What acronym should be used for a pre-alert concerning patient transfer?

The acronym pertinent to a pre-alert concerning patient transfer is ATMSIST. This acronym stands for important elements that need to be communicated during a pre-alert situation, thereby facilitating effective handover of critical patient information and ensuring the receiving team is prepared for the patient's arrival.

ATMSIST is broken down as follows: the "A" represents age, which provides context regarding the patient's demographic. "T" stands for time, indicating when the transfer will occur or the onset of the patient’s condition. "M" indicates mechanism of injury, which is particularly relevant for trauma cases, allowing for an understanding of the circumstances surrounding the patient's injury. "S" signifies signs and symptoms, detailing the current condition of the patient based on clinical findings. "I" reflects the intervention that has been performed prior to transfer, offering immediate context on what treatments have been administered. "S" again represents safety, which includes mechanisms to ensure safety during transfer, and finally, "T" signifies transport, which includes details on the mode of transport being used.

Using ATMSIST during a pre-alert ensures that all necessary details are covered, promoting continuity of care and effective communication between healthcare professionals. This fosters a more efficient transfer process, particularly in emergency situations or critical care.