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1.
Resusc Plus ; 18: 100615, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38549697

ABSTRACT

A growing number out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) registries have been developed across the globe. A few of these are national, while others cover larger geographical regions. These registries have common objectives; continuous quality improvement, epidemiological research and providing infrastructure for clinical trials. OHCA registries make performance comparison across Emergency Medical Services systems possible for benchmarking, hypothesis generation and further research. Changes in OHCA incidence and outcomes provide insights about the effects of secular trends or health services interventions. These registries, therefore, have become a mainstay of OHCA management and research. However, developing and maintaining these registries is challenging. Coordination of different service providers to support data collection, sustainable resourcing, data quality and data security are the key challenges faced by these registries. Despite all these challenges, noteworthy progress has been made and further standardization and co-ordination across registries can result in great international benefit. In this paper we present a 'why' and 'how to' model for setting up OHCA registries, and suggestions for better international co-ordination through a Global OHCA Registries Collaborative (GOHCAR). We draw together the knowledge of a cohort of international researchers, with experience and expertise in OHCA registry development, management, and data synthesis.

2.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38248550

ABSTRACT

Considering that reports of violence against women must come after a victim seeks help, the subject matter transcends health-related issues. In Brazil, mobile urgency services (SAMU/SIATE) frequently provide first aid to these women and, to the best of our knowledge, no other research has specifically examined the first reaction given to these women. The present study aimed to analyze SAMU/SIATE assistance to abused women in a cross-sectional study of the assistance to assaulted women provided by SIATE and SAMU Maringá/Norte Novo between 2011 and 2020. Women between 20 and 39 years old, non-pregnant, were the main victims, and 19.52% of them have used drugs of some kind. The (ex) partner figured as the perpetrator in 17.35%, but there was no information about this variable in 73.75% of the records. The Chi-square test shows a mortality rate superior to 70% among the severely traumatized victims. This is the first research work to examine the kind of care that SAMU/SIATE offers, and it identifies several weaknesses in its "modus operandi" that may prevent the results from being applied to larger contexts. In addition, further studies on mobile urgent care services in other provinces are required in order to suggest ways to lessen this epidemic.


Subject(s)
Battered Women , Spouse Abuse , Humans , Female , Young Adult , Adult , Cross-Sectional Studies , Violence , Brazil/epidemiology
3.
Int J Emerg Med ; 17(1): 11, 2024 Jan 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38254085

ABSTRACT

This review paper describes the development of the pre-hospital system in Singapore from the pre-war days. Every country's prehospital community needs a deep understanding of how they developed over the years, factors that played a part, and the aspirations their community and government have set for this. This can guide future evolution of the services to ensure that care provided is relevant, applicable and in keeping with the community's needs. Countries with similar contextual circumstances, but at a different stage of development of their PECs, may learn from these.

4.
J Clin Nurs ; 33(8): 3128-3144, 2024 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38235516

ABSTRACT

AIM: To determine the prevalence and clustering of NANDA-International nursing diagnoses in patients assisted by pre-hospital emergency teams. DESIGN: Retrospective descriptive study of electronic record review. METHODS: Episodes recorded during 2019, including at least a nursing diagnosis, were recovered from the electronic health records of a Spanish public emergency agency (N = 28,847). Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the sample and determine prevalence. A two-step cluster analysis was used to group nursing diagnoses. A comparison between clusters in sociodemographic and medical problems was performed. Data were accessed in November 2020. RESULTS: Risk for falls (00155) (27.3%), Anxiety (00146) (23.2%), Acute pain (00132), Fear (00148) and Ineffective breathing pattern (00032) represented 96.1% of all recorded diagnoses. A six-cluster solution (n = 26.788) was found. Five clusters had a single high-prevalence diagnosis predominance: Risk for falls (00155) in cluster 1, Anxiety (00146) in cluster 2, Fear (00148) in cluster 3, Acute pain (00132) in cluster 4 and Ineffective breathing pattern (00032) in cluster 6. Cluster 5 had several high prevalence diagnoses which co-occurred: Risk for unstable blood glucose level (00179), Ineffective coping (00069), Ineffective health management (00078), Impaired comfort (00214) and Impaired verbal communication (00051). CONCLUSION: Five nursing diagnoses accounted for almost the entire prevalence. The identified clusters showed that pre-hospital patients present six patterns of nursing diagnoses. Five clusters were predominated by a predominant nursing diagnosis related to patient safety, coping, comfort, and activity/rest, respectively. The sixth cluster grouped several nursing diagnoses applicable to exacerbations of chronic diseases. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: Knowing the prevalence and clustering of nursing diagnoses allows a better understanding of the human responses of patients attended by pre-hospital emergency teams and increases the evidence of individualized/standardized care plans in the pre-hospital clinical setting. IMPACT: What problem did the study address? There are different models of pre-hospital emergency care services. The use of standardized nursing languages in the pre-hospital setting is not homogeneous. Studies on NANDA-I nursing diagnoses in the pre-hospital context are scarce, and those available are conducted on small samples. What were the main findings? This paper reports the study with the largest sample among the few published on NANDA-I nursing diagnoses in the pre-hospital care setting. Five nursing diagnoses represented 96.1% of all recorded. These diagnoses were related to patients' safety/protection and coping/stress tolerance. Patients attended by pre-hospital care teams are grouped into six clusters based on the nursing diagnoses, and this classification is independent of the medical conditions the patient suffers. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? Knowing the prevalence of nursing diagnoses allows a better understanding of the human responses of patients treated in the pre-hospital setting, increasing the evidence of individualized and standardized care plans for pre-hospital care. REPORTING METHOD: STROBE checklist has been used as a reporting method. NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Only patients' records were reviewed without further involvement.


Subject(s)
Emergency Medical Services , Nursing Diagnosis , Humans , Retrospective Studies , Emergency Medical Services/statistics & numerical data , Male , Female , Prevalence , Cluster Analysis , Middle Aged , Aged , Spain/epidemiology , Adult , Standardized Nursing Terminology , Aged, 80 and over , Electronic Health Records/statistics & numerical data
5.
Int Emerg Nurs ; 73: 101406, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38266321

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The work environment of paramedics is rapidly becoming more technology-oriented, and new innovations are constantly being introduced. The aim of this study was to determine the roles Finnish advanced level paramedics identify for themselves within technological development processes in their experience and what kinds of technological development in pre-hospital emergency care are needed. METHODS: This qualitative study utilised essay material written by experienced advanced level paramedics (n = 20), which was analysed using inductive content analysis. RESULTS: The paramedics identified direct and indirect roles and clear obstacles. The roles were related to expertise, their own professional skills, supporting development and implementation. The obstacles to participation in technological developed were perceived as the employer's unwillingness to involve grassroots level paramedics, lack of training or expertise, and overall unrecognised role. Technological development was seen to be needed regarding information and communication technology, treatment tools, and equipment. Further, nationally homogenous technological development that supports the quality and safety of nursing work and the integration of digitalization into education were also seen as needed. CONCLUSIONS: Paramedics can be innovative and active technology developers with extensive expertise in the technology of their field. Employers and technology developers should be encouraged to enable user-oriented product development and to involve paramedics in development work.


Subject(s)
Emergency Medical Services , Emergency Medical Technicians , Humans , Emergency Medical Technicians/education , Paramedics , Emergency Service, Hospital , Hospitals , Allied Health Personnel
6.
J Public Health (Oxf) ; 46(2): 277-285, 2024 May 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38291949

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Individuals with low socio-economic status (SES) have disproportionate rates of cardio- vascular disease (CVD) but poorer engagement with preventative health. This study aimed to compare characteristics of individuals with and without hyperlipidaemia and describe their health behaviours. METHODS: A mixed-methods study between January and December 2022. Patients aged ≥40 years using the ambulance service with blood pressure of ≥140/90 had their total cholesterol measured using a point of care device. Data including blood pressure, smoking status, National Early Warning Score 2 and clinical frailty scale (CFS) were analysed. RESULTS: Of 203 patients (59% female, mean age 65.7 years), 115 (56.7%) had total cholesterol ≥5.1 mmol/L. Thirty patients (14.8%) sought treatment and received either statins (n = 9; 4.4%), dietary modification (n = 7; 3.4%) or no further intervention (n = 14; 6.9%), whilst 85 patients (41.9%) took no further action. Lower CFS (OR 0.53 [0.31-0.93]) and higher total cholesterol (OR 2.07 [1.03-2.76]) predicted seeking further management. SES was not associated with hyperlipidaemia or likelihood of seeking further management, rather this was dictated by competing co-morbidity, poor health literacy and digital divide. CONCLUSIONS: Undiagnosed hyperlipidaemia exists in patients using the ambulance service, irrespective of SES. Individual and healthcare system factors prevent engagement in cholesterol lowering behaviours.


Subject(s)
Ambulances , Humans , Female , Male , Aged , Middle Aged , Ambulances/statistics & numerical data , Cholesterol/blood , Cohort Studies , Hypercholesterolemia/epidemiology , Adult , Health Status Disparities , Health Behavior
7.
Resusc Plus ; 16: 100486, 2023 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37859630

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Community first responders (CFRs) strengthen the Chain of Survival for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) care. Considerable efforts have been invested in Singapore's CFR program, during the years 2016-2020, by developing an app-based activation system called myResponder. This paper reports on national CFR response indicators to evaluate the real-world impact of these efforts. METHODS: We matched data from the Singapore Civil Defence Force's CFR registry with the Pan Asian Resuscitation Outcomes Study (PAROS) registry data to calculate performance indicators. These included the number of CFRs receiving and accepting an issued alert per OHCA event. Also calculated were the fraction of OHCA events where CFRs received an issued alert, or accepted the alert, and arrived at the scene either before or after EMS. We also present trends of these indicators and compare the prevalence of these fractions between the CFR-attended and CFR-unattended OHCA events. RESULTS: Of 6577 alerted OHCA events, 42.7% accepted an alert, 50% of these arrived at the scene and 71% of them arrived before EMS. Almost all CFR response indicators improved over time even for the pandemic year (2020). The fraction of OHCA events where >2 CFRs received an alert increased from 62% to 96%; the same figure for accepting an alert did not change much but >2 CFRs arriving at the scene increased from 0% to 7.5%. The fraction of OHCA events with an automated external defibrillator applied and defibrillation performed by CFR increased from 4.2% to 10.3% and 1.6% to 3%, respectively. Statistically significant differences were observed in these indicators when CFR-attended and CFR-unattended OHCA events were compared. CONCLUSION: This real-world study shows that activating CFRs using mobile technology can improve community response to OHCA and are bearing fruit in Singapore at a national level. Some targets for improvement and future research are highlighted in this report.

8.
Afr J Emerg Med ; 13(4): 250-257, 2023 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37767314

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Prompt, high-quality pre-hospital emergency medical services (EMS) can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality. The goal of this study was to identify factors that compromise efficiency and quality of pre-hospital emergency care in Rwanda, and explore the opportunities for a mobile health (mHealth) tool to address these challenges. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 21 individuals representing four stakeholder groups: EMS dispatch staff, ambulance staff, hospital staff, and policymakers. A semi-structured interview guide explored participants' perspectives on all aspects of the pre-hospital emergency care continuum, from receiving a call at dispatch to hospital handover. Participants were asked how the current system could be improved, and the potential utility of an mHealth tool to address existing challenges. Interviews were audio-recorded, and transcripts were thematically analyzed using NVivo. Results: Stakeholders identified factors that compromise the efficiency and quality of care across the prehospital emergency care continuum: triage at dispatch, dispatching the ambulance, locating the emergency, coordinating patient care at scene, preparing the receiving hospital, and patient handover to the hospital. They identified four areas where an mHealth tool could improve care: efficient location of the emergency, streamline communication for decision making, documentation with real-time communication, and routine data for quality improvement. While stakeholders identified advantages of an mHealth tool, they also mentioned challenges that would need to be addressed, namely: limited internet bandwidth, capacity to maintain and update software, and risks of data security breaches that could lead to stolen or lost data. Conclusion: Despite the success of Rwanda's EMS system, this study highlights factors across the care continuum that could compromise quality and efficiency of prehospital emergency care. Mobile health tools hold great promise to address these challenges, but contextual issues need to be considered to ensure sustainability of use.

9.
Front Med (Lausanne) ; 10: 1190125, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37593406

ABSTRACT

Objective: This study aims to explore the efficiency and effectiveness of a body area network-based smart bracelet for trauma care prior to hospitalization. Methods: To test the efficacy of the bracelet, an observational cohort study was conducted on the clinical data of 140 trauma patients pre-admission to the hospital. This study was divided into an experimental group receiving smart bracelets and a control group receiving conventional treatment. Both groups were randomized using a random number table. The primary variables of this study were as follows: time to first administration of life-saving intervention, time to first administration of blood transfusion, time to first administration of hemostatic drugs, and mortality rates within 24 h and 28 days post-admission to the hospital. The secondary outcomes included the amount of time before trauma team activation and the overall length of patient stay in the emergency room. Results: The measurement results for both the emergency smart bracelet as well as traditional equipment showed high levels of consistency and accuracy. In terms of pre-hospital emergency life-saving intervention, there was no significant statistical difference in the mortality rates between both groups within 224 h post-admission to the hospital or after 28-days of treatment in the emergency department. Furthermore, the treatment efficiency for the group of patients wearing smart bracelets was significantly better than that of the control group with regard to both the primary and secondary outcomes of this study. These results indicate that this smart bracelet has the potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of trauma care and treatment. Conclusion: A body area network-based smart bracelet combined with remote 5G technology can assist the administration of emergency care to trauma patients prior to hospital admission, shorten the timeframe in which life-saving interventions are initiated, and allow for a quick trauma team response as well as increased efficiency upon administration of emergency care.

10.
Front Public Health ; 11: 1192315, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37529436

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Improving patient safety is one of the most critical components of modern healthcare. Emergency medical services (EMS) are, by nature, a challenging environment for ensuring patient safety. It is fast-paced, physically dangerous, and highly stressful, requiring rapid decision-making and action. This can create risks not only for patients but also for employees. We assessed variations in perceptions of safety culture in prehospital emergency care among an international sample of paramedics and nurses. Methods: The Emergency Medical Services Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (EMS-SAQ) was used for the study. The instrument measures six domains of safety culture in the workplace: teamwork climate, job satisfaction, safety climate, working conditions, stress recognition, and perceptions of management. A total of 1,128 EMS from 9 countries participated in this study. Results: Safety Climate was 81.32/100 (SD 6.90), Teamwork Climate 84.14/100 (SD 8.74), Perceptions of Management 76.30/100 (SD 10.54), Stress Recognition 89.86/100 (SD 5.70), Working Conditions 81.07/100 (SD 9.75), and Job Satisfaction 70.71/100 (SD 7.21). There was significant variation in safety culture scores across countries for teamwork climate (TWC), working conditions (WC), and job satisfaction (JS). Among the individual variables (age, gender, level of education, and work experience), variations in safety culture scores were unaffected by age, gender, or work experience. Organizational characteristics: employment status and position type were linked to significant variations in safety culture domain scores. Conclusion: Participants' perceptions of the patient safety climate were not particularly satisfactory, confirming that there is still a need to develop a culture of patient safety in prehospital emergency care.


Subject(s)
Emergency Medical Services , Organizational Culture , Humans , Cross-Sectional Studies , Safety Management , Hospitals
11.
Int Emerg Nurs ; 67: 101262, 2023 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36801653

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Paramedics who perform patient triaging in case of a mass casualty incident generally receive triage training during their undergraduate educational program. Triage training can be facilitated using various simulation modalities together with theoretical training. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of online scenario-based Visually Enhanced Mental Simulation (VEMS) on developing the casualty triage and management skills of paramedic students. DESIGN: The study was conducted using a single-group pre-test/post-test quasi-experimental design. SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS: The study was carried out in October 2020 with 20 volunteer students studying in the First and Emergency Aid program of a university in Turkey. METHODS: After the online theoretical crime scene management and triage course, students completed a demographic questionnaire and a pre-VEMS assessment. They then took part in the online VEMS training and eventually completed the post-VEMS assessment. At the end of the session, they filed an online survey concerning VEMS. RESULTS: There is a statistically significant increase in the scores obtained by the students between the pre- and post-educational intervention assessment (p < 0.05). The majority of the students gave positive feedback concerning VEMS as an educational approach. CONCLUSION: The results show that online VEMS is effective in helping paramedic students acquire casualty triage and management skills and that students thought it was an effective educational approach.


Subject(s)
Emergency Medical Technicians , Triage , Humans , Triage/methods , Paramedics , Emergency Medical Technicians/education , Educational Measurement , Students
12.
J Clin Nurs ; 32(15-16): 4473-4491, 2023 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36447338

ABSTRACT

AIMS: To systematically describe the factors influencing the perception of feeling safe among patients receiving pre-hospital emergency care. BACKGROUND: Patient safety is a top priority worldwide. Little is known about how patients perceive safety during emergency health care and what the related factors are. DESIGN: A mixed-methods systematic review. METHODS: Six databases were searched to December 2021. Inclusion criteria were as follows: studies with patients of any age, framed in pre-hospital emergency care settings, referring to patient safety, addressing the perception of safety, and with a quantitative or qualitative research design. Exclusion criteria were as follows: conference records, abstracts, supplements, letters, editorials and reviews. The quality of the evidence was assessed with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklists. A convergent integrated approach was followed according to the JBI methodology. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022306337). PRISMA 2020 guidelines were followed in reporting this review. RESULTS: Among the 5223 records identified, the whole texts of 35 articles were reviewed. Ten studies were relevant to the research question. Seven followed a qualitative methodology, with interviews or focus group. Three involved a quantitative methodology, with questionnaires or validated measures. The 74 findings were organised into 11 categories and then grouped into four dimensions: 'receiving a satisfying response from healthcare professionals when I need it', 'EMS personnel's professional competence', 'the variable and unfamiliar settings of pre-hospital emergencies', and 'patients' personal characteristics'. CONCLUSIONS: The perception of safety is influenced by many factors, which can be grouped into four independent dimensions. Quantitative and qualitative studies can provide us with complementary findings. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Awareness of these factors enables us to act upon them. When patients feel safe their health outcomes improve, their anxiety decreases and they collaborate more actively. NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Patients and caregivers shared their experiences in the articles included.


Subject(s)
Emergency Service, Hospital , Health Personnel , Humans , Qualitative Research , Hospitals , Perception
13.
African journal of emergency medicine (Print) ; 13(4): 250-257, 2023. figures, tables
Article in English | AIM (Africa) | ID: biblio-1511562

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Prompt, high-quality pre-hospital emergency medical services (EMS) can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality. The goal of this study was to identify factors that compromise efficiency and quality of pre-hospital emergency care in Rwanda, and explore the opportunities for a mobile health (mHealth) tool to address these challenges. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 21 individuals representing four stakeholder groups: EMS dispatch staff, ambulance staff, hospital staff, and policymakers. A semi-structured interview guide explored participants' perspectives on all aspects of the pre-hospital emergency care continuum, from receiving a call at dispatch to hospital handover. Participants were asked how the current system could be improved, and the potential utility of an mHealth tool to address existing challenges. Interviews were audio-recorded, and transcripts were thematically analyzed using NVivo. Results: Stakeholders identified factors that compromise the efficiency and quality of care across the prehospital emergency care continuum: triage at dispatch, dispatching the ambulance, locating the emergency, coordinating patient care at scene, preparing the receiving hospital, and patient handover to the hospital. They identified four areas where an mHealth tool could improve care: efficient location of the emergency, streamline communication for decision making, documentation with real-time communication, and routine data for quality improvement. While stakeholders identified advantages of an mHealth tool, they also mentioned challenges that would need to be addressed, namely: limited internet bandwidth, capacity to maintain and update software, and risks of data security breaches that could lead to stolen or lost data. Conclusion: Despite the success of Rwanda's EMS system, this study highlights factors across the care continuum that could compromise quality and efficiency of prehospital emergency care. Mobile health tools hold great promise to address these challenges, but contextual issues need to be considered to ensure sustainability of use.


Subject(s)
Quality of Health Care , Emergency Medicine , Prehospital Care
14.
J Med Access ; 6: 27550834221084656, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36204523

ABSTRACT

Background: In Germany, the number of calls for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are increasing, while the number of general practitioners and hospitals are decreasing, resulting in a growing demand and workload for emergency physicians and paramedics. Furthermore, an aging population with increasingly complex medical histories, present emergencies in which a more detailed assessment and therapies are urgently needed. Therefore, common EMS systems need to find solutions to handle these problems. Methods: We used a user-focused five-step approach to define a technological solution: Research of current systems, definition of goals and requirements, development of concept, test series and evaluation, evaluation of costs and benefits. Results: Development of a holistic telemedical concept to connect in-hospital clinical emergency physicians and paramedics on the scene, by implementing and connecting systems that are already partially being used in common EMS in Germany. By using live audio and video communication, including vital signs between the two, a system can be established by keeping costs low, affordable and at the same time protecting patient data in line with General Data Protection Regulation. Conclusion: Implementing technologies in a practical specialty like Emergency Medicine with a user-focused approach demonstrates that the hurdle for integration into established routines can improve current processes. Evaluation of costs and usability is a main driver to define success of such concepts and can improve if such systems can be developed to be used in larger networks.

15.
Adv Med Educ Pract ; 13: 849-864, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35982855

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To evaluate the knowledge of pre-hospital emergency care personnel (PECP) in South Africa on the principles, practice of crisis resource management (CRM), and obtain emergency medical care (EMC) educators' views on the teaching and learning of CRM skills in the pre-hospital EMC curriculum. Methods: This research was designed as an exploratory study that used a semi-structured questionnaire administered to 2000 PECP and focus group discussion (FGD) with 19 emergency care educators. Chi-squared test and Cramér's V were used to examine the existence and the strength of an association between cross-tabulated variables. Responses to open-ended questions, as well as the data generated by the FGD, were analysed qualitatively using iterative inductive coding to identify themes. Results: A response rate of 76% was obtained for the survey. Findings are that the majority (64.5%) of the PECP were not familiar with CRM, though familiarity varied significantly across cadres of PECP (p <0.001). EMC educators reported that the concept of CRM must be thoroughly researched and developed in the emergency medical service (EMS) context before it is included in the EMC curriculum. The educators reported that early introduction of CRM in the EMC curriculum will have a positive effect on students' professional development. Difficulties with assessment, knowing what to teach, and lack of universally accepted guidelines or teaching modalities are some of the challenges identified by EMC educators in relation to teaching CRM in the EMC curriculum. Conclusion: The findings of this study provide new insights into PECP's knowledge and EMC educators' views on the teaching and learning of CRM in the EMC curriculum. This study highlights that more research is needed to develop an EMS CRM curriculum. Investigation into the development of a teaching and learning framework for CRM in EMC education could be the focus of future studies.

16.
BMC Emerg Med ; 22(1): 100, 2022 06 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35672702

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The ambulance service is facing an increased number of calls and ambulance assignments. Between 12 and 42% of all assignments result in non-conveyance to the Accident and Emergency Department. However, there is limited knowledge regarding satisfaction among patients and significant others when patients are assessed as non-urgent and discharged at the scene. Therefore, the aim of the study was to explore and compare satisfaction with the ambulance service among patients and significant others when the patient was discharged at the scene. METHODS: The present study was designed as a cross-sectional exploratory survey with a consecutive sample employing the Consumer Emergency Care Satisfaction Scale questionnaire on patients and significant others. RESULTS: A total of 162 questionnaires were analysed, 87 patients and 75 significant others. Overall, satisfaction was high with no significant difference between patients and significant others, although 17-19% were dissatisfied with the discharge information. CONCLUSIONS: Generally, patients and significant others are satisfied with the care provided by the Ambulance Service when discharged at the scene and thus not conveyed the Accident and Emergency Department. The participants were especially satisfied with Specialist Ambulance Nurses' interpersonal skills, e.g., making time and providing thorough information. Guidelines for assignments involving non-conveyance, as well as information, instructions and what to expect when discharged at the scene can be improved.


Subject(s)
Ambulances , Emergency Medical Services , Cross-Sectional Studies , Emergency Service, Hospital , Humans , Patient Discharge , Patient Satisfaction , Personal Satisfaction
17.
Health SA ; 27: 1798, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35548059

ABSTRACT

Background: Delivering pre-hospital emergency care has the potential to be hazardous. Despite this, little is known about the factors that precipitate human errors and influence patient safety in the pre-hospital care setting, in contrast to in-hospital care. Similarly, limited report on patient safety and human error issues in the pre-hospital emergency care setting exist in South Africa. Aim: This study investigated the perspectives of emergency care personnel (ECP) in South Africa on the types of human errors and factors that precipitate human errors that influence patient safety in the pre-hospital emergency care setting in South Africa. Setting: This study was conducted in the pre-hospital emergency care environment in South Africa. Methods: This research was designed as an exploratory study that made use of a semi-structured questionnaire administered to 2,000 emergency care personnel. Results: A response rate of 76% was obtained. According to the participants, errors relating to poor judgement, poor skill or knowledge, fatigue, and communication, and individual error are common during pre-hospital care. Inadequate equipment, environmental factors, and personal safety concerns were reported as some of the factors that influence patient safety in the pre-hospital emergency care setting. Conclusion: Implementation of strategies that enhances education and training, clinical skill development, teamwork skills, fatigue management, and leadership skills can help prevent some of the errors identified in this study. Contribution: This study identifies the types of human errors, and factors that precipitate human errors that influence patient safety in the pre-hospital emergency care setting in South Africa.

18.
J Adv Nurs ; 78(10): 3273-3289, 2022 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35506570

ABSTRACT

AIM: To determine the prevalence of NANDA International nursing diagnoses in the coping/stress tolerance domain and their linkages to Nursing Outcomes Classification outcomes and Nursing Interventions Classification interventions in the pre-hospital emergency care setting. DESIGN: Retrospective descriptive study of electronic record review. METHODS: Eight thousand three hundred three episodes recorded during the year 2019 were recovered from the electronic health records of a public emergency care agency. The prevalence of NANDA International nursing diagnosis, Nursing Outcomes Classification outcomes and Nursing Interventions Classification interventions was determined. A cross-tabulation analysis was performed to determine the linkages. Data were accessed in November 2020. RESULTS: NANDA International nursing diagnoses Anxiety (00146) and Fear (00148) represented more than 90% of the diagnoses recorded in the domain. Anxiety level (1211) and emotional support (5270) were the most recorded Nursing Outcomes Classification outcomes and Nursing Interventions Classification interventions, with almost 20% and 5% of total records, respectively. The linkage between nursing diagnosis Anxiety (00146), outcome Anxiety level (1211) and intervention Anxiety reduction (5820) was the most recorded with slightly more than 3% of the total. CONCLUSION: Eight different NANDA International nursing diagnoses in the coping/stress tolerance domain were recorded. Nursing Outcomes Classification outcomes were selected aimed mainly at psychological well-being and Nursing Interventions Classification interventions to support coping. In general, linkages were aimed to provide emotional support, physical well-being, information, education and safety. IMPACT: This study showed that pre-hospital emergency care nurses diagnose and treat human responses in the coping/stress tolerance domain. Expert consensus-based linkages may be complemented by the results of this study, increasing the levels of evidence of both individualized and standardized care plans for critical patients assisted by pre-hospital emergency care nurses.


Subject(s)
Emergency Medical Services , Standardized Nursing Terminology , Adaptation, Psychological , Hospitals , Humans , Nursing Diagnosis , Retrospective Studies
19.
Juntendo Iji Zasshi ; 68(4): 324-331, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39021426

ABSTRACT

I graduated from Osaka University in 1982 and joined the Department of Traumatology, Osaka University Medical School. Patients with severe injuries and illnesses were brought in every day. Staff brushed up their skills on site, taught each other, and engaged in friendly competition for research. We had many frustrating moments when we could not save lives. Since then, the needs of emergency medicine have changed, and the scope of practice of emergency physicians has expanded to include pre-hospital emergency care, primary health care, intensive care, and disaster medicine. I was transferred to Juntendo University Urayasu Hospital in September 2007. Soon after my assignment, Urayasu Hospital was in the spotlight due to the emergency hospitalization of the All-Japan soccer coach and the Chinese frozen dumpling incident. It is said that emergency medicine is a mirror of society. I myself have experienced many disasters and incidents. It has been 15 years since I was assigned to this hospital, and I have 62 colleagues at Urayasu Hospital. They have all acquired various medical specialties, and some are emergency medicine specialists. In 2019, we hosted the 47th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine. The theme of the conference is "Fudan Zenshin, Kyumeikyukyu (constant advancement, emergency medical services)". Emergency medical care is the starting point of "medicine" and is the ultimate source of life preservation for all citizens. We emergency physicians will continue to provide lifesaving medical care to patients without giving up until the very end, to keep the light of life from going out.

20.
Health SA ; 26: 1558, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34394964

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The phenomenon of managing paediatric emergencies in the pre-hospital environment within the South African setting is poorly understood with specific regard to what emergency care personnel are experiencing when managing paediatric emergencies. AIM: The aim of this study was to explore and describe the lived experiences of emergency care personnel in managing paediatric patients in the pre-hospital environment and to understand the meaning and the significance of these experiences. SETTING: All participants were purposively sampled from emergency medical services agencies operating within the Johannesburg metropolitan city area. METHODS: This study followed a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, phenomenological design, whereby participants purposively sampled within the Johannesburg metropolitan city voluntarily consented to one-on-one interviews (n = 10). RESULTS: Three main themes, with 11 contributing categories, were identified and contextualised with available literature. Emerging from the main themes was an overall sense that managing paediatric emergencies is a negative experience, coloured with feelings of inadequacy, stress, anxiety and even fear. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study provided new insights into what South African EMS are experiencing when managing paediatric emergencies, which enables future research efforts to identify research and practice gaps that are relevant to paediatric pre-hospital emergency care, and that are specific to the South African environment. CONTRIBUTION: This research provides preliminary insight into the lived experiences of prehospital personnel managing paediatric emergencies as well as emerging recommendations for the improvement of the prehospital care of paediatric patients.

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