A consensus to determine the ideal critical care transfer bag

Abstract

Background: Familiarity with environment, processes and equipment reduces the risk inherently associated with critical care transfers. Therefore, the North West London Critical Care Network decided to create a standardised ideal transfer bag and contents to improve patient safety.

Methods: A four-round modified Delphi survey developed a condensed and clinically tested content list. An expert panel then designed an ideal transfer bag based on agreed important principles.

Results: Participants completed two rounds of an electronic survey. Round 3 comprised an expert clinical panel review, while round 4 tested the contents over 50 clinical transfers. The prototype bag's design was adjusted after clinical use and feedback.

Discussion: This project has introduced a standardised critical care transfer bag across our network. A similar technique could be used for other healthcare regions. Alternatively, the above critical care transfer bag could be adopted or adapted for regional use by clinicians.

Keywords: Critical care; Delphi technique; equipment and supplies; patient safety; patient transfer.

Figure 1.

Electronically mailed questionnaire to decide on selected transfer bag contents.

Figure 2.

Initial schematic diagram of the transfer bag. ® This design is copywritten.

Figure 3.

The critical care transfer bag showing the insert sleeves and clear patient pocket.

Figure 4.

The ‘open book' design and clear panels enabling quick retrieval and checking of equipment.

Figure 5.

The transfer bag securely attached to a hospital bed.

Figure 6.

The bag attached to an Emergency or Theatre patient trolley with easily accessible insert sleeves.

Figure 7.

The transfer bag attached to an ambulance patient trolley.