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Published on: August 9, 2024

The cost of family-oriented communication before air medical interfacility transport

A J Macnab1, F Gagnon, S George

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia. amzcnab@cw.bc.ca

Air Medical Journal
|July 5, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Family-oriented communication during pediatric air transport significantly reduces parental stress. While extended visits incur minimal costs (approx. $13/patient), transport teams should manage time to avoid overtime and aircraft delays.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric critical care transport
  • Healthcare communication strategies

Background:

  • Family-centered care is crucial for pediatric patients undergoing interfacility transport.
  • Transport teams can mitigate parental stress through direct communication.
  • This study assesses the time and cost implications of family-oriented visits during air medical transport.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify the duration of family-oriented communication during pediatric air transport.
  • To determine the associated costs of these family visits.
  • To evaluate the cost-benefit of family-oriented communication in this context.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective, double-blind data collection integrated into a larger study.
  • Inclusion criteria: infants/children requiring mechanical ventilation and air transport.
  • Recorded time from stabilization to departure, noting reasons for delays; calculated costs for overtime and aircraft wait time.

Main Results:

  • Forty-six patients were enrolled; 35% experienced delays exceeding 20 minutes due to family visits.
  • Nine visits incurred paramedic overtime costs, and two incurred aircraft wait time costs.
  • Total cost for visits over 10 minutes was $607, averaging approximately $13 per patient.

Conclusions:

  • The financial costs associated with family-oriented communication visits are minimal relative to their benefits.
  • Transport teams must remain aware of potential additional expenses like overtime and aircraft delays.
  • Balancing communication needs with operational efficiency is key in pediatric air medical services.
Abstract

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