Abstract
There is much literature to substantiate the inadvertent emotional and psychological trauma associated with critical care areas. However, alongside this, there is a growing body of knowledge to show that these intense and specialized areas are actually perceived as secure, safe and familiar environments by some patients and family members. Transfer from the intensive care unit is not always perceived in a positive light and often the transition is dreaded by both the patient and his family. The evidence would suggest that discharge from specialized care environments can actually be as traumatic as admission. This phenomenon has become known as transfer anxiety, relocation anxiety, or translocation anxiety. There is the possibility that transfer may induce stress or distress in some patients, especially when routines, environments and/or invasive monitoring procedures are altered or ceased without prior knowledge, preparation or adequate explanation. If healthcare personnel fail to identify and meet the psychological needs of patients and families relocating from these areas, the detrimental effects may extend far beyond discharge from ICU. For relocating patients, transfer from the ICU can be presented as a positive step. However, treatment to minimize transfer anxiety will only be successful when all healthcare personnel recognize and react positively to the psychological factors that affect patients adversely.