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Simpson J, Remawi BN, Potts K, Blackmore T, French M, Haydock K, Peters R, Hill M, Tidball OJ, Parker G, Waddington M, Preston N. Improving paramedic responses for patients dying at home: a theory of change-based approach. BMC Emerg Med 2023; 23:81. [PMID: 37532997 PMCID: PMC10394789 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-023-00848-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Paramedics are increasingly being called to attend patients dying from advanced incurable conditions. However, confidence to deal with such calls varies, with many feeling relatively unskilled in this aspect of their role. A number of interventions have been piloted to improve their skills in end-of-life care (EoLC) but without a fully specified theoretical model. Theory of Change models can provide theoretical and testable links from intervention activities to proposed long-term outcomes and indicate the areas for assessment of effectiveness. This study aimed to develop an intervention for improving paramedic EoLC for patients in the community. METHODS A Theory of Change approach was used as the overarching theoretical framework for developing an intervention to improve paramedic end-of-life skills. Nine stakeholders - including specialist community paramedics, ambulance call handlers and palliative care specialists - were recruited to five consecutive online workshops, ranging between 60 and 90 min. Each workshop had 2-3 facilitators. Over multiple workshops, stakeholders decided on the desired impact, short- and long-term outcomes, and possible interventions. During and between these workshops a Theory of Change model was created, with the components shared with stakeholders. RESULTS The stakeholders agreed the desired impact was to provide consistent, holistic, patient-centred, and effective EoLC. Four potential long-term outcomes were suggested: (1) increased use of anticipatory and regular end-of-life medications; (2) reduced end-of-life clinical and medication errors; (3) reduced unnecessary hospitalisations; (4) increased concordance between patient preferred and actual place of death. Key interventions focused on providing immediate information on what to do in such situations including: appraising the situation, developing an algorithm for a treatment plan (including whether or not to convey to hospital) and how to identify ongoing support in the community. CONCLUSIONS A Theory of Change approach was effective at identifying impact, outcomes, and the important features of an end-of-life intervention for paramedics. This study identified the need for paramedics to have immediate access to information and resources to support EoLC, which the workshop stakeholders are now seeking to develop as an intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Simpson
- Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YT, UK.
| | - Bader Nael Remawi
- Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YT, UK
| | - Kieran Potts
- North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Bolton, BL1 5DD, UK
| | - Tania Blackmore
- Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YT, UK
| | - Maddy French
- Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YT, UK
| | - Karen Haydock
- North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Bolton, BL1 5DD, UK
| | - Richard Peters
- North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Bolton, BL1 5DD, UK
| | - Michael Hill
- Heart of Kent Hospice, Preston Hall, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 7PU, UK
| | | | - Georgina Parker
- Heart of Kent Hospice, Preston Hall, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 7PU, UK
| | | | - Nancy Preston
- Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YT, UK
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Anderson NE, Robinson J, Goodwin H, Gott M. 'Mum, I think we might ring the ambulance, okay?' A qualitative exploration of bereaved family members' experiences of emergency ambulance care at the end of life. Palliat Med 2022; 36:1389-1395. [PMID: 36154525 DOI: 10.1177/02692163221118204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the context of a sudden or unexpected event, people with a life-limiting illness and their family caregivers may be dependent on emergency ambulance services. AIM To explore bereaved family members' experiences of emergency ambulance care at the end of life. DESIGN A qualitative study using reflexive thematic analysis of data collected from semi-structured phone interviews. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS A purposive sample of 38 family caregivers identified from a database of deaths in Aotearoa, New Zealand. RESULTS Emergency ambulance personnel assist, inform and reassure patients and family caregivers managing distressing symptoms, falls, infections, unexpected events and death itself. Family members and patients are aware of the pressure on emergency services and sometimes hesitate to call an ambulance. Associating ambulances with unwanted transport to hospital is also a source of reluctance. CONCLUSIONS The generalist palliative care provided by emergency ambulance personnel is a vital service for patients in the last year of life, and their caregivers. This must be acknowledged in palliative care policy and supported with training, specialist consultation and adequate resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Elizabeth Anderson
- Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jackie Robinson
- Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Hetty Goodwin
- Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Merryn Gott
- Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Juhrmann ML, Anderson NE, Boughey M, McConnell DS, Bailey P, Parker LE, Noble A, Hultink AH, Butow PN, Clayton JM. Palliative paramedicine: Comparing clinical practice through guideline quality appraisal and qualitative content analysis. Palliat Med 2022; 36:1228-1241. [PMID: 35941755 DOI: 10.1177/02692163221110419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Palliative care is an emerging scope of practice for paramedicine. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the opportunity for emergency settings to deliver palliative and end-of-life care to patients wishing to avoid intensive life-sustaining treatment. However, a gap remains in understanding the scope and limitations of current ambulance services' approach to palliative and end-of-life care. AIM To examine the quality and content of existing Australian palliative paramedicine guidelines with a sample of guidelines from comparable Anglo-American ambulance services. DESIGN We appraised guideline quality using the AGREE II instrument and employed a collaborative qualitative approach to analyse the content of the guidelines. DATA SOURCES Eight palliative care ambulance service clinical practice guidelines (five Australian; one New Zealand; one Canadian; one United Kingdom). RESULTS None of the guidelines were recommended by both appraisers for use based on the outcomes of all AGREE II evaluations. Scaled individual domain percentage scores varied across the guidelines: scope and purpose (8%-92%), stakeholder involvement (14%-53%), rigour of development (0%-20%), clarity of presentation (39%-92%), applicability (2%-38%) and editorial independence (0%-38%). Six themes were developed from the content analysis: (1) audience and approach; (2) communication is key; (3) assessing and managing symptoms; (4) looking beyond pharmaceuticals; (5) seeking support; and (6) care after death. CONCLUSIONS It is important that ambulance services' palliative and end-of-life care guidelines are evidence-based and fit for purpose. Future research should explore the experiences and perspectives of key palliative paramedicine stakeholders. Future guidelines should consider emerging evidence and be methodologically guided by AGREE II criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine L Juhrmann
- Northern Clinical School, The University of Sydney, St Leonards, NSW, Australia.,The Palliative Centre, Greenwich Hospital, HammondCare, Greenwich, NSW, Australia
| | - Natalie E Anderson
- School of Nursing, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Auckland Emergency Department, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Mark Boughey
- Centre for Palliative Care, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Paul Bailey
- St John Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | | | - Andrew Noble
- South Australian Ambulance Service, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | | | - Phyllis N Butow
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Josephine M Clayton
- Northern Clinical School, The University of Sydney, St Leonards, NSW, Australia.,The Palliative Centre, Greenwich Hospital, HammondCare, Greenwich, NSW, Australia
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Surakka LK, Hökkä M, Törrönen K, Mäntyselkä P, Lehto JT. Paramedics' experiences and educational needs when participating end-of-life care at home: A mixed method study. Palliat Med 2022; 36:1217-1227. [PMID: 35922966 DOI: 10.1177/02692163221105593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Paramedics face end-of-life care patients during emergency calls and more recently through planned protocols. However, paramedics experiences and educational needs concerning preplanned end-of-life care at home remain largely unknown. AIM To describe experiences and educational needs of the paramedics included in the end-of-life care protocol. DESIGN A mixed method study with a questionnaire including open ended questions and numeric evaluations on a Likert scale. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS The questionnaire was delivered to and answered by all the 192 paramedics working in North Karelia fire and rescue department during the time of the data collection in 2017. RESULTS Over 80% of the paramedics agreed that the protocol helped them to take care of the patients and to improve the quality of end-of-life care. Visits to the patients were considered useful and the end-of-life care as a meaningful work by 76.5% and 62.5% of the paramedics, respectively. The paramedics expressed challenges in psychosocial aspects, communication, symptom management, and their role in end-of-life care. Encountering and communication with the families as well as managing the most common symptoms were emphasized as educational needs. Using a patient controlled analgesia device emerged as an example of practical educational aspect. CONCLUSIONS Paramedics considered end-of-life care at home meaningful but called for more competency in supporting and encountering the families and in symptom management. Our results can be utilized when developing end-of-life care protocols and education for the paramedics. Patients' and families' views on the paramedics' participation in end-of-life care should be evaluated in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leena K Surakka
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Siun Sote - North Karelia Social and Health Services Joint Authority, Palliative Care Center, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Minna Hökkä
- Kajaani University of Applied Sciences, Kajaani, Finland.,Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Kari Törrönen
- Fire and Rescue Department, Siun Sote - North Karelia Social and Health Services Joint Authority, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Pekka Mäntyselkä
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Primary Health Care Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Juho T Lehto
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.,Department of Oncology, Palliative Care Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
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Alkarani A, Alsaeed S. Factors affects the performance of red crescent paramedics, Bisha, Saudi Arabia. J Family Med Prim Care 2022; 11:715-719. [PMID: 35360763 PMCID: PMC8963650 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_2060_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Context: Saving lives is the ultimate purpose of the Red Crescent paramedics. It is crucial to enable safe, effective, and efficient performance of paramedics globally. In Saudi Arabia, the Red Crescent faces at least over 280,000 cases every year. Aims: Therefore, this study aims to address the factors affecting the performance of the Red Crescent paramedics. Methods and Material: Descriptive qualitative study and all data processed were analyzed using thematic analysis. Settings and Design: In total, 31 paramedic staff in Bisha city were invited to participate in this descriptive qualitative study. Among them, 11 paramedics agreed to participate in an in-depth semi-structured interview. Results: The findings of the research indicated three themes. The first theme was a lack of awareness in society, with three sub-themes: types of emergency calls, the crowd that gathers at the incident location, and people interruptions. Theme 2 was the long distance and road obstacles, and other factors that affect the paramedics were the third theme. Conclusions: Policymakers and the community should obtain a clear understanding of the Red Crescent paramedic interventions to help to create policies, legislation, and guidelines suitable for the needs of paramedics.
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Long D, Lord B. Widening the conversation: Paramedic involvement in interprofessional care. PROGRESS IN PALLIATIVE CARE 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/09699260.2021.1890976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David Long
- School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Southern Queensland, Queensland, Australia
| | - Bill Lord
- Department of Paramedicine, Monash University, Australia
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