Back Module: S-CC-S5

Transport of Critically Ill Patients

Module information

Module details

Title
Transport of Critically Ill Patients
Type
Specialist
Module code
S-CC-S5
Credits
10
Phase
3
Requirement
Compulsory

Aim of this module

This module provides trainees with the advanced knowledge and understanding that underpins patient transfers in critical care. This module will enable critical care trainees to provide physiological monitoring and maintain continuous ventilation of critically ill patients during intra or interhospital transfer. The module highlights the importance of recognising and responding to contraindications and patient transfer prerequisites, while simultaneously remaining mindful of any patient history and acuity. The trainee will be expected to communicate effectively with the patients, those involved in their care and the multi-disciplinary team at every opportunity.

Work-based content

Training activities

# Learning outcome Training activity Type Action
# 1 Learning outcome 1,5,6 Training activities

Assess a patient for transfer   

 Type DTA Action View
# 2 Learning outcome 1,5,6 Training activities

Confirm the pre-transfer documentation has been completed  

 Type DTA Action View
# 3 Learning outcome 2 Training activities

Identify appropriate equipment and resources required for transfer

 Type ETA Action View
# 4 Learning outcome 3 Training activities

Perform pre-use equipment checks

 Type ETA Action View
# 5 Learning outcome 3 Training activities

Perform pre-use checks of emergency transport bag

 Type ETA Action View
# 6 Learning outcome 4,5,6,7 Training activities

Apply monitoring and therapeutic equipment for transfer

 Type ETA Action View
# 7 Learning outcome 4,5,6,7 Training activities

Stabilise patient on portable ventilator for transfer

 Type DTA Action View
# 8 Learning outcome 4,5,6,7 Training activities

Perform transfer including troubleshooting as needed

 Type ETA Action View
# 9 Learning outcome 4,5,6,7 Training activities

Reconnect patient to all essential equipment on return to critical care

 Type ETA Action View
# 10 Learning outcome 3 Training activities

Return, restock and recharge all consumables and equipment ready for use

 Type ETA Action View
# 11 Learning outcome 8 Training activities

Perform an audit of critical care transfers and make recommendations for improving the practice

 Type ETA Action View

Assessments

Complete 2 Case-Based Discussions

Complete 2 DOPS or OCEs

Direct Observation of Practical Skills Titles 

  • Demonstrate equipment set up for transport.
  • Complete a gap analysis of transport destination facilities.
  • Assess patient suitability for transport and the examinations required.

Observed Communication Event Titles

  • Discuss patient requirements with the destination facilities to ensure needs will be met at the destination.
  • Discuss patient suitability for transport and examination with the multidisciplinary team, raising any concerns.

Learning outcomes

# Learning outcome
1

Appraise transfer requests for critically ill patients, while considering patient stability and equipment requirements at all stages of the transfer.
2

Develop plans for the transfer of critically ill patients, including contingencies for equipment and escalation in patient care.
3

Prepare all equipment for continuous use during the transfer of critically ill patients.
4

Apply, or remove, equipment during any stage of the transfer of critically ill patients.
5

Discuss and agree a transfer plan with the multi-disciplinary team ensuring the best interests of the patient, and all elements of their care, are considered throughout.
6

Communicate effectively with the patient, relatives and the multi-disciplinary team at all stages of the process.
7

Assess changes in the patients’ physiological variables, or in the equipment performance, during transfer; and remedy or apply contingency measures as required.
8

Evaluate each patient transfer, reflecting and continuously improving professional skills.

Clinical experiences

Clinical experiences help you to develop insight into your practice and a greater understanding of your specialty's impact on patient care. Clinical experiences should be included in your training plan and you may be asked to help organise your experiences. Reflections and observations from your experiences may help you to advance your practice and can be used to develop evidence to demonstrate your awareness and appreciation of your specialty.

Activities

  1. Participate in non-invasive ventilated transfers, including to MRI; consider the communication required for the safe and efficient completion of examination.
  2. Participate in invasively ventilated transfers, including to MRI; consider the communication required for the safe and efficient completion of examination.
  3. Attend a risk meeting discussing incidents relating to equipment.
  4. Attend a meeting to discuss revision of transport SOPs.

      

Academic content (MSc in Clinical Science)

Important information

The academic parts of this module will be detailed and communicated to you by your university. Please contact them if you have questions regarding this module and its assessments. The module titles in your MSc may not be exactly identical to the work-based modules shown in the e-portfolio. Your modules will be aligned, however, to ensure that your academic and work-based learning are complimentary.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module the trainee will be able to:

  1. Critically evaluate the technical, clinical and environmental challenges faced when performing the transfer of critically ill patients outside the critical care environment.
  2. Explain how to assess a patient’s physiological, ventilatory monitoring and additional therapeutic requirements in order to complete patient transfer.
  3. Critically analyse technical and clinical data to perform equipment troubleshooting during patient transfer.

Indicative content

  • Planning tools for conducting safe patient transfers.

Documentation, (STAR, ACCEPT)

  • Assessing technical requirements prior to conducting the transfer.

Ventilation, monitoring, suction equipment, environmental considerations.

  • Current legislation governing the transfer of patients.

NICE, ICS and local guidelines.

  • Assessing clinical status and suitability for examination prior to conducting the transfer.

MR, CT, X-ray, ultrasound requirements etc.

  • Effective communication skills with the multidisciplinary team.

Module assigned to

Specialties

Specialty code Specialty title Action
Specialty code SPS1-5-22 Specialty title Critical Care Science [2022] Action View
Specialty code SPS1-5-23 Specialty title Critical Care Science [2023] Action View
Specialty code SPS1-5-24 Specialty title Critical Care Science [2024] Action View
Specialty code SPS1-5-25 Specialty title Critical Care Science [2025] Action View
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