Abstract
Introduction. To relieve existing interhospital transfer systems, a novel transfer vehicle was introduced in Bavaria in 2009. Its aim was to transfer patients who need care by an emergency physician but are not considered intensive care patients. Method. Logistic data (time, duration, location, distance, hospital units) and relevant medical data (urgency, medication, ventilation, special ...
Abstract
Introduction. To relieve existing interhospital transfer systems, a novel transfer vehicle was introduced in Bavaria in 2009. Its aim was to transfer patients who need care by an emergency physician but are not considered intensive care patients. Method. Logistic data (time, duration, location, distance, hospital units) and relevant medical data (urgency, medication, ventilation, special monitoring) were documented. Simultaneously the transport volume of the existing systems were evaluated after the introduction of the novel vehicle. Results. A total of 1762 transfers were documented (on average 1.6/day): 84% took place weekdays and 85% during daytime. Intensive care procedures like invasive hemodynamic monitoring, ventilation, and continuous medication were performed in 51% of patients. In 20 %, discontinuous medication was needed. In 16%, an indication for monitoring by a physician existed. Due to an overall increasing transfer volume no relevant relief was seen for the existing systems. Discussion. There seems to be a need for physician-staffed interhospital transfers especially weekdays during the daytime. In half of the transfers, intensive care-related procedures were performed. Only one third of the patients fulfilled the criteria defined at introduction of the novel vehicle. Therefore a revision of the system seems necessary.
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