Boarding in the emergency department: challenges and mitigation strategies.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Herein, we conducted a review of the literature to better understand the issue of prolonged emergency department (ED) boarding by providing an overview of the current evidence on the available causes, consequences, and mitigation strategies. RECENT FINDINGS: Severely ill patients awaiting transfer to intensive care units (ICU) imposes additional burdens on the emergency care team from both a clinical and management perspective. The reasons for prolonged ED boarding are multifactorial. ED boarding compromises patients' safety and outcomes, and is associated with increased team burnout and dissatisfaction. Mitigation strategies include the optimization of patients' flow, the establishment of resuscitative care units, deployment of mobile critical care teams, and improvements in training. Staffing adjustments, changes in hospital operations, and quality improvement initiatives are required to improve this situation, while active bed management and implementation of capacity command centers may also help. SUMMARY: Considering the characteristics of healthcare systems, such as funding mechanisms, organizational structures, delivery models, access and quality of care, the challenge of ED boarding of critically ill patients requires a nuanced and adaptable approach. Solutions are complex but must involve the entirety of the hospital system, emergency department, staff adjustment, and education.

Maintenance of medium- and high-complexity health services in the context of high patient transition: a time series ecological study of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. / Manutenção dos serviços de média e alta complexidade em contexto de alta transição de usuários: um estudo ecológico de séries temporais no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

The study addresses the historical disparities in the distribution of the medium- and high-complexity health network and the limits to budget adjustments between the municipality of Rio de Janeiro and its neighboring municipalities of the Metropolitan region 1. An ecological study was conducted with data related to the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, chosen because it has a large assistance network, while located on the borders of vulnerable and underprivileged areas, characterizing a locus that is representative of the situations faced throughout the country. A decrease in the gross values of the programmed quotas in all municipalities of Rio de Janeiro was observed from 2016 onwards. The temporal trend of the programmed quotas remained stable for all municipalities in the Metropolitan Region 1, even with significant increases in the accomplished quotas for neighboring municipalities. The resulting overload in local expenditure prevents the increase of capacity to anticipate fluctuations in demand, both known and unexpected ones, compromising the responsiveness of the health system regarding its regular operation, as well as the ability to adjust to cope with extraordinary events, essential characteristics of resilience.

O estudo explora as históricas disparidades regionais na distribuição da rede de média e alta complexidade e os limites impostos para a o remanejamento dos tetos de financiamento entre o município do Rio de Janeiro e municípios limítrofes da Região Metropolitana 1. Foi realizado um estudo ecológico com dados referentes à cidade do Rio de Janeiro, escolhido por ter uma grande rede de assistência e limites com territórios vulneráveis e carentes de serviços de saúde, caracterizando um lócus representativo das situações enfrentadas em todo o país. Foi observado um decréscimo dos valores brutos das cotas programadas em todos os municípios do Rio de Janeiro a partir de 2016. A tendência temporal das cotas programadas se manteve estacionária para todos os municípios da Região Metropolitana 1, mesmo com aumentos significativos nas cotas para municípios limítrofes. A resultante sobrecarga no aporte local de recursos impede o aumento da capacidade para antecipar flutuações de demanda, tanto conhecidas quanto inesperadas, comprometendo a responsividade do sistema de saúde no que respeita seu funcionamento regular, bem como a capacidade de ajuste para lidar com eventos extraordinários, características essenciais da resiliência.

Characteristics of Transport of Ill Pediatric Patients in the Emergency Department: A Latin America Multicenter Prospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to describe the characteristics of the transport system of critically ill pediatric patients in the emergency departments (EDs) in Latin America (LA). METHODOLOGY: This is a prospective cross-sectional study in a 1-year period. Patients were recruited on days 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 of each month in the EDs in LA. We included ill-pediatric patients aged 1 month to 18 years. Patients who needed transfer for a diagnostic study, with arrival mode not by ambulance, or with the impossibility of interviewing the transfer team were excluded from the study. RESULTS: A total of 389 patients were included in the study. The majority were males (57%) with a median age of 49 months (interquartile range, 10-116). Thirty-three percent (129) of transfers had the participation of a coordinating center; 97.1% (375) were carried out by road ambulance, and 84.3% (323) were interhospital transfers, with a mean distance traveled of 83.2 km (SD, 105 km). The main reason for transfer in 88.17% (343) was the need for a more complex health center. The main diagnosis was respiratory distress (71; 18.2%), acute abdomen (70; 18%), Traumatic Brain Injury (33; 8.48%), multiple trauma (32; 8.23%), septic shock (31; 7.9%), and COVID-19-related illness (19; 4.8%). A total of 296 (76.5%) patients had peripheral vascular access, and 171 (44%) patients had oxygen support with 49 (28.6%) having invasive ventilation; the most frequent monitoring method (67.8%) was pulse oximetry, and 83.4% (313) did not record adverse events. Regarding the transfer team, 88% (342) had no specialized personnel, and only 62.4% (243) had a physician on their teams. CONCLUSIONS: In LA, there is great variability in personnel training, equipment for pediatric transport, team composition, and characterization of critical care transport systems. Continued efforts to improve conditions in our countries may help reduce patient morbidity and mortality.

Repercussions of moving patients on the context of practice: perspectives of the nursing team / Repercusiones de la movilización de pacientes sobre el contexto de práctica: perspectivas del equipo de enfermería / Repercussões da movimentação de pacientes sobre o contexto de prática: perspectivas da equipe de enfermagem

Objective: to examine the nursing team's view of the repercussions of moving patients (admissions, transfers and discharges) on the organization of work and the delivery of care. Method: this is a qualitative study using the focus group technique, conducted with 23 professionals - 12 nurses, eight nurse technicians and three nurse assistants working in three inpatient units at a teaching hospital in the countryside of Sao Paulo. Four meetings took place between November 2021 and March 2022. The reports were analyzed thematically using MAXQDA software. Results: two thematic categories emerged: the influence of structural factors and work organization on the intra-hospital moving of patients; it demands time, generates work overload and interferes with the delivery of care. Conclusion: the volume of moving patient associated with unforeseen demands, care complexity and insufficient staff and resources have a negative impact on the delivery of care, with clinical risks and work overload. The findings make it possible to improve the regulation of patients entering and leaving the units, work organization and care management, avoiding clinical risks, delays, omissions and work overload.

Objetivo: examinar la perspectiva del equipo de enfermería sobre las repercusiones del movimiento de pacientes (admisiones, traslados y altas) en la organización del trabajo y en la prestación de cuidados. Método: estudio cualitativo utilizando la técnica de grupo focal llevado a cabo con 23 profesionales, incluyendo 12 enfermeros, ocho técnicos y tres auxiliares de enfermería de tres unidades de internación de un hospital universitario del interior de São Paulo. Se realizaron cuatro encuentros entre noviembre de 2021 y marzo de 2022. Los relatos fueron analizados en la modalidad temática con la ayuda del software MAXQDA. Resultados: surgieron dos categorías temáticas: la influencia de factores estructurales y de la organización del trabajo en el movimiento intrahospitalario de pacientes; y, el movimiento de pacientes demanda tiempo, genera sobrecarga de trabajo e interfiere en la prestación de cuidados. Conclusión: el volumen de movimientos de pacientes asociado a demandas imprevistas, complejidad asistencial e insuficiencia de personal y de recursos repercute negativamente en la prestación del cuidado con riesgos clínicos y sobrecarga laboral. Los hallazgos permiten mejorar la regulación de las entradas y salidas de pacientes en las unidades, la organización del trabajo y la gestión del cuidado, evitando riesgos clínicos, retrasos, omisiones y sobrecarga laboral.

Objetivo: examinar o olhar da equipe de enfermagem quanto às repercussões da movimentação de pacientes (admissões, transferências e altas) na organização do trabalho e na entrega do cuidado. Método: estudo qualitativo utilizando técnica de grupo focal conduzido junto a vinte e três profissionais sendo doze enfermeiros, oito técnicos e três auxiliares de enfermagem lotados em três unidades de internação de um hospital de ensino do interior de São Paulo. Ocorreram quatro encontros, entre novembro de 2021 e março de 2022. Os relatos foram analisados na modalidade temática com o auxílio do software MAXQDA. Resultados: emergiram duas categorias temáticas: a influência de fatores estruturais e da organização do trabalho na movimentação intra-hospitalar de pacientes; e a movimentação de pacientes demanda tempo, gera sobrecarga de trabalho e interfere na entrega do cuidado. Conclusão: o volume de movimentações de pacientes associado às demandas imprevistas, complexidade assistencial e insuficiência de pessoal e de recursos repercutem negativamente na entrega do cuidar com riscos clínicos e sobrecarga laboral. Os achados possibilitam aprimorar a regulação das entradas e saídas de pacientes nas unidades, organização do trabalho e gestão do cuidado evitando-se riscos clínicos, atrasos, omissões e sobrecarga laboral.

Hospital discharge planning in care transition of patients with chronic noncommunicable diseases.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze care transition in hospital discharge planning for patients with chronic noncommunicable diseases. METHOD: a qualitative study, based on the Care Transitions Intervention theoretical model, with four pillars of intervention, to ensure a safe transition. Twelve professionals participated in a public hospital in the countryside of São Paulo. Data were collected through observation, document analysis and semi-structured interviews. RESULTS: there was a commitment of a multidisciplinary team to comprehensive care and involvement of family members in patient care. The documents facilitated communication between professionals and/or levels of care. However, the lack of time to prepare for discharge can lead to fragmented care, impairing communication and jeopardizing a safe transition. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: they were shown to be important elements in discharge planning composition, aiming to ensure a safe care transition, team participation with nurses as main actors, early discharge planning and family involvement.

Transition of Care for Individuals with Mental Disorders in Brazil: A Contextual Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the contexts of care transition for individuals with mental disorders in the Brazilian setting. METHODS: A contextual analysis was conducted through a scoping review. The search for studies was conducted in databases and thesis and dissertation portals, and the analysis was based on immediate, specific, general, and meta-contexts. RESULTS: The sample, consisting of eight studies, indicated that the following factors are present in the contexts where care transition occurs: Peculiarities of care transition for individuals with mental disorders; Perspectives that can strengthen or weaken this transition; Approaches proposed in the past for the development of care transition; and Elements related to Brazilian legislation. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: It is observed that the transition of care for individuals with mental disorders in Brazil takes place in various contexts of care levels. These variations present significant potentials and barriers in the care scenarios.

Transición del cuidado de pacientes con enfermedades crónicas y su relación con las características clínicas y sociodemográficas / Transition of care of patients with chronic diseases and its relation with clinical and sociodemographic characteristics / Transição do cuidado de pacientes com doenças crônicas e sua relação com as características clínicas e sociodemográficas

Objetivo: evaluar la transición del cuidado desde la perspectiva de las personas que viven con enfermedades crónicas e identificar su relación con las características clínicas y sociodemográficas. Método: estudio transversal, con 487 pacientes dados de alta de un hospital. Se utilizaron los instrumentos de caracterización clínica, sociodemográfica y Care Transitions Measure-15, que mide los factores Preparación para el automanejo, Preferencias aseguradas, Comprensión sobre medicamentos y Plan de cuidados. Análisis estadístico descriptivo e inferencial. Resultados: la transición del cuidado fue satisfactoria (76,8±10,4). Media de factores: Preparación para el automanejo (82,2±10,8), Preferencias aseguradas (84,7±14,3), Comprensión sobre medicamentos (75,7±13,7) y Plan de Cuidados (64,5±13,2). Pacientes del sexo femenino presentaron mayor promedio en el factor comprensión sobre medicamentos. Los blancos y los residentes en áreas urbanas calificaron mejor el Plan de cuidados. La media más alta se observó para el factor Preferencias aseguradas (84,7±14,3) y la más baja para el factor Plan de cuidados (64,5±13,2). En todos los factores se encontraron diferencias significativas en las variables (paciente quirúrgico, tener artefactos clínicos y no estar hospitalizado por COVID-19). Los pacientes internados hasta cinco días presentaron diferencia estadística en los factores Preparación para el automanejo y Comprensión sobre medicamentos. En los pacientes que no reingresaron dentro de los 30 días posteriores al alta, la preparación para el automanejo fue mejor. Cuanto mejor sea la preparación para el automanejo, menores serán las tasas de reingreso a los 30 días. Conclusión: en pacientes que viven con enfermedades crónicas, variables sociodemográficas y clínicas están asociadas a la transición del cuidado. Los pacientes que evaluaron mejor la preparación para el automanejo tuvieron menos reingresos dentro de los 30 días.

Objective: evaluate the transition of care from the perspective of people living with chronic diseases and identify its relation with clinical and sociodemographic characteristics. Method: cross-sectional study with 487 patients who were discharged from a hospital. Clinical and sociodemographic characterization instruments were used, as well as the Care Transitions Measure-15, which measures Preparation for self-management, Secured preferences, Understanding about medications and Care plan factors. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. Results: the transition of care was satisfactory (76.8±10.4). Average of the factors: Preparation for self-management (82.2±10.8), Secured preferences (84.7±14.3), Understanding about medications (75.7±13.7) and Care plan (64.5±13.2). Female patients had a higher average in the understanding about medications factor. Whites and residents in the urban area better evaluated the Care plan factor. The highest mean was observed for the Secured preferences factor (84.7±14.3) and the lowest for the Care plan factor (64.5±13.2). In all factors, significant differences were found in the variables (surgical patient, carrying clinical artifacts and not being hospitalized for COVID-19). Patients hospitalized for up to five days showed statistical difference in Preparation for self-management and Understanding about medications factors. In patients who were not readmitted within 30 days of discharge, Preparation for self-management was better. The better the Preparation for self-management, the lower the 30-day readmission rates. Conclusion: in patients living with chronic diseases, sociodemographic and clinical variables are associated with the transition of care. Patients who better evaluated preparation for self-management had fewer readmissions within 30 days.

Objetivo: avaliar a transição do cuidado na perspectiva de pessoas que vivem com doenças crônicas e identificar sua relação com as características clínicas e sociodemográficas. Método: estudo transversal, com 487 pacientes que receberam alta de um hospital. Foram utilizados instrumentos de caracterização clínica, sociodemográfica e Care Transitions Measure-15, que mensura os fatores Preparo para o autogerenciamento, Preferências asseguradas, Entendimento das medicações e Plano de cuidados. Análise estatística descritiva e inferencial. Resultados: a transição do cuidado foi satisfatória (76,8±10,4). Média dos fatores: preparo para o autogerenciamento (82,2±10,8), Preferências asseguradas (84,7±14,3), Entendimento das medicações (75,7±13,7) e Plano de Cuidados (64,5±13,2). Pacientes do sexo feminino apresentaram média superior no fator entendimento sobre medicações. Brancos e residentes na zona urbana avaliaram melhor o Plano de cuidados. Observou-se a maior média no fator Preferências asseguradas (84,7±14,3) e a menor no fator Plano de cuidados (64,5±13,2). Em todos os fatores, foram encontradas diferenças significativas nas variáveis (paciente cirúrgico, portar artefatos clínicos e não estar internado por COVID-19). Pacientes internados até cinco dias apresentaram diferença estatística nos fatores Preparação para o autogerenciamento e Entendimento das medicações. Em pacientes que não apresentaram reinternação em 30 dias após a alta, o Preparo para o autogerenciamento foi melhor. Quanto melhor o Preparo para o autogerenciamento, menores são os índices de reinternação em 30 dias. Conclusão: em pacientes que vivem com doenças crônicas, variáveis sociodemográficas e clínicas estão associadas à transição do cuidado. Pacientes que avaliaram melhor o preparo para autogerenciamento tiveram menos reinternações em 30 dias.

Calidad de atención interhospitalaria: Revisión sistemática / Quality of interhospital care: Systematic review / Qualidade do atendimento inter-hospitalar: revisão sistemática

En la actualidad la calidad de atención durante los traslados interhospitalarios de pacientes es una tarea compleja, que desafía la capacidad del personal de salud para mantener un ambiente de cuidado alrededor de estos pacientes. Objetivo. Analizar la calidad de atención interhospitalaria. Metodología. Se realizó una revisión sistemática y se evalúa la calidad de atención interhospitalaria. En la búsqueda de información se utilizaron términos DeCS y operadores boleanos con algoritmos (calidad de atención) AND (Interhospitalaria); (Care quality) AND (Interhospital). Considerando estudios de 2017-2023, en bases de datos como PubMed se obtuvieron 48 artículos, PLoS one 5 artículos, Science Direct 11, Scielo 33 artículos, Sage Journals 6, Elsevier 7, Springer Link 5 artículos. De los 131 artículos en total, se eliminaron 70 en base a resúmenes incompletos y se excluyeron 34 artículos que no tenían información completa; obteniendo 17 artículos para realizar la extracción y el análisis de los datos. Conclusión. Existen estrategias para una adecuada atención interhospitalaria, tales como: oxigenación por membrana extracorpórea como una opción para transportar de forma segura a los pacientes con Síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo grave, es fundamental garantizar medidas de higiene y el suministro de equipos de protección personal para prevenir propagación de enfermedades; asegurar adecuada comunicación e intercambio de información, a través de medios virtuales, tanto para los familiares y personal; es esencial tener un plan general para prevenir cualquier evento impredecible y agudo, mejoran la eficiencia de la prestación de atención médica, lo que finalmente se traduce en mejores resultados para los pacientes.

Currently, the quality of care during interhospital transfers of patients is a complex task, which challenges the ability of health care personnel to maintain a caring environment around these patients. Objective. To analyze the quality of interhospital care. Methodology. A systematic review was carried out and the quality of interhospital care was evaluated. DeCS terms and Boolean operators with algorithms (Care quality) AND (Interhospital); (Care quality) AND (Interhospital) were used in the information search. Considering studies from 2017-2023, in databases such as PubMed 48 articles were obtained, PLoS one 5 articles, Science Direct 11, Scielo 33 articles, Sage Journals 6, Elsevier 7, Springer Link 5 articles. Of the 131 articles in total, 70 were eliminated based on incomplete abstracts and 34 articles that did not have complete information were excluded; obtaining 17 articles to perform data extraction and analysis. Conclusion. There are strategies for adequate interhospital care, such as: extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as an option to safely transport patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, it is essential to ensure hygiene measures and the provision of personal protective equipment to prevent the spread of disease; ensure adequate communication and exchange of information, through virtual means, both for family members and staff; it is essential to have a general plan to prevent any unpredictable and acute event, improve the efficiency of health care delivery, which ultimately translates into better outcomes for patients.

A qualidade do atendimento durante as transferências inter-hospitalares de pacientes é atualmente uma tarefa complexa, que desafia a capacidade da equipe de saúde de manter um ambiente de cuidado em torno desses pacientes. Objetivo. Analisar a qualidade do atendimento interhospitalar. Metodologia. Realizamos uma revisão sistemática e avaliamos a qualidade do atendimento inter-hospitalar. Na busca de informações, foram utilizados termos do DeCS e operadores booleanos com algoritmos (Care quality) AND (Interhospital); (Care quality) AND (Interhospital). Considerando estudos de 2017 a 2023, foram obtidos 48 artigos em bancos de dados como PubMed, 5 artigos em PLoS one, 11 artigos em Science Direct, 33 artigos em Scielo, 6 artigos em Sage Journals, 7 artigos em Elsevier e 5 artigos em Springer Link. Do total de 131 artigos, 70 artigos foram eliminados com base em resumos incompletos e 34 artigos foram excluídos por não terem informações completas, obtendo-se 17 artigos para extração e análise de dados. Conclusões. Existem estratégias para o atendimento inter-hospitalar adequado, tais como oxigenação por membrana extracorpórea como uma opção para o transporte seguro de pacientes com síndrome da angústia respiratória aguda grave; garantia de medidas de higiene e fornecimento de equipamentos de proteção individual para evitar a propagação de doenças; garantia de comunicação e troca de informações adequadas, por meios virtuais, tanto para os familiares quanto para a equipe; ter um plano geral para evitar qualquer evento imprevisível e agudo é essencial para melhorar a eficiência da prestação de serviços de saúde, o que, em última análise, se traduz em melhores resultados para os pacientes.

Transition of care in post-hospitalization patients due to covid-19 in a hospital in northeastern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the transition of care for post-hospitalization patients due to covid-19 in a hospital in northeastern Brazil. METHODS: Quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study carried out between 2020 and 2021. The sample had 78 patients. Data collection took place by telephone with the support of a sociodemographic questionnaire and the care transition assessment instrument (Care Transitions Measure). RESULTS: The average length of stay was 24.04 days. The average score for care transition was 71.68 (±11.71). "Self-management training" and "Understanding of medications" had higher averages, 75.15 (±13.76) and 74.10 (±16.20). CONCLUSIONS: The average length of stay was 24.04 days. The average score for care transition was 71.68 (±11.71). "Self-management training" and "Understanding of medications" had higher averages, 75.15 (±13.76) and 74.10 (±16.20).

Transition of care of patients with chronic diseases and its relation with clinical and sociodemographic characteristics. / Transición del cuidado de pacientes con enfermedades crónicas y su relación con las características clínicas y sociodemográficas.

OBJECTIVE: evaluate the transition of care from the perspective of people living with chronic diseases and identify its relation with clinical and sociodemographic characteristics. METHOD: cross-sectional study with 487 patients who were discharged from a hospital. Clinical and sociodemographic characterization instruments were used, as well as the Care Transitions Measure-15, which measures Preparation for self-management, Secured preferences, Understanding about medications and Care plan factors. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. RESULTS: the transition of care was satisfactory (76.8±10.4). Average of the factors: Preparation for self-management (82.2±10.8), Secured preferences (84.7±14.3), Understanding about medications (75.7±13.7) and Care plan (64.5±13.2). Female patients had a higher average in the understanding about medications factor. Whites and residents in the urban area better evaluated the Care plan factor. The highest mean was observed for the Secured preferences factor (84.7±14.3) and the lowest for the Care plan factor (64.5±13.2). In all factors, significant differences were found in the variables (surgical patient, carrying clinical artifacts and not being hospitalized for COVID-19). Patients hospitalized for up to five days showed statistical difference in Preparation for self-management and Understanding about medications factors. In patients who were not readmitted within 30 days of discharge, Preparation for self-management was better. The better the Preparation for self-management, the lower the 30-day readmission rates. CONCLUSION: in patients living with chronic diseases, sociodemographic and clinical variables are associated with the transition of care. Patients who better evaluated preparation for self-management had fewer readmissions within 30 days. (1) Brazilian study that evaluated the transition of care of patients with CNCDs. (2) Women had a higher average in the understanding about medications factor. (3) Whites and residents in the urban area better evaluated the care plan. (4) Better preparation for self-management reduces length of stay and readmissions. (5) Better preparation for understanding about medications reduces hospitalization time.

Traslado no programado de pacientes pediátricos desde una sala de internación general a una unidad de cuidados intensivos / Unplanned transfer of pediatric patients from the general ward to the intensive care unit

Introducción. Durante la internación, los pacientes pueden presentar un deterioro clínico significativo y requerir el ingreso no programado a la unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos (UCIP). Esto puede conllevar un aumento de la morbilidad y la mortalidad. Frecuentemente, estos eventos están precedidos por una fase de deterioro que podría pasar desapercibida. Objetivo. Determinar la frecuencia, analizar las causas, describir las características clínicas y los resultados de los traslados no programados en pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados, desde el área de internación general pediátrica (IGP) a la UCIP, y analizar las diferencias entre traslados urgentes y emergentes. Población y métodos. Estudio descriptivo prospectivo; se analizaron todos los traslados no programados desde IGP a la UCIP ocurridos entre el 1 de enero de 2014 y el 31 de diciembre 2019. Resultados. Se constataron 212 traslados no programados (21 traslados cada 1000 ingresos). El 76 % de los pacientes trasladados presentaban una comorbilidad asociada ­la más frecuente fue la patología oncológica (36 %)­ y llevaban más de 24 horas internados en IGP. Las causas más frecuentes de traslado fueron dificultad respiratoria (43 %), sepsis (20 %) y complicaciones neurológicas/neuroquirúrgicas (20 %). La tasa de mortalidad global fue del 8,96 % (19 pacientes). Conclusiones. El análisis de los traslados no programados es un elemento esencial en la evaluación de la calidad de atención y seguridad del paciente de un área, y debe constituir un indicador integrado al tablero de control. La interpretación de los traslados no programados como un evento prevenible constituye un cambio de paradigma clave.

Introduction. During hospitalization, patients may develop significant clinical deterioration and require unplanned admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). This may result in increased morbidity and mortality. These events are often preceded by a deterioration phase that may go unnoticed. Objective. To determine the frequency, analyze the causes, and describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of unplanned transfers of hospitalized pediatric patients from the general pediatric ward (GPW) to the PICU, and analyze the differences between urgent and emergent transfers. Population and methods. Prospective, descriptive study; all unplanned transfers from the GPW to the PICU occurring between January 1st, 2014 and December 31st, 2019 were analyzed. Results. There were 212 unplanned transfers (21 transfers per 1000 admissions). An associated comorbidity was present in 76% of transferred patients ­being cancer the most frequent one (36%)­ and they had been hospitalized for more than 24 hours in the GPW. The most frequent causes of transfer were respiratory distress (43%), sepsis (20%), and neurological/neurosurgical complications (20%). The overall mortality rate was 8.96% (19 patients). Conclusions. The analysis of unplanned transfers is a critical component in the assessment of the quality of care and patient safety of an area, and should be an indicator integrated into the control panel. The interpretation of unplanned transfers as a preventable event is a key paradigm shift.

Evaluating the Validity of the Responses to Illness Severity Quantification Score to Discriminate Illness Severity and Level of Care Transitions in Hospitalized Children with Severe Acute Malnutrition.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the validity of the Responses to Illness Severity Quantification (RISQ) score to discriminate illness severity and transitions between levels of care during hospitalization. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective observational study conducted in Maiduguri, Nigeria, enrolled inpatients aged 1-59 months with severe acute malnutrition. The primary outcome was the RISQ score associated with the patient state. Heart and respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, respiratory effort, oxygen use, temperature, and level of consciousness are summed to calculate the RISQ score. Five states were defined by levels of care and hospital discharge outcome. The states were classified hierarchically, reflecting illness severity: hospital mortality was the most severe state, then intensive care unit (ICU), care in the stabilization phase (SP), care in the rehabilitation phase (RP), and lowest severity, survival at hospital discharge. A multistate statistical model examined performance of the RISQ score in predicting clinical states and transitions. RESULTS: Of 903 children enrolled (mean age, 14.6 months), 63 (7%) died. Mean RISQ scores during care in each phase were 3.5 (n = 2265) in the ICU, 1.7 (n = 6301) in the SP, and 1.5 (n = 2377) in the RP. Mean scores and HRs for a 3-point change in score at transitions: ICU to death, 6.9 (HR, 1.80); SP to ICU, 2.8 (HR, 2.00); ICU to SP, 2.0 (HR, 0.5); and RP to discharge, 1.4 (HR, 0.91). CONCLUSIONS: The RISQ score can discriminate between points of escalation or de-escalation of care and reflects illness severity in hospitalized children with severe acute malnutrition. Evaluation of clinical implementation and demonstration of benefit will be important before widespread adoption.

La comunicación efectiva para mejorar la interacción del personal de enfermería durante el enlace de turno / Effective communication to improve the interaction of nursing staff during shift change

La razón del ser y del saber que es objeto de estudio de la enfermería es el cuidado de las personas. Para garantizar la continuidad en el cuidado de las personas, el personal de enfermería realiza el enlace de turno en los diversos escenarios clínicos, durante el cual es imprescindible una actitud de compromiso, empatía y habilidad de comunicación efectiva para compartir ­transferir­ el estado de las personas que son sujetos de cuidados. Se han desarrollado herramientas que ayudan a reducir errores durante la transferencia de pacientes y el enlace de turno, como el protocolo Escuchar-escribir-leer-confirmar y la técnica SAER (Situación, antecedentes, evaluación y recomendaciones) o SBAR por sus siglas en inglés.

The entire purpose which is the object of study of nursing is the care of individuals. To guarantee continuity on this task, the nursing staff performs the shift change in the various clinical scenarios, during which an attitude of commitment, empathy and effective communication skills is essential to share ­transfer­ the status of the individuals under care. Tools that help reducing errors during patient transfer and shift change have been developed, such as the Listen-Write-Read-Confirm protocol, and the SBAR technique

Experience of ambulance drivers on transfer of suspected or confirmed patients for COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: To unveil the experience of ambulance drivers regarding the transfer of suspected or confirmed patients for COVID-19. METHOD: Exploratory study with a qualitative approach conducted in October 2021 with 18 drivers from the Northwestern Mesoregion of the State of Ceará-Brazil. The individual interviews occurred virtually, via Google Meet®, and for data processing the IRAMUTEQ® software was used. RESULTS: Six classes were obtained: Feelings experienced during transfers; Concern about contamination of the work team and family members; Therapeutic itinerary, patients' clinical status and increase in the number of transfers; Disinfection of ambulances between transfers of patients with suspected and/or diagnosed COVID-19; Gowning for patient transfers and Psychospiritual aspects of drivers during the pandemic. CONCLUSION: The experience was marked by challenges in adapting to the new routine and procedures during transfers. It was evidenced feelings of fear, insecurity, tension and anguish in the worker's reports.

Quality of child and adolescent care transitions considering the presence of chronic disease.

OBJECTIVES: to analyze the quality of child and adolescent care transitions from hospital to home, considering the presence of chronic disease. METHODS: quantitative, cross-sectional study, carried out from February to September 2019 in two hospitals in the south of Brazil. We used an instrument to characterize participants and the Care Transitions Measure (CTM-15) for the legal tutors of children and adolescents that were discharged from the institutions. RESULTS: the general mean of the quality of transition of care was 87.9 (SD=13.4), in a scale from 0 to100). We found a significant difference in the quality of transition of care when comparing patients with and without chronic disease (90.0 and 84.3; p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: we found the quality of the transition of care to be satisfactory, with better results for patients with chronic disease. This can help understand the most impactful aspects in the transition of care, especially in regard to children health.

Development of a measurement instrument to assess patient safe transition at hospital discharge.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate the content of a measurement instrument to assess the quality of care transitions and patient safety at hospital discharge from the nurses' perspective. METHODS: A methodological study developed in southern Brazil between April 2019 and January 2022, in three stages: integrative review and semi-structured interviews with six nurses for construction of the instrument; content validation with a committee of 14 experts; and a pre-test with 20 nurses. A Content Validity Index above 0.80 was employed. RESULTS: A measurement instrument with 37 items organized into six domains was developed, as follows: structure; discharge planning; care education; referral for continuity of care; safety culture, and care transitions results. The general Content Validity Index reached 0.93. CONCLUSIONS: The measurement instrument presented content validation and will contribute to understanding transitional care in the Brazilian context, proposing changes to qualify and strengthen patient safety at hospital discharge.

Continuity of care for children with chronic conditions: mixed methods research.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the continuity of care for children with chronic conditions from the transition from hospital to home. METHOD: Parallel-convergent mixed-methods research, with a cross-sectional study and Grounded Theory. A characterization instrument and the Care Transitons Measure were applied to 201 legal guardians of children with chronic conditions, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 35 participants (among professionals and guardians). Data were combined by integration. RESULTS: The efforts of the hospital team to promote continuity of care after discharge from the transition from hospital to home impact on the quality-of-care transition perceived by caregivers, with a mean of 89.5 (standard deviation = 12.5) points. However, the absence of formal mechanisms to guide the transition of care makes it difficult to achieve continuity of care in the health network. CONCLUSION: Continuity of care for children is hindered by barriers, against which hospital care professionals seek individual strategies to overcome them. It is essential to establish institutional actions and public policies aiming at the transition of care to promote continuity of care.

Unplanned transfer of pediatric patients from the general ward to the intensive care unit. / Traslado no programado de pacientes pediátricos desde una sala de internación general a una unidad de cuidados intensivos.

Introduction. During hospitalization, patients may develop significant clinical deterioration and require unplanned admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). This may result in increased morbidity and mortality. These events are often preceded by a deterioration phase that may go unnoticed. Objective. To determine the frequency, analyze the causes, and describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of unplanned transfers of hospitalized pediatric patients from the general pediatric ward (GPW) to the PICU, and analyze the differences between urgent and emergent transfers. Population and methods. Prospective, descriptive study; all unplanned transfers from the GPW to the PICU occurring between January 1st , 2014 and December 31st, 2019 were analyzed. Results. There were 212 unplanned transfers (21 transfers per 1000 admissions). An associated comorbidity was present in 76% of transferred patients -being cancer the most frequent one (36%)- and they had been hospitalized for more than 24 hours in the GPW. The most frequent causes of transfer were respiratory distress (43%), sepsis (20%), and neurological/neurosurgical complications (20%). The overall mortality rate was 8.96% (19 patients). Conclusions. The analysis of unplanned transfers is a critical component in the assessment of the quality of care and patient safety of an area, and should be an indicator integrated into the control panel. The interpretation of unplanned transfers as a preventable event is a key paradigm shift.

Introducción. Durante la internación, los pacientes pueden presentar un deterioro clínico significativo y requerir el ingreso no programado a la unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos (UCIP). Esto puede conllevar un aumento de la morbilidad y la mortalidad. Frecuentemente, estos eventos están precedidos por una fase de deterioro que podría pasar desapercibida. Objetivo. Determinar la frecuencia, analizar las causas, describir las características clínicas y los resultados de los traslados no programados en pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados, desde el área de internación general pediátrica (IGP) a la UCIP, y analizar las diferencias entre traslados urgentes y emergentes. Población y métodos. Estudio descriptivo prospectivo; se analizaron todos los traslados no programados desde IGP a la UCIP ocurridos entre el 1 de enero de 2014 y el 31 de diciembre 2019. Resultados. Se constataron 212 traslados no programados (21 traslados cada 1000 ingresos). El 76 % de los pacientes trasladados presentaban una comorbilidad asociada ­la más frecuente fue la patología oncológica (36 %)­ y llevaban más de 24 horas internados en IGP. Las causas más frecuentes de traslado fueron dificultad respiratoria (43 %), sepsis (20 %) y complicaciones neurológicas/neuroquirúrgicas (20 %). La tasa de mortalidad global fue del 8,96 % (19 pacientes). Conclusiones. El análisis de los traslados no programados es un elemento esencial en la evaluación de la calidad de atención y seguridad del paciente de un área, y debe constituir un indicador integrado al tablero de control. La interpretación de los traslados no programados como un evento prevenible constituye un cambio de paradigma clave.

Care transitions among oncological patients: from hospital to community.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the transition of care from the perspective of cancer patients, in a Southern Brazil hospital, correlating perspectives with sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. METHOD: Cross-sectional study using the Care Transitions Measure (CTM) with cancer patients undergoing clinical or surgical treatment following hospital discharge. Data collection was completed by telephone, between June and September 2019. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: The average CTM score was 74.1, which was considered satisfactory. The CTM factors: understanding about medications (83.3) and preparation for self-management (77.7) were deemed satisfactory; while: secured preferences (69.4) and care plan (66.1) were unsatisfactory for an effective and safe care transition. No statistically significant difference was found between sociodemographic variables and the CTM. Among the clinical variables, primary cancer and the secured preferences factor showed a significant difference (p = 0.044). CONCLUSION: The transition from hospital care to the community was considered satisfactory in the overall assessment.