Issues and Challenges of Communicating Interfacility Transfer Patient Information in the United States: A Systematic Review

Background: The interfacility transfer places the patient at greater risk for poor outcomes due to outdated, inaccurate, or miscommunication of patient information at the time of transfer. Rural patients are at greater risk for poor outcomes due to experiencing a higher rate of transfers because of health care inequities related to limited access to specialty and critical care services. This paper systematically reviewed the literature to describe the current state of interfacility transfer communication practices and methods in the United States. Methods: The review followed the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines and checklist. PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus were searched using MeSH terms and keywords. Inclusion criteria: peer-reviewed research articles published in English from 2013 to 2022 in the United States and included both adult and pediatric patient transfers. It was noted that there is a lack of research on nursing-based interfacility transfer communication practices and methods. Results: A total of 763 articles were reviewed, and 24 met eligibility for inclusion. The following coded themes were identified in the research literature: transfer patient characteristics and geographic barriers, communication challenges, transfer process, interoperability, digital intervention, and standardized transfer tools. Conclusion: The development and implementation of an integrated standardized interfacility transfer communication tool are warranted to decrease miscommunication and improve patient outcomes. The integration of technologies such as telehealth, the use of health information exchanges, and improved interoperability between health systems can improve communication and outcomes for all transfer patients but specifically rural transfers. Additionally, health care workers, particularly those in rural areas, need adequate infrastructure and financial resources to achieve positive patient outcomes.