Non-clinical delays in transfer out of the surgical ICU are associated with increased hospital length of stay and delayed progress of care

•Non-clinical transfer delays from ICU to general care unit are a common bottleneck.•Transfer delays from the ICU are associated with increased hospital length of stay.•Transfer delays are also associated with delays in decisions that would advance care.•Transfer delays affect length of stay and care decisions in a dose-dependent manner.•ICUs should focus on continuing to advance care for transfer delayed patients.