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Transitioning patients from one unit to another is a nursing function that occurs daily. When done effectively, it streamlines continuity of care, decreases anxiety, ensures patients and families maintain confidence in care providers, and avoids readmissions to the intensive care unit (ICU). This article describes a transition plan for transferring patients from the ICU to the general pediatric unit developed by an inpatient, non-critical care cardiology/neurological unit to facilitate a smooth and informational transition from the ICU to the non-critical unit. Subsequently, this program incorporated the development of educational materials and a program that provides patients and families with clear information on what to expect, the differences between the two units, and the services available by their healthcare team on the unit to which they are transferred. By establishing a process and a liaison to guide and educate patients and families on what to expect during transition, fears and anxieties are decreased or eliminated, while the promotion of healing and successful outcomes for discharge home becomes the focus.
"The process of transitioning patients from [the] intensive care unit to general patient floors is a basic nursing function that occurs on a daily basis" (Boutiller, 2007, p. 137). When done effectively, it can streamline continuity of care, ensure patients and families maintain confidence in care providers, and avoid readmission to the intensive care unit (ICU). It is important to educate patients and families regarding what to expect during the transition process to relieve their stress. The process of preparing families for transition also provides an opportunity to discuss discharge plans. Open dialogue about moving to the general unit promotes the philosophy of family-centered care through information sharing and collaboration between families and healthcare providers.
Ideally, preparation of transfer should begin on admission to the ICU. The program this inpatient, non-critical care cardiology/neurology unit initiated involves a committed charge person to be a representative and point person for the families to have a familiar face when they arrive on the unit. The need for this program arose from families' consistent expression of being fearful of leaving the ICU. Families did not view the transition as a positive experience, and they perceived the general pediatric unit as a fearful and unsupportive place. Anecdotally, physicians relayed these comments...