Background/Rationale:
- Transitions between care teams and units create opportunities for communication errors and omissions. Establishing clear guidelines for managing medical devices can reduce these risks.
- Proper device management ensures that patients continue to receive necessary treatments without interruption, supporting effective recovery.
- Effective management and assessment of the continuing need for devices can prevent complications such as device-associated infections and thrombosis.
- Providing structured guidelines ensures that all healthcare providers, including new staff and trainees, are aligned in terms of expectations and responsibilities during patient transfers.
Suggested Implementation Strategies:
- Create detailed protocols outlining the steps for device management during ICU-to-floor transfers, specifying actions for each type of device and clinical scenario.
- Involve a multidisciplinary team, including ICU and floor/ward nurses, physicians, and allied health professionals, in the development of these protocols to ensure all perspectives are considered.
- Use validated handoff communication tools, such as SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) or checklists, to structure communication and ensure detailed information exchange regarding device management.