Table 2

Mnemonics and descriptions applied for the reminder-assisted briefing during the intrahospital transportation process

Mnemonic	Initiator	Item name	Description
‘VITAL’	ICU nurse	Vital signs	The nurse confirms that the vital signs of the patient to be transported are acceptable.
		Infusions	The nurse assures the all infusion medications and fluids are functioning normally with sufficient amount and infusion sufficiently charged to endure until the expected time of returning to the ICU.
		Tubes	The nurse rechecks all indwelling lines and tubes on the patient to ensure proper placement and fixation.
		Alarms	The nurse assures proper settings and functions of the alarms of transportation monitors.
		Leave	The nurse assures normal function of the transportation bed before leaving the ICU, especially the bed wheels.
‘STOP’	Respiratory therapist	Secretions	The respiratory therapist confirms that the airway secretions have been adequately removed.
		Tubes	The respiratory therapist assures the patency of endotracheal or tracheostomy tube, and confirms the proper connection between ventilator and artificial airway.
		Oxygen	The respiratory therapist checks the amount of oxygen in the tank for transportation to assure that the oxygen will be sufficient during the transportation, especially during returning to the ICU. The therapist also assures the preparation of the air-bag-mask during the process.
		Power	The respiratory therapist checks the functions of transportation mechanical ventilator to assure its normal functions and alarm settings, and confirms the power charge is sufficient during the transportation, especially for the returning to the ICU.
‘STOP’	Radiologic technician	Speak out	The technician at the examination initiates a time-out calling to the transportation team after the handoff task has been completed.
		Tubes	The technician calls for a check for endotracheal or tracheostomy tubes to assure proper placement and connection during the displacement to the examination table.
		Other	The technician calls for a check for tubes and line other than the artificial airway, especially those connecting to the infusion pumps, to assure proper placement and connection during the displacement to the examination table.
		Position	The technician calls for a checking and assurance of a proper position for patient before displacement, and ensures that the transportation bed has been firmly placed beside the examination table.

ICU, intensive care unit.