General Nursing (RGN)
TRANSFER-OUT (TRANS-OUT)
This is when a patient is moved out from one unit of admission within the same hospital for updated treatment. It is done at the discretion of the medical team or at the request of the patient. A good knowledge of patient's/client's condition is very important.
Purpose
- Mostly for specialty treatment
- Investigations e.g. C.T. scan, MRI etc.
- On patient's request
Indications
- Transfer to another unit for specialist treatment
- Transfer to another department for investigation
- Transfer to another healthcare facility
- Transfer authorized by the medical team
- Transfer requested by the patient when clinically and administratively appropriate
Equipment
- Patient's medical records (Manual or electronic)
- Referral notes (Manual or electronic)
Procedure steps
- Confirm patient's trans-out order with medical team
- Assess patient's/clients condition
- Inform the receiving unit or facility about the intended transfer and the state of patient
- Explain reason for the trans out to patient and relatives
- Arrange for accompanying nurse and appropriate means of transportation
- Collect all necessary data
- Pack patient's personal belongings
- Collect patient's medication, laboratory results and transfer documents
- Ensure patient settles bills where applicable
- Assist patient onto stretcher, wheel chair or ambulance where applicable
- Hand over patient's notes and belongings to the accompanying nurse
- Ensure linen are removed
- Decontaminate beds and its accessories
- Make new bed for next patient
Precautions
- Confirm the authorized transfer order before moving the patient
- Assess the patient's clinical condition and stability before transfer
- Inform and confirm acceptance with the receiving unit or facility
- Use transportation appropriate to the patient's clinical condition
- Ensure oxygen, intravenous lines, drains, catheters and other devices are secure
- Ensure relevant records, medications, investigation results and belongings accompany the patient
- Maintain patient privacy, dignity and confidentiality
- Give a complete clinical handover to the receiving nurse/team
- Document the transfer and condition of the patient
Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.
Open Component Task app