Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of pregnant patients transported directly by ambulance or by transfer between hospitals to the obstetric emergency department. The study was conducted among patients aged 18 years and over who were presented to the obstetric emergency department by ambulance between January 2024 and June 2024. Patients were divided into two groups as direct admission and inter-hospital transfer. Demographic characteristics, triage categories, indications for transfer, hospitalisation rates and length of hospital stay were recorded. Data were statistically analysed. A total of 600 patients were included in the study. In the inter-hospital transfer group, the hospitalisation rate and mean length of stay were significantly higher than in the direct admission group (30% vs 15% and 7 days vs 3 days, respectively). The rate and length of stay of patients in the Code Red triage category were higher in the transfer group. The most common indication for transfer was the need for a specialist. The rate and length of stay for patients requiring intensive care were higher than for other indications of transfer. Inter-hospital transfer is an important factor that may affect patient outcomes in the obstetric emergency department. Transferred patients were found to be more likely to be hospitalised and to have a longer length of stay. Optimising the transfer process is essential to ensure patient safety and minimise adverse outcomes.

Key words: Inter-hospital transfer, obstetric emergency department, patient outcomes, hospitalisation rate, length of stay