Intrahospital Transport of Critically Ill Patients: Surgical Nurses’ Perspectives on Patient Safety and Associated Risk Factors

Background: Intrahospital transport of critically ill patients is a complex, high-risk process during which adverse events may occur, potentially compromising patient safety.

Aim: This study examined the relationship between problems encountered during the intrahospital transport of critically ill patients and nurses’ perceptions of transport safety.

Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study included 157 nurses working in surgical clinics and intensive care units. Data were collected using a sociodemographic form, a checklist of transport-related problems, and the Intrahospital Transport Safety Scale (IHTSS). Statistical analyses were performed using nonparametric tests and Spearman’s rank correlation analysis.

Results: Equipment- and procedure-related problems were frequently reported during intrahospital transport. A significant negative correlation was identified between the total number of reported problems and perceived transport safety (ρ=-0.253, p=0.001). The strongest correlation was observed between equipment-related problems and perceived transport safety (ρ=-0.387, p<0.001). Physiological changes were not significantly associated with perceived transport safety. Nurses who had received transport-related training and those working in units with dedicated transport teams reported significantly higher perceived transport safety scores (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The findings indicate that problems encountered during the intrahospital transport process may compromise patient safety and are associated with healthcare professionals’ perceptions of safety. Preventable technical and organizational problems appear to be more strongly associated with perceived transport safety than physiological changes. These findings highlight the importance of patients’ clinical conditions, organizational factors, and process management in ensuring the safe intrahospital transport of critically ill patients.

Keywords: Critically ill patients, intrahospital transport, patient safety, perioperative nursing, safety perception