Transfer from Another Facility - Unknown Patient-Problem Solving

What do you do?

I will immediately prioritize the patient’s well-being by ensuring their comfort and

safety. Simultaneously, I will inform the nursing staff and the charge nurse about the situation,

alerting them to the patient’s arrival without transfer papers. I will then secure the patient’s chart

or any available documentation for initial assessment and care.

How do you find out who this patient is?

To identify the patient, I will start by checking the patient’s person and belongings for

any identifying information such as a medical bracelet, tags, or personal items. Additionally, I

will consult our hospital’s electronic medical records system to cross-check if any information

about the patient was transmitted electronically from the referring facility. I will also promptly

contact the transferring facility to gather information and verify the patient’s identity.

How do you get the transfer forms that should have come with the patient?

To obtain the missing transfer papers, I will promptly contact the transport team who

brought the patient and inform them about the missing transfer papers. Requesting their

immediate assistance, I will ask the transport team to relay this information to the originating

facility and expedite the delivery of the necessary transfer forms. Simultaneously, I will contact

the originating facility directly, providing details of the situation, and request them to fax or

electronically send the missing transfer documentation to ensure continuity of care and proper

documentation.