Project outline
Transferring a patient from one healthcare facility to another with insufficient or incorrect information has been identified as a type of system failure that can contribute to sentinel events.
This project focused on the standardised use of a transfer envelope - an envelope which contains medical documents and information about a patient that travels with the patient as they are being transferred.
In order to examine the best way to transfer patients using the most timely and appropriate information, the VMIA partnered on the Transfer Envelope Project with Barwon-South Western Region.
The project's aim to spread and sustain an enhanced, safer and more consistent information process for patient transfer within the region was largely achieved.
Project partners
- South West Healthcare (Lead partner)
- The VMIA.
Project outcomes
A guide, including tools and templates was developed as well as tips on assessed improved communication and handover for ‘up transfers’.
The project developed a transfer website for healthcare facility contact and information, including crucial information regarding the person responsible for accepting patient transfers and the receiving organisation's scope of operation. A ‘train the trainer’ approach promoted use of the transfer envelope system as well as use of audit tools for ongoing system assessment and improvement
Further information
Nick Van Zelst
Project Manager
South West Healthcare
Email: nvanzelst@swh.net.au
You can also read more about this project in the April 2011 Managing Clinical Risk newsletter.