Prevalence and Characteristics of Potentially Avoidable Interhospital Transfers

In this cross-sectional study of 1560 medical patients who underwent IHT, nearly one-quarter of the transfers were potentially avoidable. Many could have been managed at the transferring hospital or through alternatives such as teleconsultation, suggesting opportunities to reduce avoidable transfers. Future efforts should explore telehealth-based alternatives and approaches targeting lower-acuity patients and nonmedical drivers of transfer while maintaining patient-centered care.

Corresponding Author: Stephanie K. Mueller, MD, MPH, Division of General Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 41 Ave Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115 (smueller1@bwh.harvard.edu).

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