Module information
Details
- Title
- Transport of Critically Ill Patients
- Type
- Specialist
- Module code
- S-CC-S5-1
- Credits
- 10
- 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
Competencies
| # | Learning outcome | Competency | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| # 1 | Learning outcome 1,5,6 |
Competency
Assess a patient for transfer |
Action View |
| # 2 | Learning outcome 1,5,6 |
Competency
Confirm the pre-transfer documentation has been completed |
Action View |
| # 3 | Learning outcome 2 |
Competency
Identify appropriate equipment and resources required for transfer |
Action View |
| # 4 | Learning outcome 3 |
Competency
Perform pre-use equipment checks |
Action View |
| # 5 | Learning outcome 3 |
Competency
Perform pre-use checks of emergency transport bag |
Action View |
| # 6 | Learning outcome 4,5,6,7 |
Competency
Apply monitoring and therapeutic equipment for transfer |
Action View |
| # 7 | Learning outcome 4,5,6,7 |
Competency
Stabilise patient on portable ventilator for transfer |
Action View |
| # 8 | Learning outcome 4,5,6,7 |
Competency
Perform transfer including troubleshooting as needed |
Action View |
| # 9 | Learning outcome 4,5,6,7 |
Competency
Reconnect patient to all essential equipment on return to critical care |
Action View |
| # 10 | Learning outcome 3 |
Competency
Return, restock and recharge all consumables and equipment ready for use |
Action View |
| # 11 | Learning outcome 8 |
Competency
Perform an audit of critical care transfers and make recommendations for improving the practice |
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. |
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:
- Critically evaluate the technical, clinical and environmental challenges faced when performing the transfer of critically ill patients outside the critical care environment.
- Explain how to assess a patient’s physiological, ventilatory monitoring and additional therapeutic requirements in order to complete patient transfer.
- 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.
Clinical experiences
Important information
Clinical experiential learning is the range of activities trainees may undertake in order to gain the experience and evidence to demonstrate their achievement of module competencies and assessments. The list is not definitive or mandatory, but training officers should ensure, as best training practice, that trainees gain as many of these clinical experiences as possible. They should be included in training plans, and once undertaken they should support the completion of module assessments and competencies within the e-portfolio.
Activities
- Participate in non-invasive ventilated transfers, including to MRI; consider the communication required for the safe and efficient completion of examination.
- Participate in invasively ventilated transfers, including to MRI; consider the communication required for the safe and efficient completion of examination.
- Attend a risk meeting discussing incidents relating to equipment.
- Attend a meeting to discuss revision of transport SOPs.
Module assigned to
Specialties
| Specialty code | Specialty title | View |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |