Factors contributing to adverse events after ICU discharge: A survey of liaison nurses

Background: A significant number of patients experience an adverse event when discharged from intensive care to a ward. More than half of these events may be preventable with better standards of care. Aim: To explore the opinions of an expert group of clinicians around factors contributing to adverse events in patients discharged from ICU. Method: Online survey of Australian ICU Liaison Nurses (n= 39) using a validated questionnaire of 25 items. Results: The response rate was 92.8%. Key contributing factors included a lack of experienced ward staff, patient co-morbidities and the clinically challenging nature of many patients. Conclusion: Modifying processes of care may decrease the risk or impact of adverse events in this high risk patient population.