters pre and post-transport were noted, and the occurrence of adverse events during transport was documented and analyzed. Results Sixteen neonates were transported over a span of 90 minutes with a mean travel time of 5.62±3.03 minutes. There was a statistically significant rise in the heart rate of the neonates post transport (137.7±8.51vs 141.3±9.01, p-value .00769) though not clinically significant. Six point two-five percent (6.25%) of neonates deteriorated post transport and needed extra efforts for stabilization. Equipment malfunction was responsible for deterioration. Conclusion Unforeseen events can occur during neonatal transport. Despite adequate planning, preparation, and care during transport, it remains a period of stress for a neonate.

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AIMS: To describe adult intensive care nurses' experiences and attitudes towards intrahospital transport (IHT) of critically ill patients and to assess the relationship between nurses' characteristics, attitudes and experiences. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. METHODS: Factor analysis identified factors within the attitudinal and experience domains. Univariate analysis was performed to demonstrate the relationship between attitudinal and experience factors and demographic and professional characteristics of the participants. Multiple regression equations were applied to determine associations between nurses' experiences and attitudes. The study took place from July to August 2019. RESULTS: A total of 480 nurses from 12 adult intensive care units in China participated, with a response rate of 65%. Most respondents had a baccalaureate nursing degree (75%). The majority (80%) had participated in IHT of critically ill more than five times in the previous 12 months and 90% agreed that checklists led to an improvement in patient safety during transport. However, 75% of respondents expressed that transport increased the workload of the nurses who accompany patients off unit and those who remained in the intensive care unit (66%). Variables that were associated with a favourable perception of transport competency and checklists/tool use were nurses' prior transport experiences and knowledge/training. CONCLUSION: Nurses perceived IHT was a sourse of stress and increased workload. Checklists and training were beneficial for patient safety during IHT. IMPACT: The findings point out a clear need for ICU nurse training, standardised policy/procedure and customisation of existing intrahospital transfer checklists according to hospital procedures and local circumstances. New research is needed to evaluate the impact of novel IHT interventions on patient safety and nurses' stress.

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AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore the effects of the health failure mode and effect analysis (HFMEA) used in intrahospital transport (IHT) of critically ill patients from emergency department (ED) to the intensive care unit (ICU). BACKGROUND: Patients who were transported from ED to ICU is highly critical. IHT of these patients is potentially risky, which may associate with adverse events (AEs). The concern of safe IHT can be addressed by performing proactive risk assessments using HFMEA and implementing the findings after the ED of our hospital being reconstructed. DESIGN: A qualitative action research study combined with a quantitative cross-sectional method. METHODS: According to the HFMEA method, the failure modes of IHT were identified and analysed, and the effect of alterations was verified. We built a project team, drawn up a IHT flow chart, defined steps of IHT, classified the failure modes, calculated risk priority number and analysed by the decision tree, then formulated an action plan and verified the effects of the alterations. Incidence of AEs of transport was compared before and after HFMEA.SQUIRE 2.0 checklist was chosen on reporting the study process. RESULTS: The HFMEA outlined a total of 5 major steps and 16 sub-steps in the IHT process. From this, 64 potential failure modes were identified, with 17 modes having a RPN score higher than 8. Determined by the decision tree, there were 20 priority control failure modes, of which 16 involved 8 IHT alterations. Notable work-flow alterations included use of a three-stage hierarchical transport strategy based on patients' condition assisted by the intelligent assessment system. Incidence of AEs was significantly decreased from 19.64% to 7.14% after the implementation of HFMEA (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Application of the HFMEA in optimising IHT process can improve the safety of transportation, which is worthy of promotion. Hierarchical transport scheme can reduce the incidence of AEs in IHT of critical emergency patients, which mainly includes the integration and construction of the transport team, equipment configuration and patient information system based on the classification of patients' condition. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Nurses play a crucial role in the IHT process. HFMEA can be adopted for proactive risk assessment of critically ill patients' IHT from ED to ICU which involves multiple processes. The IHT hierarchical strategy based on the results of failure mode analysis should be more widely used to further verify its clinical effects.

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Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the graded transport mode in the intrahospital transport (IHT) of critically ill patients. Methods: This is a retrospective study, including 800 patients and categorized them into control and observation groups. The control group included 420 critically ill patients who were transported via conventional methods from our emergency resuscitation unit from June 2017 to December 2017. The observation group included 380 critically ill patients who were transported through a graded transport mode from January 2018 to June 2018. We performed intergroup comparisons of the incidence rates and causes of adverse events (AEs), transport time, length of stay, and mortality rate. Results: The observation group had significantly lower transport time and AE incidence rates than the control group. However, no significant differences were observed in terms of the length of stay and mortality rate between the two groups. Conclusion: The most notable merits of the graded transport mode in the IHT of critical care patients include the fact that it significantly reduces the incidence of AEs during IHT, shortens the transport time, and improves transport efficiency, thereby ensuring the safety of critically ill patients.

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INTRODUCTION: Intrahospital transport of critically ill patients is often necessary for diagnostic procedures, therapeutic procedures, or admission to the intensive care unit. The aim of this study was to investigate and describe safety and adverse events during intrahospital transport of critically ill patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic search was performed of MEDLINE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies published up to June 3, 2020, and of the International Clinical Trials Platform Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov for ongoing trials. We selected prospective and retrospective cohort studies published in English on intrahospital transport of critically ill patients, and then performed a meta-analysis. The primary outcome was the incidence of all adverse events that occurred during intrahospital transport. The secondary outcomes were death due to intrahospital transport or life-threatening adverse events, minor events in vital signs, adverse events related to equipment, durations of ICU and hospital stay, and costs. RESULTS: A total of 12,313 intrahospital transports and 1898 patients from 24 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Among 24 studies that evaluated the primary outcome, the pooled frequency of all adverse events was 26.2% (95% CI: 15.0-39.2) and the heterogeneity among these studies was high (I2 = 99.5%). The pooled frequency of death due to intrahospital transport and life-threatening adverse events was 0% and 1.47% each, but heterogeneity was also high. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that adverse events can occur during intrahospital transport of critically ill patients, and that the frequency of critical adverse events is relatively low. The results of this meta-analysis could assist in risk-benefit analysis of diagnostic or therapeutic procedures requiring intrahospital transport of critically ill patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN000040963.

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OBJECTIVE: Intrahospital transport for CT scans is routinely performed for neurosurgical patients. Particularly in the sedated and mechanically ventilated patient, intracranial hypertension and blood pressure fluctuations that might impair cerebral perfusion are frequently observed during these interventions. This study quantifies the impact of intrahospital patient transport on multimodality monitoring measurements, with a particular focus on cerebral metabolism. METHODS: Forty intrahospital transports in 20 consecutive patients suffering severe aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) under continuous intracranial pressure (ICP), brain tissue oxygen tension (pbtO2), and cerebral microdialysis monitoring were prospectively included. Changes in multimodality neuromonitoring data during intrahospital transport to the CT scanner and the subsequent 10 hours were evaluated using linear mixed models. Furthermore, the impact of risk factors at transportation, such as cerebral vasospasm, cerebral hypoxia (pbtO2 < 15 mm Hg), metabolic crisis (lactate-pyruvate ratio [LPR] > 40), and transport duration on cerebral metabolism, was analyzed. RESULTS: During the transport, the mean ICP significantly increased from 7.1 ± 3.9 mm Hg to 13.5 ± 6.0 mm Hg (p < 0.001). The ICP exceeded 20 mm Hg in 92.5% of patients; pbtO2 showed a parallel rise from 23.1 ± 13.3 mm Hg to 28.5 ± 23.6 mm Hg (p = 0.02) due to an increase in the fraction of inspired oxygen during the transport. Both ICP and pbtO2 returned to baseline values thereafter. Cerebral glycerol significantly increased from 71.0 ± 54.9 µmol/L to 75.3 ± 56.0 µmol/L during the transport (p = 0.01) and remained elevated for the following 9 hours. In contrast, cerebral pyruvate and lactate levels were stable during the transport but showed a significant secondary increase 1-8 hours and 2-9 hours, respectively, thereafter (p < 0.05). However, the LPR remained stable over the entire observation period. Patients with extended transport duration (more than 25 minutes) were found to have significantly higher levels of cerebral pyruvate and lactate as well as lower glutamate concentrations in the posttransport period. CONCLUSIONS: Intrahospital transport and horizontal positioning during CT scans induce immediate intracranial hypertension and an increase in cerebral glycerol, suggesting neuronal injury. Afterward, sustained impairment of neuronal metabolism for several hours could be observed, which might increase the risk of secondary ischemic events. Therefore, intrahospital transport for neuroradiological imaging should be strongly reconsidered and only indicated if the expected benefit of imaging results outweighs the risks of transportation.

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To determine if ICU reorganization due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic affected outcomes in critically ill patients who were not infected with coronavirus disease 2019. DESIGN: This was a Before-After study, with coronavirus disease 2019-induced ICU reorganization as the intervention. A retrospective chart review of adult patients admitted to a reorganized ICU during the coronavirus disease 2019 surge (from March 23, 2020, to May 06, 2020: intervention group) was compared with patients admitted to the ICU prior to coronavirus disease 2019 surge (from January 10, 2020, to February 23, 2020: before group). SETTING: High-intensity cardiac, medical, and surgical ICUs of a community hospital in metropolitan Missouri. PATIENTS: All patients admitted to the ICU during the before and intervention period were included. Patients younger than 18 years old and those admitted after an elective procedure or surgery were excluded. Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 were excluded. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We identified a total of 524 eligible patients: 342 patients in the before group and 182 in the intervention group. The 28-day mortality was 25.1% (86/342) and 28.6% (52/182), respectively (p = 0.40). The ICU length of stay, ventilator length of stay, and ventilator-free days were similar in both groups. Rates of patient adverse events including falls, inadvertent endotracheal tube removal, reintubation within 48 hours of extubation, and hospital acquired pressure ulcers occurred more frequently in the study group (20 events, 11%) versus control group (12 events, 3.5%) (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Twenty-eight-day mortality, in patients who required ICU care and were not infected with coronavirus disease 2019, was not significantly affected by ICU reorganization during a pandemic.

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OBJECTIVE: Intrahospital transports (IHTs) of neurosurgical intensive care unit (NICU) patients can be hazardous. Increasing intracranial pressure (ICP) and/or decreasing cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) as well as cardiopulmonary alterations are common complications of an IHTs, which can lead to secondary brain injury. This study was performed to assess several serum biomarkers concerning their potential to improve safety of IHTs in mechanically ventilated NICU patients. METHODS: All IHTs of mechanically ventilated and sedated NICU patients from 03/2017 to 01/2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Intracranial pressure and CPP measurements were performed in all patients. Serum hemoglobin, hematocrit, and serum sodium were defined as serum biomarkers. Demographic data, computed tomography scan on admission, Simplified Acute Physiology Score and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II, modified Rankin Scale, indication and consequence of IHTs were analyzed. Alteration of ICP/CPP, hemodynamic and pulmonary events were defined as complications. The study population was stratified into patients with the occurrence of a complication and absence of a complication. RESULTS: We analyzed a total number of 184 IHTs in 70 NICU patients with an overall complication rate of 57.6%. Of all, 32.1% IHTs had no direct therapeutic consequence. In patients with higher hemoglobin values prior to IHT less complications occurred, concerning ICP (P = .001), CPP (P = .001), hemodynamic (P = .005), and pulmonary (P < .0001) events. In addition, complications concerning ICP (P = .001), CPP (P = .001), hemodynamic (P = .005), and pulmonary problems (P = .002) were significantly lower in patients with higher hematocrit values before IHT. CONCLUSION: Intrahospital transports of mechanically ventilated NICU patients carry a high risk of increased ICP and hemodynamic complications and should be performed restrictively. Higher values of hemoglobin and hematocrit prior to IHT were associated with less complications with regard to ICP, CPP as well as hemodynamic and pulmonary events and could be helpful to assess the potential risk of complications prior to IHTs.

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INTRODUCTION: This is the report of the first official survey from the Italian Society of Pediatric Surgery (ISPS) to appraise the distribution and organization of bedside surgery in the neonatal intensive care units (NICU) in Italy. METHODS: A questionnaire requesting general data, staff data and workload data of the centers was developed and sent by means of an online cloud-based software instrument to all Italian pediatric surgery Units. RESULTS: The survey was answered by 34 (65%) out of 52 centers. NICU bedside surgery is reported in 81.8% of the pediatric surgery centers. A lower prevalence of bedside surgical practice in the NICU was reported for Southern Italy and the islands than for Northern Italy and Central Italy (Southern

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OBJECTIVES: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are at an increased risk of many catastrophic events during intrahospital transport (IHT) for various procedures. This study was planned to determine the incidence and types of adverse events occurring during the transport of critically ill patients in a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted in the ICU of a tertiary care hospital for 8 months after ethical clearance from the institute ethics committee. All patients transported out of the ICU during the audit period for diagnostic or therapeutic procedures were included in the study. Vitals and several study parameters were recorded before, during, and after shifting patients to and from the ICU. Various critical events were noted during transport and classified into major and minor critical events based on the presence and absence of potential consequences that lead to a change of therapy during transport. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty patients were studied for consecutive IHT to and from the ICU. The patients were transported for imaging studies (58.1%), minor surgery (31.8%), major surgery (2.5%), and other procedures (7.5%). A total of 248 critical events were observed in 104 IHTs (65%; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 57.4%-72.1%). Hence, an average of 2.38 critical events occurred per IHT. There were 31 major events among the 248 critical events (12.5%; 95% CI: 8.8%-17.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Standard guidelines about the accompanying personnel and monitoring need to be followed during IHT. Conduct of minor surgical procedures in the ICU and better bedside diagnostic procedures may be considered for the future.

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Introduction: Early magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides important information for management and prognosis in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI). Yet, optimal timing of MRI remains unknown. The aim of our study was to evaluate the safety of early MRI and to identify a method for appropriate patient selection to minimize adverse events related to the intrahospital transport (IHT) and the MRI examination. Methods: Twenty-six patients with sTBI [mean Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) 6, range 3-8] admitted to our neurosurgical ICU from 03/2015 to 12/2017 and receiving at least one MRI within the first 14 days after initial traumatic event were prospectively included in the study. The following requirements were fulfilled for at least 4 h prior to anticipated MRI: MAP > 70 mmHg, aPCO2 30-40 mmHg, stable ICP < 25 mmHg. All relevant cardiopulmonary and cerebral parameters and medication were recorded. The following MRI sequences were performed: DWI, FLAIR, 3D T2-space, 3D T1 MPRAGE, 3D SWI, 3D TOF, pASL, and 1H/31P-MRS. Results: Four females and 22 males (aged 23-78 years, mean 46.4 years) with a median GCS on admission of 5 (range 3-8) were analyzed. In total, 40 IHTs were performed within the first 14 days (mean 6 days, range 1-14 days). Mean pre-MRI ICP was 14.1 mmHg (range 3-32 mmHg). The mean post-MRI ICP was 14.3 mmHg (range 3-29 mmHg), decreasing to a mean ICP of 13.2 mmHg after 1 h (range 3-29 mmHg). There were no significant differences in ICP measurements before and after MRI (p = 0.30). MAP remained stable with no significant changes during the entire IHT and MRI. No other adverse events were observed as well. Conclusion: Early MRI in acute severe TBI is feasible and safe. Yet, careful patient selection with prior adequate testing of cardiopulmonary and cerebral parameters is crucial to minimize transport- or examination-related morbidity.

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OBJECTIVES: Critically ill patients are often transferred from the intensive care unit (ICU) to other locations around the hospital during which adverse events, some life threatening, are common. An intercollegiate guideline covering the transport of critically ill patients exists in Australasia; however, compliance with this guideline has previously been shown to be poor, and its role in improving safety in transportation of patients in the ICU is unknown. We performed a pre-post interventional study in a tertiary metropolitan ICU, assessing the impact of the introduction of a transport checklist on guideline compliance. METHODS: We performed a prospective, pre-post interventional study, including a total of 76 transfers of critically ill patients between August 2016 and April 2017. RESULTS: After introduction of the checklist, aggregate median (interquartile range) guideline compliance improved from 86.7% (80.0-92.9) to 90% (86.7-100) (p = 0.01). Significant improvements were found in notification of the transport destination (83.7% vs 100%, p = 0.010) and transporting doctors' knowledge of the Cormack-Lehane grade of laryngoscopy (60.5% vs. 84.2%, p = 0.021). There was, however, a reduction in the proportion of full oxygen cylinders taken on transports (100% vs. 76.3%, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that a checklist is useful in improving safety in the transport of a critically ill patient population.

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