MRI and the Critical Care Patient: Clinical, Operational, and Financial Challenges.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Radiology
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Neuroimaging is crucial for assessing and monitoring brain injuries in intensive care units (ICUs).
• Patient condition can change rapidly, necessitating timely imaging, but intrahospital transport poses risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the risks, costs, and provider experiences associated with intrahospital transport for neuroimaging in the ICU.
• To highlight the impact of transport-related adverse events on patient outcomes and ICU stay.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on risks associated with intrahospital patient transport for imaging.
• Analysis of adverse event rates, costs, and provider experiences.

Main Results:

• Approximately one-third of ICU patients transported for imaging experience adverse events.
• Adverse events can range from minor clinical decompensation to major interventions, delaying treatment and disrupting care.
• Transport costs, including staff time, can exceed $200, and delays negatively affect patient outcomes, potentially increasing mortality or disability.

Conclusions:

• Intrahospital transport for neuroimaging presents significant risks to critically ill patients, leading to delays and adverse events.
• There is a need for new technologies and advancements to improve the safety and efficiency of patient transport for imaging in ICUs.
• Reducing transport risks is essential to prevent prolonged ICU stays and improve long-term patient prognosis.