Protocol for Intrahospital Transport of Critically Sick Neurosurgical Patients

Abstract

Intrahospital transport (IHT) of critically sick neurosurgical patients is an inevitable part of patient care. IHT of neurosurgical patients for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are more frequent than for other patients. During transportation, patients may face certain avoidable mishaps and complications. So, the use of a systematic protocol for transport may contribute to better management of neurosurgical patients. The aim of the study was to develop a protocol for safe IHT of critically sick neurosurgical patients. A Delphi technique was used to develop a protocol. A protocol was developed after collecting suggestions from 11 Delphi members in three Delphi rounds. The final draft of protocol was developed for transportation of neurosurgical patients that addresses the following elements— pretransport coordination and communication, accompanying equipment, accompanying personnel, pretransport patient status assessment, monitoring during the transport, arrival procedures and documentation. We can ensure safe IHT of critically sick neurosurgical patients by following a systemically developed protocol.

Keywords: Intrahospital transport, Critically Sick Neurosurgical Patients, Delphi Technique, Protocol