J Perianesth Nurs. 2026 Aug 25:S1089-9472(26)00453-3. doi: 10.1016/j.jopan.2026.08.006. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To systematically analyze the current safety status of intrahospital transport for patients recovering from general anesthesia, identify primary risk factors, and propose data-driven, systematic improvement strategies.
DESIGN: A retrospective analysis was conducted on transport monitoring records of 255 patients who underwent general anesthesia in a tertiary hospital.
METHODS: Transport duration, data integrity rate, and changes in oxygen saturation (SpO₂) and pulse rate (PR) were statistically analyzed.
FINDINGS: The mean transport duration was (9.68 ± 4.25) minutes, with a median time of 9.40 minutes. The overall monitoring data integrity rate was 75.35%. The incidence of hypoxemia (SpO₂ less than 90%) reached 50.59% (129/255). The mean minimum SpO₂ was (88.96 ± 4.40)%, and the mean maximum PR was (89.22 ± 16.46) bpm, indicating significant physiological fluctuations.
CONCLUSION: Even after meeting discharge criteria, patients undergoing general anesthesia exhibit physiological instability during intrahospital transport, characterized by a high incidence of hypoxemia and significant gaps in monitoring data, which may precipitate anesthesia-related safety incidents. Therefore, constructing a safety system encompassing standardized procedures, enhanced team safety awareness, and technological empowerment is a crucial measure to mitigate transport risks and ensure patient safety following general anesthesia.
PMID:42640243 | DOI:10.1016/j.jopan.2026.08.006
