Unplanned transfers from the General Ward to Critical Care Units often happen when a patient's condition worsens, leading to longer hospital stays and increased mortality rates.
A study conducted on 8,317 admissions found that 124 patients (14 per 1,000) were transferred, primarily elderly individuals with conditions like hypertension, heart failure, and respiratory issues.
The findings indicate that a significant number of patients who were transferred showed stable NEWS scores beforehand, highlighting potential inadequacies in monitoring and care processes in the General Ward.