Moving patients between facilities can be challenging for hospitals. A well-planned relocation process can improve patient safety and increase care quality.

A successful hospital relocation requires strategic planning and clear communication among hospital staff members. Here are five critical considerations for a smooth and effective relocation. Start this planning process months before your scheduled move day.

Planning

Like any major undertaking, a patient relocation plans requires meticulous planning. But it’s especially critical in healthcare. After all, mistakes in a hospital move can have life-threatening consequences.

A successful hospital transition plan is mapped out well ahead of time, with timelines and milestones set in stone. It allows the hospital to avoid unforeseen circumstances and ensure every step is taken carefully.

The best way to ensure a hospital relocation plan is executed successfully is by having an experienced project manager manage the entire process. But finding a person within your organization with the right experience can be difficult. In this case, working with a professional relocation service with extensive healthcare industry experience is often more cost-effective.

Preparation

Patient relocations are among the most daunting tasks for healthcare organizations. Not only do they involve many people, but there is also the potential for patient safety issues if not handled properly. Therefore, preparation is one of the most essential factors in ensuring a successful move. It begins with preparing a communication plan identifying the most critical areas for each team and discipline. It is crucial to communicate with all parties involved, from the hospital leadership to each department, so that everyone understands their role in the patient relocation process.

A patient destination team should also be activated to match displaced patients with available beds in other facilities. Having this team in place will help to expedite the relocation process.

Communication

Patient transfer is a critical event for both hospital staff and patients. However, communication gaps between healthcare professionals can lead to delays and missed details.

Ineffective communication is often due to poor workflows, unclear or dated processes, and disruptive behaviors. Creating opportunities for collaboration free of these barriers can help. These include open conversations, team briefings, or collaborative ward rounds.

Other issues can arise regarding communication with a patient’s family during a transfer. It can be due to family members wanting more information on the patient’s condition, being unable to reach their care provider, or simply feeling overwhelmed and pestered by multiple calls. A modern CC&C platform can help streamline communication, allowing a transfer center to notify the entire team simultaneously through text, voice, or video.

Logistics

Logistics centers on the physical manifestation of transactions; without it, there can be no business. The system moves goods and services from a supplier to a customer. Successful companies manage this function as a unified system, which includes the management of transportation, inventory, and warehouse operations.

For example, a large chemical manufacturer carefully liaises between long-range planning and functional logistics groups within operating divisions. It enables division managers to remain aware of trends and issues that may impact corporate strategy.

Patient relocation plans are no different. A well-planned transfer process works to everyone’s benefit. This streamlined system will alleviate staff stress, improve patient satisfaction, and reduce costs. The key to success is communication. The most effective communication is a two-way dialogue that combines listening and speaking.

Transportation

Transporting patients from one hospital to another is a complex process. It requires a thorough understanding of the healthcare organization’s operational processes and the ability to anticipate the needs of each patient.

The first step is to ensure that you have enough transportation resources and that these are available at the time of need. It includes the number of ambulances and private vehicles that can reach your facility and the ability to coordinate with neighboring hospitals to share vehicle resources if necessary.

Lastly, you must prepare your patient relocation team with protective equipment and ensure the couple frequently sanitizes its tools to protect patients and themselves. It is also essential to have a transparent sign-off process so that only those approved can move patients.