One Fourth of Unplanned Transfers to a Higher Level of Care Are Associated With a Highly Preventable Adverse Event: A Patient Record Review in Six Belgian Hospitals

Objective: The objectives of this study are to determine the prevalence and preventability of adverse events requiring an unplanned higher level of care, defined as an unplanned transfer to the ICU or an in-hospital medical emergency team intervention, and to assess the type and the level of harm of each adverse event. Design: A three-stage retrospective review process of screening, record review, and consensus judgment was performed. Setting: Six Belgian acute hospitals. Patients: During a 6-month period, all patients with an unplanned need for a higher level of care were selected. Interventi... Mehr ...