Patient safety can be compromised by discontinuities in care. Studies suggest that discontinuity results from poor information transfer and faulty communication, which in turn may cause avoidable adverse events. Improving information transfer and communications among health care providers is an important patient safety practice and has been strongly recommended as a means to improve patient car...

INTRODUCTION The transfer of patient care between the intensive care unit (ICU) and the hospital ward is associated with increased risk of medical error and adverse events. This study will describe patient transfer from ICU to hospital ward by documenting (1) patient, family and provider experiences related to ICU transfer, (2) communication between stakeholders involved in ICU transfer, (3) ad...