SMOOTHING THE PATH: TRANSFERRING PATIENTS AND FAMILIES FROM
PEDIATRIC ICU TO GENERAL NURSING UNITS
Jefferson R, Ryall K
Children¡¯s and Women¡¯s Health Center of
British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Objectives: The aims of this study were: 1. to assess
levels of transfer anxiety in children and families before / after transfer
out of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to general modules; and 2. to develop
a plan of action to reduce transfer anxiety based on the literature and the
survey results.
Methods: A survey was developed and administered to
nurses and families regarding the quality and quantity of anxiety related
to transfer. The results were then analyzed and a program was developed,
implemented and evaluated using three interventions aimed at improving
current practices of staff and reducing anxieties of patients and families.
Results: Interestingly, the results went beyond the
expected. Differences between the cultures of critical care units as
compared with general modules were illuminated, revealing negative effects
on the experience of families being transferred out of the ICU.
Conclusions:
The contributions of different disciplines in implementing practice changes
to reduce transfer anxiety are now appreciated. Children and families were
involved with great success in evaluating and changing interventions.