2021 Curriculum learning syllabus: stage 3 special interest areas

Published: 25/02/2021

Transfer Medicine

  • Group 2: 3 to 6 months

Learning outcomes

  • Provides safe and effective multi-disciplinary care to all patients requiring retrieval and/or transfer, however complex, independently
  • Is capable of leading the delivery of care in this area of anaesthetic practice, to the benefit of both patients and the organisation

 Key capabilities

A

Leads the clinical care of complex patients requiring transfer or retrieval by road or air

B

Works safely in the prehospital environment to resuscitate and stabilise patients

C

Communicates and works effectively with multiagency partners

D

Can triage casualties appropriately for evacuation by road or air

E

Can prepare, package and transfer patients appropriately by air safely

F

Is familiar with aircraft operating and safety procedures, crew communications systems, and emergency procedures

G

Describes relevant law and procedures in relation to international medical transfers and repatriations

H

 Is able to co-ordinate transfer and retrieval services across an area or network Including ability to liaise with road or air transport providers, transfer teams, and referring and receiving hospitals

Examples of evidence

Experience and logbook:
  • logbook demonstrating experience managing transfer of patients of all ages across a range of transport modalities.
Supervised Learning Events (SLEs) can be used to demonstrate:
  • strategies for optimising a patient’s physiology prior to transfer
  • ability to coordinate and plan patient transfer demonstrating concurrent activity in managing clinical and non-clinical aspects of the transfer
  • consideration for ethical challenges posed by inter-facility transfer
  • understanding of the regulations related to land Ambulance, HEMS and Air Ambulance deployment
  • ability to differentiate the risks and benefits of road, helicopter and fixed wing transport modalities
  • knowledge of the physiological effects of transfer and how these can be effectively minimised
  • ability to undertake safe transfer of all age groups of ventilated patients
  • knowledge of the potential patient and operational complications with transfer, and how to prepare/mitigate these
  • understanding of minimum standards of monitoring during transfer
  • clear understanding of the law and principles related to safety; actions taken to ensure safety of both patient and crew
  • acknowledgment of futility and avoidance of inappropriate inter-facility transfer.
Personal Activities and Personal Reflections may include:
  • attendance at local or national courses related to transfer
  • leadership of QI projects related to transfer
  • involvement in teaching opportunities relating to transfer
  • attendance at pre-hospital/transfer conferences, study days or lectures.
Other evidence:
  • satisfactory MSF
  • suggested (optional) further qualifications:
    • Diploma in Immediate Retrieval and Transfer from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
    • Diploma in Immediate Medical Care from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
    • Fellowship in Immediate Medical Care from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

Supervision level

  • 4 - should be able to manage independently with no supervisor involvement (although should inform consultant supervisor as appropriate to local protocols).

Cross links with other domains and capabilities

  • all generic professional domains of learning
  • General Anaesthesia
  • Resuscitation and Transfer
  • Pain