What do ambulance service personnel perceive to be the process of and issues with inter-hospital transfers?

Abstract

Abstract published with permission. At present, the inter-hospital transfer process has been described as suboptimal and current literature fails to describe or analyse the complete transfer process. In particular, the challenges and barriers from UK NHS ambulance services are yet to be described. To examine this further, a study has been undertaken to explore a NHS ambulance service personnel’s experiences, perceptions and issues relating to the inter-hospital transfer process. The findings have shown that ambulance personnel approach inter-hospital transfers from a business perspective, which affects the way they process and perceive transfers. There exists a consensus among staff that the inter-hospital transfer policy or procedure is not fully understood, due to a lack of clarity and mixed messages throughout the process. Staff members view the inter-hospital transfer process as a nuisance and have acknowledged it was inadequately executed. Additionally, undertaking certain inter-hospital transfers is seen as challenging paramedics’ professional identities.