Proposed Topic (Most preferred): :
Clinical Safety and Quality Service II (Projects aiming to enhance clinical safety and outcomes, clinical governance / risk management)
Proposed Topic (Second preferred): :
Clinical Safety and Quality Service I (Projects aiming to improve efficiency and effectiveness of care delivery to meet international standards)
Authors (including presenting author) :
Lee OKA(1), Tse KY(1), Au W(1), Chan CSS(1), Kam MY (1), Ho YKE(1), Chan SY(1), Lam SS(1), Ho YT(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Medicine and Geriatrics (M&G), Ruttonjee & Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals
Introduction :
Transfer of critically ill patients (CIP) is a complex and high-risk procedure. Such transfers involve several challenges, including the stability of patients1, maintaining the continuity of care, utilizing appropriate equipment and personnel, and standardization of practices with systematic checklists2. The programme comprises comprehensive training, standardized protocols, and monitoring tools to improve the safety and effectiveness of CIP transfers in the Department of M&G.
Objectives :
To conduct a training video and quiz as mandatory refresher training
To standardize the checklist and emergency escort bag for CIP transfer
To monitor the safety and effectiveness of CIP transfers
Methodology :
Despite annual simulation training for newcomers, a training video with knowledge quiz was conducted and uploaded to the M&G website as mandatory training for all M&G nurses. A checklist for CIP transfer was reviewed and standardized to ensure all necessary steps are taken for safe transfer. A new emergency escort bag was standardized to ensure staff has access to the same equipment during emergencies, reducing risk of errors. To evaluate the effectiveness, a departmental audit was conducted with convenience sampling method. The sample selected was the transfer date falling in the audit period. The copied checklists were collected and reviewed retrospectively from 6 M&G wards. Three 6-question surveys were conducted to evaluate the training video, checklist, and escort bag respectively. 10-MCQ post-knowledge quiz was used to evaluate their knowledge.
Result & Outcome :
A total of 64 samples were recruited for the audit. The overall compliance rate of safe transfer is 99.4%. For the refresh training quiz, it is statistically significant that the scores improved from the pre-test (M=7.05, SD=1.12) to post-test (M=9.74, SD=0.43) with p< 0.001. Over 93% of participants agreed that the standardization enhances the patient safety of intra-hospital transfer. Over 96% of participants agreed that using visual-audio tools can facilitate their learning and refresh their knowledge.
The programme is effective to enhance & maintain staff knowledge. Nurses satisfied the standardization of protocol & checklists. Transferring CIP requires “PACKED” knowledge and skills to overcome complex procedures. Staff competency, standardization, and practice monitoring are essential to improve quality and safety, ensuring the best care provided.
