Operational Impact of a Critical Care Transport Duty Time Tool Implementation: A Quality Improvement Project to Enhance Crew and Patient Safety.
Air Medical Journal · 2018-01-01 · Implementation & quality improvement
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems requires transport programs to have operational risk assessment tools that must address issues such as transport acceptance with tools for assessing pilot/driver and crew alertness and fatigue, aviation decision making, and mission acceptance/medical decision making. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact the implementation of this tool has on programmatic operations. METHODS: This hospital-based dedicated pediatric/neonatal transport team has experienced rapid increase in volume as well as an expanding response area. Data related to calls resulting in excessive on-duty time were evaluated for 2 years before and after the implementation of a formal risk assessment program that included duty time assessment. RESULTS: Since the implementation of the duty time assessment tool, there has been a 48% decrease in calls resulting in crews being held over 1 hour past their shift. Additionally, there has been no decline in transport requests, and the resultant increased safety awareness has led to a decreased risk of incidents related to crew and driver fatigue. CONCLUSION: The implementation of a risk assessment tool not only increases crew safety and subsequently patient safety, but also it has no negative impact on referral pattern or volume.