AST Guideline for Patient Transportation

8 use of portable mechanical ventilators has gained support. 14,18 If a mechanical ventilator is used, the transfer team including the CST should confirm that the alarms are working to indicate disconnection and increased airway pressures in the patient. 14,18 The transfer team should make sure a fully-charged backup battery power supply is transferred with the patient who is on a mechanical ventilator. 4) Minimally, during transfer, monitoring of the patient should include continuous electrocardiography, pulse oximetry, blood pressure, pulse and respiratory rates. 15,18 (Warren) 5) The surgery department (receiving area) should have equivalent equipment including mechanical ventilator, that is used to provide the same level of patient monitoring and support provided in the ICU. Guideline V The surgery department should review the policies and procedures (P&P) regarding transferring and transporting surgical patients on an annual basis. 1. The surgery department should include members of the surgical team and administration when reviewing the P&Ps, including CSTs, surgeons, RNs, risk management, and infection control officer. A. The surgery department should document when the P&Ps were reviewed, revision completed (if necessary), and who participated in the review process. 2. CSTs should be familiar with the P&Ps for transferring and transporting surgical patients. The orientation of new employees should include reviewing the P&Ps. Guideline VI CSTs should complete continuing education to remain current in their knowledge of transferring and transporting the surgical patient. 19 1. The continuing education should be based upon the concepts of adult learning, referred to as andragogy. Adults learn best when the information is relevant to their work experience; the information is practical, rather than academic; and the learner is actively involved in the learning process. 20 2. It is recommended surgery departments use various methods of instruction to facilitate the learning process of CSTs. A. If the education is primarily lecture, methods to engage learners include presentation of case studies for discussion, and audience discussion providing suggestions for reinforcing transferring and transporting surgical patients. B. Other proven educational methods include interactive training videos, and computerized training modules and teleconferences. C. The continuing education should be delivered over short periods of time such as in modules, and not in a one-time lengthy educational session.