Significance of a Simulation for the Relocation of an Intensive Care Unit

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Relocating intensive care units (ICUs) presents unique challenges.
• Limited experience exists regarding simulation drills for patient transfers from ICUs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the experience and outcomes of a simulation drill for ICU patient relocation.
• To identify potential logistical issues and optimize patient transport during an ICU move.

Main Methods:

• A narrative method was employed for this case report.
• A simulation drill was conducted using three mock patients with critical conditions (unstable, stroke, trauma).
• The drill assessed transportation time and identified equipment-related challenges with standard ICU beds and elevators.

Main Results:

• The average transportation time during the simulation was 15 minutes.
• Simulation revealed that patients requiring percutaneous cardiopulmonary support or intra-aortic balloon pumping in standard ICU beds could not fit in the elevator.
• Elevator operation consumed valuable time, leading to increased personnel assignment for elevator control during the actual relocation.

Conclusions:

• Simulation drills are essential for planning safe and efficient ICU patient relocations.
• The drill identified critical logistical barriers, enabling adjustments that improved patient transport safety and timeliness during the actual move.