Abstract
Introduction
This study aimed to explore nonurgent pediatric interhospital transfers through the
lens of nurses’ experiences and perceptions when undertaking these transfers.
Methods
Using a narrative inquiry approach, data were collected via semistructured interviews
with registered nurses (N = 7) who had experience undertaking patient transfers between nonurgent low-acuity
and urgent high-acuity hospital settings.
Results
Findings established the following 8 themes: ensuring transfer preparation for risk
mitigation, practicing confident advocacy, being accountable for risk mitigation of
the deteriorating patient during transfer, maintaining standardized procedure, using
training and mentorship to support confidence, maintaining interhospital and intrahospital
relationships, recognizing the significance of transfer on families, and acknowledging
the burden of transfer and delay.
Discussion
By exploring the stories and experiences of emergency nurses who undertake pediatric
interhospital transfers, a deep investigation of the risks and challenges has been
described, an area often underrepresented in the literature. Findings from this study
highlight important learnings for pediatric interhospital transfer that add value
to the wider body of evidence.
Key words
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Biography
Terri Downer is Associate Professor Midwifery, School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia. Twitter: @terridowner4. ORCID identifier: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3192-9579.
Biography
Rebecca Halsall is Clinical Nurse Consultant, Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, Australia.
Biography
Roni Cole is Nurse Researcher, Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, Australia. ORCID identifier: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5881-0311.
Biography
Clare Thomas is Director of Paediatrics, Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, Australia.
Biography
Lauren Kearney is Adjunct Associate Professor, School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia; and Conjoint Associate Professor of Midwifery, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, University of Queensland, Australia. Twitter: @Lauren_Kearney7. ORCID identifier: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0299-6537.
Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 27, 2023
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofIdentification
Copyright
© 2022 Emergency Nurses Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
