Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Special Statement: A maternal transport briefing form and checklist

When performing a maternal transport between two facilities, numerous pieces of information must be communicated between physicians, nurses, and transport personnel, including the health status of 2 patients (mother and fetus), availability of bed space and personnel in 2 units at the receiving facility (labor and delivery unit and neonatal intensive care unit), arrangements for transportation, and inpatient and outpatient records. The amount and complexity of information creates a risk of medical error due to communication lapses. A cognitive aid such as a standardized form can help the team prepare for a transfer and provide a consistent framework for a handoff briefing among healthcare professionals. SMFM presents a sample briefing form to ensure that key elements are communicated for every maternal transport. Practical suggestions are given to help facilities customize the form and implement it on their units.