A Proposed Systematic Approach to Safe Inter Hospital Patient Transfer in Interventional Radiology: From Referral to...

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiology
• Patient Transfer Protocols

Background:

• Interventional radiology procedures are critical and sometimes require specialized care unavailable at all facilities.
• Patient transfers for urgent procedures present unique logistical and safety challenges.
• Existing literature lacks specific guidance on inter-hospital transfers for interventional radiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a standardized framework for the safe transfer of patients requiring interventional radiology.
• To outline procedures for patient assessment, reassessment, and repatriation.
• To address the absence of literature on this specific patient transfer scenario.

Main Methods:

• Development of a multi-step protocol for patient evaluation prior to transfer.
• Implementation of communication strategies between referring and receiving institutions.
• Definition of criteria for patient suitability and readiness for repatriation.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive approach for managing inter-hospital patient transfers for interventional radiology was developed.
• The proposed method ensures patient safety through structured assessment and reassessment.
• The framework facilitates efficient repatriation after the procedure.

Conclusions:

• This paper provides the first documented approach for inter-hospital patient transfers for interventional radiology.
• The outlined strategy enhances patient safety and optimizes care coordination.
• This framework can be adapted by institutions facing similar transfer needs.