A systematic review of clinical outcomes associated with intrahospital transitions
Care transitions between hospitals and community settings have been identified as a source of negative patient safety outcomes, such as medication errors or other adverse events. This systematic review focused on transitions of care within hospitals (such as within the same unit or between units) and found two studies demonstrating that the risk of adverse events - such as medication errors, infections or falls - increased as patients experienced three or more transfers. A prior PSNet WebM&M also discussed medication errors that can arise during transitions between hospital units.