A national survey: transporting patients within Australian hospitals

A telephone survey was conducted to describe current practices and policies of patient transport in Australian hospitals. The survey had a 94% response rate. Results showed considerable variability and ambiguity throughout the sample in both practice and policy. Findings also indicated that criteria used for transport practices were predominantly shaped by physiological and technological considerations. Factors related to human and financial resources, as well as psychological and emotional aspects of the patient's condition, received little attention.