An educational measure to significantly increase critical knowledge regarding interfacility patient transfers

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Transport Medicine
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Interfacility patient transfers are critical yet pose high risks.
• Physician training in transport medicine, covering medical and legal facets, is notably insufficient.
• Many physicians frequently manage patient transfers without adequate formal preparation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of a one-hour educational intervention on Emergency Medicine (EM) residents and Critical Care (CC) fellows.
• To evaluate changes in knowledge regarding the medical and legal aspects of interfacility patient transfers.
• To measure shifts in physician comfort levels and preparedness for patient transfers.

Main Methods:

• A pre-test assessed baseline knowledge of 12 key transfer concepts.
• A one-hour interactive educational session was delivered.
• Post-intervention tests and surveys evaluated knowledge, comfort, and prior training.

Main Results:

• A small percentage of participants had prior formal training in patient transfers.
• Physician knowledge in several areas of patient transfer improved post-intervention.
• Participants reported increased comfort with medicolegal aspects and felt better prepared for transfers.

Conclusions:

• A concise educational intervention significantly enhanced EM and CC physician trainees' understanding of interfacility patient transfer medicolegal issues.
• The study underscores a significant gap in prior training for this crucial medical skill.
• Participation in the intervention led to improved confidence and perceived readiness for managing patient transfers.