Advanced clinical practitioners in paediatric critical care transport services

Advanced clinical practitioners (ACPs) specializing in the transfer of critically ill children began training at the South Thames Retrieval Service in London in 2003. Over 20 years, this model has been emulated across the United Kingdom. The aim of this study was to explore the national contribution of ACPs in paediatric critical care transport services in the United Kingdom. This national survey found that nine of the 12 regional services employed ACPs. The proportion of transfers led by ACPs ranged from 10% to 64%, suggesting that they make a valuable contribution to the transport of critically ill children between district general hospitals and paediatric intensive care units. The ACPs have expanded their scope practice and now fulfill the role of lead practitioner in the transport of critically ill children. There is scope to increase their contribution across retrieval services in the United Kingdom.