SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-The Intake Hospitalist: Creation of a New Role to Maximize the Safety and Efficiency of Interhospital Transfers Amidst Capacity Crisis

The Intake Hospitalist: Creation of a New Role to Maximize the Safety and Efficiency of Interhospital Transfers Amidst Capacity Crisis

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The poster describes the creation of an “Intake Hospitalist” role at Oregon Health & Science University to improve the safety, efficiency, and appropriateness of inter-hospital transfers during a capacity crisis. Previously, hospitalists handled transfer triage alongside clinical care and teaching duties, leading to workload strain and inconsistent screening. The new role, launched in January 2021, assigned a trained group of 16 experienced hospitalists to manage all medicine transfer calls, direct admissions, and external consults using a standardized workflow, independent of other clinical responsibilities.<br /><br />The intervention aimed to reduce unnecessary transfers, ensure patients arrived with the right documentation and at the right time, and improve outcomes. Results over the study period showed several improvements: average transfer-to-procedure time fell from 51.3 to 35.6 hours; 49 unnecessary transfers were avoided over six months through remote consultation and expedited outpatient follow-up; and 81% of those redirected patients still received follow-up at OHSU, with 70% seen within two weeks. Safety also improved, with rapid response or ICU transfer within 24 hours dropping from 4.6% to 0.87%. Documentation improved markedly, with missing transfer records decreasing from 15% to 1%.<br /><br />Survey data suggested the role also improved hospitalist workflow and quality of life, giving clinicians more time for patient care, education, self-care, and thorough review of transfer information. The authors conclude that the Intake Hospitalist model helped ensure that only appropriate patients were transferred, improved safety and throughput, and increased bed availability. They are considering adapting the approach for other service lines.

Asset Subtitle

Michael J. Hendricks

Meta Tag

Author List Matthias Merkel, Michael J. Hendricks, Patty Ritze, Stephanie Halvorson

Category Innovations

Concept Intake Hospitalist

Concept Pediatric Inter-Hospital Transfer

Concept Transfer Safety

Concept Transfer Efficiency

Concept Transfer Appropriateness

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Oregon Health & Science University

Presenting Author Michael J. Hendricks

Track Transitions of Care

Keywords

Intake Hospitalist

inter-hospital transfers

hospitalist workflow

transfer triage

capacity crisis

patient safety

transfer efficiency

OHSU

direct admissions

standardized workflow

Intake Hospitalist

Pediatric Inter-Hospital Transfer

Transfer Safety

Transfer Efficiency

Transfer Appropriateness