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Chwallek D, Schweda A, Neukirchen M, Risse J, Hense J, Teufel M, Tewes M. Comparison of Palliative Knowledge and Self-Efficacy Expectation of German Paramedics Between a Rural and an Urban Structured Emergency Medical Service Area. J Palliat Care 2024:8258597231221916. [PMID: 38374646 DOI: 10.1177/08258597231221916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE(S) Differences in the German emergency medical service (EMS) can be seen in the countryside in contrast to the city with regard to travel distances to hospitals and in the access routes of EMS-physicians. In order to investigate the success of establishment of palliative crisis cards associated with training and the rural and urban EMS structures, two urban and two rural EMS areas were compared using the Paramedic Palliative Care Test (PARPACT). Methods: The PARPACT includes test items on palliative knowledge (PK, maximum score: 15 points) and palliative self-efficacy expectations (PSE, maximum score: 18 points), as well as items on palliative attitudes in dealing with palliative care patients. We used a 4-point Likert-type scale. For data analysis, nonparametric tests (χ-test and Mann-Whitney U test) were used in addition to descriptive analysis (frequencies, means, medians, standard deviations, and ranges). Results: In total, 291 out of 750 ambulance or EMS personnel participated in the voluntary survey. Rural ambulance or EMS personnel answered the PK-questions correctly more often on average (mean: 11.19, SD: 1.85) than urban ambulance or EMS personnel (mean: 9.18, SD: 2.39; Mann-Whitney U test: U=5040.000, P=.001). In addition, ambulance or EMS personnel with the highest level of training (3-year-trained paramedics) performed better in PK (mean: 10.38, SD: 2.31) than less intensively training ambulance or EMS personnel (mean: 9.58, SD: 2.43; Mann-Whitney U-test: U=8446.500, P=.004). In terms of PSE, rural ambulance or EMS personnel also achieved higher mean PSE-scores (mean: 12.55, SD: 2.60) than urban ambulance or EMS personnel (mean: 9.77, SD: 3.41; Mann-Whitney U-test: U=5148.500, P=.001). Conclusions: Better training in the EMS is associated with improved PK compared to less qualified nonphysician EMS staff. The establishment of palliative crisis cards and the structures in the city alone do not lead to improved knowledge and PSE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Chwallek
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Adam Schweda
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Martin Neukirchen
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Palliative Medicine, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Joachim Risse
- Center of Emergency Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jörg Hense
- West German Cancer Centre, Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Martin Teufel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Mitra Tewes
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Gage CH, Stander C, Gwyther L, Stassen W. Emergency medical services and palliative care: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e071116. [PMID: 36927584 PMCID: PMC10030966 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-071116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to map existing emergency medical services (EMS) and palliative care literature by answering the question, what literature exists concerning EMS and palliative care? The sub-questions regarding this literature were, (1) what types of literature exist?, (2) what are the key findings? and (3) what knowledge gaps are present? DESIGN A scoping review of literature was performed with an a priori search strategy. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE via Pubmed, Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase via Scopus, PsycINFO, the University of Cape Town Thesis Repository and Google Scholar were searched. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES Empirical, English studies involving human populations published between 1 January 2000 and 24 November 2022 concerning EMS and palliative care were included. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts and full texts for inclusion. Extracted data underwent descriptive content analysis and were reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews guidelines. RESULTS In total, 10 725 articles were identified. Following title and abstract screening, 10 634 studies were excluded. A further 35 studies were excluded on full-text screening. The remaining 56 articles were included for review. Four predominant domains arose from included studies: (1) EMS' palliative care role, (2) challenges faced by EMS in palliative situations, (3) EMS and palliative care integration benefits and (4) proposed recommendations for EMS and palliative care integration. CONCLUSION EMS have a role to play in out-of-hospital palliative care, however, many challenges must be overcome. EMS provider education, collaboration between EMS and palliative systems, creation of EMS palliative care guidelines/protocols, creation of specialised out-of-hospital palliative care teams and further research have been recommended as solutions. Future research should focus on the prioritisation, implementation and effectiveness of these solutions in various contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleb Hanson Gage
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Observatory, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Charnelle Stander
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Observatory, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Liz Gwyther
- Division of Interdisciplinary Palliative Care and Medicine, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Observatory, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Willem Stassen
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Observatory, Western Cape, South Africa
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Juhrmann ML, Grindrod AE, Gage CH. Emergency medical services: the next linking asset for public health approaches to palliative care? Palliat Care Soc Pract 2023; 17:26323524231163195. [PMID: 37063113 PMCID: PMC10102939 DOI: 10.1177/26323524231163195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Emergency medical services (EMS) are a unique workforce providing 24/7 emergency care across high-income countries (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Although traditionally perceived as first responders to traumatic and medical emergencies, EMS scope of practice has evolved to respond to the changing needs of communities, including a growing demand for community-based palliative care. Public health provides a useful framework to conceptualise palliative and end-of-life care in community-based settings. However, countries lack public policy frameworks recognising the role EMS can play in initiating palliative approaches in the community, facilitating goals of care at end of life and transporting patients to preferred care settings. This article aims to explore the potential role of EMS in a public health palliative care approach in a critical discussion essay format by (1) discussing the utility of EMS within a public health palliative care approach, (2) identifying the current barriers preventing public health approaches to EMS palliative care provision and (3) outlining a way forward through priorities for future research, policy, education and practice. EMS facilitate equitable access, early provision, expert care and efficacious integration of community-based palliative care. However, numerous structural, cultural and practice barriers exist, appearing ubiquitous across both HICs and LMICs. A Public Health Palliative Care approach to EMS Framework highlights the opportunity for EMS to work as a linking asset to build capacity and capability to support palliative care in place; connect patients to health and community supports; integrate alternative pathways by engaging multidisciplinary teams of care; and reduce avoidable hospital admissions by facilitating home-based deaths. This article articulates a public health approach to EMS palliative and end-of-life care provision and offers a preliminary framework to illustrate the components of a potential implementation and policy strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea E. Grindrod
- Public Health Palliative Care Unit, School of
Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC,
Australia
| | - Caleb H. Gage
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of
Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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4
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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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5
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Juhrmann ML, Vandersman P, Butow PN, Clayton JM. Paramedics delivering palliative and end-of-life care in community-based settings: A systematic integrative review with thematic synthesis. Palliat Med 2022; 36:405-421. [PMID: 34852696 PMCID: PMC8972966 DOI: 10.1177/02692163211059342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a growing demand for community palliative care and home-based deaths worldwide. However, gaps remain in this service provision, particularly after-hours. Paramedicine may help to bridge that gap and avoid unwanted hospital admissions, but a systematic overview of paramedics' potential role in palliative and end-of-life care is lacking. AIM To review and synthesise the empirical evidence regarding paramedics delivering palliative and end-of-life care in community-based settings. DESIGN A systematic integrative review with a thematic synthesis was undertaken in accordance with Whittemore and Knafl's methodology. Prospero: CRD4202119851. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Scopus databases were searched in August 2020 for primary research articles published in English, with no date limits applied. Articles were screened and reviewed independently by two researchers, and quality appraisal was conducted following the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool (2018). RESULTS The search retrieved 5985 articles; 23 articles satisfied eligibility criteria, consisting of mixed-methods (n = 5), qualitative (n = 7), quantitative descriptive (n = 8) and quantitative non-randomised studies (n = 3). Through data analysis, three key themes were identified: (1) Broadening the traditional role, (2) Understanding patient wishes and (3) Supporting families. CONCLUSIONS Paramedics are a highly skilled workforce capable of helping to deliver palliative and end-of-life care to people in their homes and reducing avoidable hospital admissions, particularly for palliative emergencies. Future research should focus on investigating the efficacy of palliative care clinical practice guideline implementation for paramedics, understanding other healthcare professionals' perspectives, and undertaking health economic evaluations of targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine L Juhrmann
- Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,HammondCare Centre for Learning and Research in Palliative Care, Greenwich Hospital, Greenwich, NSW, Australia
| | - Priyanka Vandersman
- Research Centre for Palliative Care, Death and Dying, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Phyllis N Butow
- Psycho-oncology Co-operative Research Group and Centre for Medical Psychology and Evidence-based Decision-making, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Josephine M Clayton
- Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,HammondCare Centre for Learning and Research in Palliative Care, Greenwich Hospital, Greenwich, NSW, Australia
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Prachanukool T, Yuksen C, Jintanavasan S, Jenpanitpong C, Watcharakitpaisan S, Kaninworapan P, Maijan K. Decision-Making by Emergency Medicine Personnel in Prehospital Treatment of Patients Receiving Palliative Care: A Questionnaire, Comparative Cohort Study. ADVANCES IN MEDICAL EDUCATION AND PRACTICE 2021; 12:1111-1118. [PMID: 34616196 PMCID: PMC8487797 DOI: 10.2147/amep.s323557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Palliative care is an approach to improve quality of life in patients with life-limiting diseases. The sudden nature of such conditions involves emergency providers as the first responders, who have roles in delivering appropriate care to meet patients' needs. In this study, we evaluated whether previous experience in palliative care among paramedic students could affect their decision-making skills in prehospital work. METHODS This questionnaire-based prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2019 to November 2020. We compared two groups of paramedic students in a tertiary hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. The class of 2019 did not attend palliative care courses and the class of 2020 completed a 2-week course regarding in-hospital palliative care services. Questionnaires including rating scales and checklists and involving cases with and without malignancy were completed via a web-based data collection form. The reliability of the questionnaire was tested. Decision-making skills were categorized into seven domains comprising life-sustaining treatment, withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment, advance care planning, self-autonomy, decision-making capacity and surrogate decision-makers, prehospital dyspnea management, and communication skills. RESULTS Among 57 paramedics, 52 (91%) completed the questionnaire. There was no significant difference in decision-making between the two groups in all seven domains (p>0.050). Overall, participants more often recognized patients who were eligible for palliative care and made more decisions to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatment when patients had advanced malignancy than in cases of non-malignancy (100% and 84.6% respectively, p=0.006). CONCLUSION Our findings showed that the decision-making process for patients regarding prehospital palliative care was not significantly different between two groups of emergency personnel with and without in-hospital palliative care experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thidathit Prachanukool
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chaiyaporn Yuksen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sirada Jintanavasan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chetsadakon Jenpanitpong
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sorawich Watcharakitpaisan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Parama Kaninworapan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Konwachira Maijan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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7
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Surakka LK, Peake MM, Kiljunen MM, Mäntyselkä P, Lehto JT. Preplanned participation of paramedics in end-of-life care at home: A retrospective cohort study. Palliat Med 2021; 35:584-591. [PMID: 33339483 DOI: 10.1177/0269216320981713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Paramedics commonly face acute crises of patients in palliative care, but their involvement in end-of-life care is not planned systematically. AIM To evaluate a protocol for end-of-life care at home including pre-planned integration of paramedics and end-of-life care wards. DESIGN Paramedic visits to patients in end-of-life care protocol were retrospectively studied. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS All of the patients who had registered for the protocol between 1 March 2015 and 28 February 2017 in North Karelia, Finland, were included in this study. RESULTS A total of 256 patients were registered for the protocol and 306 visits by paramedic were needed. A need for symptom control (38%) and transportation (29%) were the most common reasons for a visit. Paramedics visited 43% and 70% of the patients in areas with and without 24/7 palliative home care services, respectively (p < 0.001); while 58% of all the visits were done outside of office hours. Problems were resolved at home in 31% of the visits. The patient was transferred to a pre-planned end-of-life care ward and to an emergency department in 48% and 16% of the cases, respectively. More patients died in end-of-life care wards in areas without (54%) than with (33%) 24/7 home care services (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Integration of paramedics into end-of-life care at home is reasonable especially in rural areas without 24/7 palliative care services and outside of office hours. The majority of patients can be managed at home or with the help of an end-of-life care ward without an emergency visit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leena K Surakka
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Palliative Care Center, Siun SOTE - North Karelia Social and Health Services Joint Authority, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Minna M Peake
- Palliative Care Center, Siun SOTE - North Karelia Social and Health Services Joint Authority, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Minna M Kiljunen
- Palliative Care Center, Siun SOTE - North Karelia Social and Health Services Joint Authority, Joensuu, Finland
- Emergency 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
- Palliative Care Center, Department of Oncology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
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8
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Waldrop DP, Waldrop MR, McGinley JM, Crowley CR, Clemency B. Prehospital Providers' Perspectives about Online Medical Direction in Emergency End-of-Life Decision-Making. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2021; 26:223-232. [PMID: 33320725 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2020.1863532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Background: End-of-life treatment decisions present special challenges for prehospital emergency providers. Paramedics regularly make value-laden choices that transcend technical judgment and professional skill, affecting the type of care, how and to whom it is provided. Changes in prehospital emergency care over the last decade have created new moral challenges for prehospital emergency providers; these changes have also accentuated the need for paramedics to make rapid and reasoned ethical judgments. Objective: The purpose of the study was to explore the decision-making process that occurs when prehospital emergency teams respond to an end-of-life call with a focus on how state authorized documents such as a Non-Hospital Do Not Resuscitate (NHDNR) or Medical/Physician's Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST/POLST) or lack thereof inform decision-making. This paper presents the specific circumstances that informed the need for intervention from Online Medical Direction (OLMD) framed in the perspectives and words of the prehospital providers seeking that assistance. Methods: This study involved in-depth in-person interviews with 50 providers to elicit participants' experiences in their own words using a semi-structured interview instrument. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed with permission. Results: Five themes emerged that illuminated how and when OLMD was involved in emergency end-of-life decisions: Termination of Resuscitation (TOR); Family Revoked DNR; Missing Documents; No Documents and No CPR; and Unusual Situations. Participants illustrated how the decision to terminate efforts was best-supported when it was made by collaboration between the on-scene provider and OLMD. Participants described ethical dilemmas when families asked them to initiate CPR in the presence of DNR orders and cognitive dissonance when CPR has been initiated but a valid DNR/MOLST is subsequently located. Conclusions: The study findings demonstrate the invaluable contribution of OLMD for complex end-of-life care decisions by prehospital providers, especially when there are difficult legal, ethical, and logistical questions. OLMD provides far more than technical support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah P Waldrop
- School of Social Work, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York (DPW); Department of Emergency Medicine, Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York (MRW); College of Community & Public Affairs, Department of Social Work, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York (JMM); Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky (CRC); Department of Emergency Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York (BC)
| | - Michael R Waldrop
- School of Social Work, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York (DPW); Department of Emergency Medicine, Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York (MRW); College of Community & Public Affairs, Department of Social Work, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York (JMM); Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky (CRC); Department of Emergency Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York (BC)
| | - Jacqueline M McGinley
- School of Social Work, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York (DPW); Department of Emergency Medicine, Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York (MRW); College of Community & Public Affairs, Department of Social Work, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York (JMM); Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky (CRC); Department of Emergency Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York (BC)
| | - Charlotte R Crowley
- School of Social Work, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York (DPW); Department of Emergency Medicine, Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York (MRW); College of Community & Public Affairs, Department of Social Work, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York (JMM); Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky (CRC); Department of Emergency Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York (BC)
| | - Brian Clemency
- School of Social Work, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York (DPW); Department of Emergency Medicine, Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York (MRW); College of Community & Public Affairs, Department of Social Work, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York (JMM); Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky (CRC); Department of Emergency Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York (BC)
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9
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South African paramedic perspectives on prehospital palliative care. BMC Palliat Care 2020; 19:153. [PMID: 33032579 PMCID: PMC7545550 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-020-00663-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Palliative care is typically performed in-hospital. However, Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers are uniquely positioned to deliver early palliative care as they are often the first point of medical contact. The aim of this study was to gather the perspectives of advanced life support (ALS) providers within the South African private EMS sector regarding pre-hospital palliative care in terms of its importance, feasibility and barriers to its practice. Methods A qualitative study design employing semi-structured one-on-one interviews was used. Six interviews with experienced, higher education qualified, South African ALS providers were conducted. Content analysis, with an inductive-dominant approach, was performed to identify categories within verbatim transcripts of the interview audio-recordings. Results Four categories arose from analysis of six interviews: 1) need for pre-hospital palliative care, 2) function of pre-hospital healthcare providers concerning palliative care, 3) challenges to pre-hospital palliative care and 4) ideas for implementing pre-hospital palliative care. According to the interviewees of this study, pre-hospital palliative care in South Africa is needed and EMS providers can play a valuable role, however, many challenges such as a lack of education and EMS system and mindset barriers exist. Conclusion Challenges to pre-hospital palliative care may be overcome by development of guidelines, training, and a multi-disciplinary approach to pre-hospital palliative care.
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Waldrop DP, Waldrop MR, McGinley JM, Crowley CR, Clemency B. Managing Death in the Field: Prehospital End-of-Life Care. J Pain Symptom Manage 2020; 60:709-716.e2. [PMID: 32437943 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Historically, the focus of prehospital care has been life-saving treatment. In the absence of a nonhospital do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order, prehospital providers have been compelled to begin and continue resuscitation unless or until it was certain that the situation was futile; they have faced conflict when caregivers objected. OBJECTIVES The purpose of the study was to explore prehospital providers' perspectives on how legally binding documents (nonhospital DNR order/medical orders for life-sustaining treatment) informed end-of-life decision making and care. METHODS This exploratory study used mixed methods in a sequential nondominant two-stage convergent quantitative and qualitative design. Phase I involved the collection of survey data. Phase II involved in-person semistructured interviews. RESULTS Surveys were completed by 239 participants, and 50 follow-up interviews were conducted. Survey data suggested that 73.7% felt confident when there was a DNR order and they did not initiate resuscitation, and 58.2% felt confident working through family disagreement when cardiopulmonary resuscitation was requested but there was a DNR; 66.1% felt confident explaining the dying process when death was imminent, and 55.7% felt comfortable telling a family that a patient was dying. Four themes emerged: changing standards of care; eliminating false hope; transitioning care from patient to family; and transferring care after death. CONCLUSION Prehospital providers provide support and care when they tell families that someone has died. Being able to comfort and be present with acute grief on scene is an important and evolving role for prehospital providers who manage death in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah P Waldrop
- University at Buffalo School of Social Work, Buffalo, New York, USA.
| | - Michael R Waldrop
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Jacqueline M McGinley
- Department of Social Work, Binghamton University, College of Community & Public Affairs, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | | | - Brian Clemency
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
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11
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Campos A, Ernest EV, Cash RE, Rivard MK, Panchal AR, Clemency BM, Swor RA, Crowe RP. The Association of Death Notification and Related Training with Burnout among Emergency Medical Services Professionals. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2020; 25:539-548. [PMID: 32584686 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2020.1785599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Death notification is a difficult task commonly encountered during prehospital care and may lead to burnout among EMS professionals. Lack of training could potentiate the relationship between death notification and burnout. The first objective of this study was to describe EMS professionals' experience with death notification and related training. The secondary objective was to assess the associations between death notification delivery, training, and burnout. Methods: We administered an electronic questionnaire to a random sample of nationally-certified EMS professionals. Work-related burnout was measured using the validated Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. Analysis was stratified by certification level to basic life support (BLS) and advanced life support (ALS). The association between the number of adult (≥18 years) patient death notifications delivered in the prior 12 months and burnout was assessed using multivariable logistic regression to adjust for confounding variables. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to assess the adjusted association between training and burnout among those who reported delivering at least one death notification in the prior 12 months. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals are reported (95% CI). Results: We received 2,333/19,330 (12%) responses and 1,514 were included in the analysis. Most ALS respondents (77%) and one-third of BLS respondents (33%) reported at least one adult death notification in the past year. Approximately half of respondents reported receiving death notification training as part of their initial EMS education program (51% BLS; 52% ALS) and fewer reported receiving continuing education (30% BLS; 44% ALS). Delivering a greater number of death notifications was associated with increased odds of burnout. Among those who delivered at least one death notification, continuing education was associated with reduced odds of burnout. Conclusion: Many EMS professionals reported delivering at least one death notification within the past year. Yet, fewer than half reported training related to death notification during initial EMS education and even fewer reported receiving continuing education. More of those who delivered death notifications experienced burnout, while continuing education was associated with reduced odds of burnout. Future work is needed to develop and evaluate death notification training specifically for EMS professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham Campos
- Received May 7, 2020 from Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska (AC, EVE); Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts (REC); South Shore Health, EMS Division, Weymouth, Massachusetts (MKR); National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, Columbus, Ohio (ARP); Wexner Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio (ARP); Department of Emergency Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, New York (BMC); Department of Emergency Medicine, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan (RAS); ESO, Austin, Texas (RPC)
| | - Eric V Ernest
- Received May 7, 2020 from Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska (AC, EVE); Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts (REC); South Shore Health, EMS Division, Weymouth, Massachusetts (MKR); National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, Columbus, Ohio (ARP); Wexner Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio (ARP); Department of Emergency Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, New York (BMC); Department of Emergency Medicine, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan (RAS); ESO, Austin, Texas (RPC)
| | - Rebecca E Cash
- Received May 7, 2020 from Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska (AC, EVE); Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts (REC); South Shore Health, EMS Division, Weymouth, Massachusetts (MKR); National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, Columbus, Ohio (ARP); Wexner Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio (ARP); Department of Emergency Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, New York (BMC); Department of Emergency Medicine, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan (RAS); ESO, Austin, Texas (RPC)
| | - Madison K Rivard
- Received May 7, 2020 from Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska (AC, EVE); Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts (REC); South Shore Health, EMS Division, Weymouth, Massachusetts (MKR); National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, Columbus, Ohio (ARP); Wexner Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio (ARP); Department of Emergency Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, New York (BMC); Department of Emergency Medicine, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan (RAS); ESO, Austin, Texas (RPC)
| | - Ashish R Panchal
- Received May 7, 2020 from Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska (AC, EVE); Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts (REC); South Shore Health, EMS Division, Weymouth, Massachusetts (MKR); National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, Columbus, Ohio (ARP); Wexner Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio (ARP); Department of Emergency Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, New York (BMC); Department of Emergency Medicine, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan (RAS); ESO, Austin, Texas (RPC)
| | - Brian M Clemency
- Received May 7, 2020 from Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska (AC, EVE); Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts (REC); South Shore Health, EMS Division, Weymouth, Massachusetts (MKR); National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, Columbus, Ohio (ARP); Wexner Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio (ARP); Department of Emergency Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, New York (BMC); Department of Emergency Medicine, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan (RAS); ESO, Austin, Texas (RPC)
| | - Robert A Swor
- Received May 7, 2020 from Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska (AC, EVE); Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts (REC); South Shore Health, EMS Division, Weymouth, Massachusetts (MKR); National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, Columbus, Ohio (ARP); Wexner Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio (ARP); Department of Emergency Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, New York (BMC); Department of Emergency Medicine, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan (RAS); ESO, Austin, Texas (RPC)
| | - Remle P Crowe
- Received May 7, 2020 from Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska (AC, EVE); Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts (REC); South Shore Health, EMS Division, Weymouth, Massachusetts (MKR); National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, Columbus, Ohio (ARP); Wexner Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio (ARP); Department of Emergency Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, New York (BMC); Department of Emergency Medicine, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan (RAS); ESO, Austin, Texas (RPC)
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12
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Mott C, Herbert A, Malcolm K, Sansone H, Agar M. Emergencies in Pediatric Palliative Care: A Survey of Ambulance Officers to Understand the Interface between Families and Ambulance Services. J Palliat Med 2020; 23:1649-1652. [PMID: 32176562 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2019.0299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Pediatric palliative care occurs across contexts through the child's illness trajectory, including within the child or young person's community. Interactions with the ambulance service may occur with a child's deterioration, crisis, or when needing transfer, but there is little research on this interaction. Aim: To explore the experiences and attitudes of ambulance officers in managing pediatric patients with palliative care needs. Design: A targeted e-mail survey was sent exploring perceptions of the involvement with these patients including exposure, comfort, resuscitation topics, and supports available. Setting/Participants: Participants were Queensland ambulance officers known to have had an interaction with one of the last 50 pediatric palliative care referrals across Queensland. Results: Twenty-two survey responses were received. Most of the palliative group accessed ambulances for the 13-month study period. Most ambulance officers did not easily identify patients as receiving palliative care. Many participants felt these cases were challenging, confidence levels varied, and staff counselling services were felt to be relevant. Ambulance officers were most likely to use correspondence provided by the family from their usual team as a guide for emergency management. Half of the participants felt patients receiving pediatric palliative care should have a "not for resuscitation" order. Respondents suggested officer support could be improved through increased patient documentation and promotion of existing officer supports. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate challenges experienced by ambulance officers and suggest practical ways in which pediatric palliative care services can better support emergency services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Mott
- Paediatric Palliative Care Service, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Anthony Herbert
- Paediatric Palliative Care Service, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Centre for Children's Health Research at Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Karel Malcolm
- Queensland Ambulance Service, Office of the Medical Director, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Holly Sansone
- School of Psychology and Counseling, University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Meera Agar
- Palliative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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13
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Breaking Down Silos: Consensus-Based Recommendations for Improved Content, Structure, and Accessibility of Advance Directives in Emergency and Out-of-Hospital Settings. J Palliat Med 2020; 23:379-388. [DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2019.0087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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14
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Anderson NE, Slark J, Faasse K, Gott M. Paramedic student confidence, concerns, learning and experience with resuscitation decision-making and patient death: A pilot survey. Australas Emerg Care 2019; 22:156-161. [DOI: 10.1016/j.auec.2019.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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15
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Hoare S, Kelly MP, Prothero L, Barclay S. Ambulance staff and end-of-life hospital admissions: A qualitative interview study. Palliat Med 2018; 32:1465-1473. [PMID: 29886792 PMCID: PMC6158685 DOI: 10.1177/0269216318779238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hospital admissions for end-of-life patients, particularly those who die shortly after being admitted, are recognised to be an international policy problem. How patients come to be transferred to hospital for care, and the central role of decisions made by ambulance staff in facilitating transfer, are under-explored. AIM To understand the role of ambulance staff in the admission to hospital of patients close to the end of life. DESIGN Qualitative interviews, using particular patient cases as a basis for discussion, analysed thematically. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING Ambulance staff ( n = 6) and other healthcare staff (total staff n = 30), involved in the transfer of patients (the case-patients) aged more than 65 years to a large English hospital who died within 3 days of admission with either cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or dementia. RESULTS Ambulance interviewees were broadly positive about enabling people to die at home, provided they could be sure that they would not benefit from treatment available in hospital. Barriers for non-conveyance included difficulties arranging care particularly out-of-hours, limited available patient information and service emphasis on emergency care. CONCLUSION Ambulance interviewees fulfilled an important role in the admission of end-of-life patients to hospital, frequently having to decide whether to leave a patient at home or to instigate transfer to hospital. Their difficulty in facilitating non-hospital care at the end of life challenges the negative view of near end-of-life hospital admissions as failures. Hospital provision was sought for dying patients in need of care which was inaccessible in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Hoare
- 1 Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, UK
| | - Michael P Kelly
- 1 Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, UK
| | - Larissa Prothero
- 2 East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Stephen Barclay
- 1 Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, UK
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16
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Hr Wiese
- 1 Department of Anaesthesiology, University Medical Center Ratisbon, Ratisbon, Germany.,2 Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Herzogin Elisabeth Hospital, Brunswick, Germany
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17
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Leibold A, Lassen CL, Lindenberg N, Graf BM, Wiese CH. Is Every Life Worth Saving: Does Religion and Religious Beliefs Influence Paramedic's End-of-Life Decision-making? A Prospective Questionnaire-based Investigation. Indian J Palliat Care 2018; 24:9-15. [PMID: 29440799 PMCID: PMC5801638 DOI: 10.4103/ijpc.ijpc_128_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Paramedics, arriving on emergency cases first, have to make end-of-life decisions almost on a daily basis. Faith shapes attitudes toward the meaning and worth of life itself and therefore influences decision-making. Objective: The objective of this study was to detect whether or not religious and spiritual beliefs influence paramedics in their workday life concerning end-of-life decisions, and whether it is legally possible for them to act according to their conscience. Methods and Design: This is a literature review of prior surveys on the topic using five key words and questionnaire-based investigation using a self-administered online survey instrument. Settings/Participants: Paramedics all over Germany were given the opportunity to participate in this online questionnaire-based study. Measurements: Two databases were searched for prior studies for literature review. Participants were asked about their religiosity, how it affects their work, especially in end-of-life situations, how experienced they are, and whether or not they have any legal latitude to withhold resuscitation. Results: A total of 429 paramedics answered the questionnaire. Religious paramedics would rather hospitalize a patient holding an advance directive than leave him/her at home (P = 0.036) and think death is less a part of life than the nonreligious (P = 0.001). Otherwise, the Spearman's rho correlation was statistically insignificant for all tests regarding resuscitation. Conclusions: The paramedic's religiosity is not the prime factor in his/her decision-making regarding resuscitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Leibold
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christoph L Lassen
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Nicole Lindenberg
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard M Graf
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Hr Wiese
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Herzogin Elisabeth Hospital, Braunschweig, Germany
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18
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Barnette Donnelly C, Armstrong KA, Perkins MM, Moulia D, Quest TE, Yancey AH. Emergency Medical Services Provider Experiences of Hospice Care. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2017; 22:237-243. [DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2017.1358781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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19
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Karlsson M, Karlsson N, Hilli Y. Ethical dilemmas during cardiac arrest incidents in the patient's home. Nurs Ethics 2017; 26:625-637. [PMID: 28558489 DOI: 10.1177/0969733017709337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The majority (70%) of cardiac arrests in Sweden are experienced in the patient's home. In these situations, the ambulance nurses may encounter several ethical dilemmas. AIM: The aim was to investigate Swedish specialist ambulance nurses' experiences of ethical dilemmas associated with cardiac arrest situations in adult patients' homes. METHODS: Nine interviews were conducted with specialist ambulance nurses at four different ambulance stations in the southeast region of Sweden. Data were analysed using content analysis. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS: Ethical principles mandated by the Swedish Research Council were carefully followed during the whole process. FINDINGS: Two main themes with six sub-themes were identified: The scene - creating a sheltered space for caring and Ethical decision-making. The results showed that ethical dilemmas might occur when trying to create a sheltered space to preserve the patients' integrity and dignity. A dilemma could be whether or not to invite significant others to be present during the medical treatment. Ethical decision-making was dependent on good communication and ethical reasoning among all parties. In certain situations, decisions were made not to commence or to terminate care despite guidelines. The decision was guided by combining the medical/nursing perspectives and ethical competence with respect to the human being's dignity and a will to do good for the patient. The nurses followed the voice of their heart and had the courage to be truly human. CONCLUSION: The ambulance nurses were guided by their ethos, including the basic motive to care for the patient, to alleviate suffering, to confirm the patient's dignity and to serve life and health.
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20
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Kirk A, Crompton PW, Knighting K, Kirton J, Jack B. Paramedics and their role in end-of-life care: perceptions and confidence. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.12968/jpar.2017.9.2.71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Kirk
- Team Coordinator and Programme Lead, Department of Paramedic Practice and Pre-Hospital Care, Edge Hill University, UK
| | - Philip W Crompton
- Head of Department, Edge Hill University, Department of Paramedic Practice and Pre-Hospital Care, UK
| | - Katherine Knighting
- Senior Research Fellow, Evidence-based Practice Research Centre, Edge Hill University, UK
| | - Jennifer Kirton
- Research Associate, Evidence-based Practice Research Centre, Edge Hill University, UK
| | - Barbara Jack
- Director of Evidence-based Practice Research Centre (EPRC) and Head of Research & Scholarship, Evidence-based Practice Research Centre, Edge Hill University, UK, and Visiting Professor, Marie Curie Palliative Care Institute, University of Liverpool, UK
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21
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Waldrop DP, Clemency B, Maguin E, Lindstrom H. Preparation for frontline end-of-life care: exploring the perspectives of paramedics and emergency medical technicians. J Palliat Med 2014; 17:338-41. [PMID: 24517266 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2013.0442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prehospital emergency providers (emergency medical technicians [EMTs] and paramedics) who respond to emergency calls for patients near the end of life (EOL) make critical decisions in the field about initiating care and transport to an emergency department. OBJECTIVE To identify how a sample of prehospital providers learned about EOL care, their perceived confidence with and perspectives on improved preparation for such calls. DESIGN This descriptive study used a cross-sectional survey design with mixed methods. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS One hundred seventy-eight prehospital providers (76 EMT-basics and 102 paramedics) from an emergency medical services agency participated. MEASUREMENTS Multiple choice and open-ended survey questions addressed how they learned about EOL calls, their confidence with advance directives, and perspectives on improving care in the field. RESULTS The response rate was 86%. Education about do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders was formal (92%), experiential (77%), and self-directed (38%). Education about medical orders for life-sustaining treatment (MOLST) was formal (72%), experiential (67%), and self-directed (25%). Ninety-three percent were confident in upholding a DNR order, 87% were confident interpreting MOLST, and 87% were confident sorting out conflict between differing patient and family wishes. Qualitative data analysis yielded six themes on improving preparation of prehospital providers for EOL calls: (1) prehospital provider education; (2) public education; (3) educating health care providers on scope of practice; (4) conflict resolution skills; (5) handling emotional families; and (6) clarification of transfer protocols. CONCLUSION These study results suggest the need for addressing the potential interrelationship between prehospital and EOL care through improved education and protocols for care in the field.
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22
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[Advance directives in prehospital emergency treatment : prospective questionnaire-based analysis]. Anaesthesist 2014; 63:23-31. [PMID: 24399370 DOI: 10.1007/s00101-013-2260-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2013] [Revised: 08/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The handling of advance directives (AD) in prehospital emergency treatment in Germany is characterized by instability. In the project "Advance directives in preclinical emergency medical aid" ("Patientenverfügungen in der präklinischen Notfallmedizin") the frequency and quality of ADs in emergency situations was investigated. AIM The aim of this study was to fill the gaps in research and to collate data on how consideration of the self-determination of patients in emergency situations can be optimized. MATERIAL AND METHODS Over a period of 12 months from December 2007 to December 2008 a questionnaire was included in the emergency documentation of the medical emergency service in Aachen. Emergency patients were asked by emergency physicians to provide an AD and the quantitative as well as qualitative features of these ADs were examined. Furthermore, the study recorded what kinds of problems occurred with ADs in emergency situations and what measures were needed to correct this deficiency. The reactions of patients were documented on a numeral rating scale with a score of 1 reflecting a negative and 10 reflecting a positive reaction. In the 12-month period emergency doctors recorded 1,321 missions and after application of the exclusion criteria (e.g. missing signature, incomplete documentation and late delivery) 1,047 documented questionnaires were available for the analysis. RESULTS A total of 127 out of 1,047 emergency patients provided an AD, 44 had a durable power of attorney and 27 had appointed a legal representative for healthcare. Of the emergency patients 20 had a legal attendant and 43 out of the 127 ADs could be presented to the emergency team during the emergency mission. The emergency team often encountered difficulties regarding the handling of the ADs due to the time factor and unclear wording. The latter included the following problems: misleading formulation (19.1 %), difficulty with the complexity (14.9 %) and contradicting information (4 %). Only 29 (61.7 %) of the durable powers of attorney were signed and legally binding. From the view of the emergency physicians the following information was lacking but would be helpful in emergency situations: emergency plan, hierarchy of those given power of attorney, knowledge of risks regarding ADs and medication requirements. CONCLUSION The results show that for an AD to apply in an emergency situation certain standards are necessary that assure the practicability, especially if a patient does not wish to be resuscitated. Most difficulties with ADs occurred with imprecise formulation, text length and inconsistency of statements. The following instructions were usually missing: hierarchy of those given power of attorney and specification on medication, information about the scope of the ADs, statement about resuscitation, extent and limitations of the desired treatment, especially with patients certified as terminally ill and instructions on who should decide about medical treatment in a conflict situation. A so-called emergency instruction which gives on a single page the patient's statement on resuscitation would have been very helpful in individual cases. The results suggest that patients may need more information and education about AD to guarantee patients rights and self-determination.
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Brady M. Challenges UK paramedics currently face in providing fully effective end-of-life care. Int J Palliat Nurs 2014; 20:37-44. [DOI: 10.12968/ijpn.2014.20.1.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mike Brady
- Doctoral Student, College of Human and Health Science, Swansea University, Lecturer in Paramedic Science, Open University, and Paramedic, South Western Ambulance Service
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24
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Abstract
In cancer patients, decision-making process is crucial and patient's involvement is described as a central component. In 2005, a new tool appears to convey patient's opinion even if he is not able to communicate anymore: advanced directives (AD). Unfortunately, their documentation is marginal. The objective of this study was to investigate nurses' and physicians' representations towards AD. A questionnaire had been sent to hospitals, public health facilities and liberal practitioners during February 2012. We collected responses from 42/251 physicians (17 %) and 80/198 nurses (40 %). Sixty percent of participants reported that they were not familiar with the legislative framework for AD. For physicians, main barriers were patient cognitive impairment (P = 0.004) and lack of information on the clinical situation (P = 0.004). For nurses, difficulties were toward end of life and prognosis discussion (P = 0.002), clinical situation evolution since AD documentation (P = 0.008), time frame for AD application (P < 0.001) and the fact that final decision is made by physician alone (P = 0.015). AD should be part of a good medical practice and literature has highlighted the benefit of AD on patient's quality of life. End of life discussion therefore requires dedicated time and specific training for physicians and nurses to improve the rate of patients with AD.
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Lamba S, Schmidt TA, Chan GK, Todd KH, Grudzen CR, Weissman DE, Quest TE. Integrating palliative care in the out-of-hospital setting: four things to jump-start an EMS-palliative care initiative. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2013; 17:511-20. [PMID: 23968313 DOI: 10.3109/10903127.2013.811566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Emergency medical service (EMS) is frequently called to care for a seriously ill patient with a life-threatening or life-limiting illness. The seriously ill include both the acutely injured patients (for example in mass casualty events) and those who suffer from advanced stages of a chronic disease (for example severe malignant pain). EMS therefore plays an important role in delivering realistic, appropriate, and timely care that is consistent with the patient's wishes and in treating distressing symptoms in those who are seriously ill. The purpose of this article is to; 1) review four case scenarios that relate to palliative care and may be commonly encountered in the out-of-hospital setting and 2) provide a road map by suggesting four things to do to start an EMS-palliative care initiative in order to optimize out-of-hospital care of the seriously ill and increase preparedness of EMS providers in these difficult situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangeeta Lamba
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph HR Wiese
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Mahmoud Taghavi
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Bronnert R, Munday D, Cole R, Pettifer A. UK paramedics can legally withhold resuscitation in defined circumstances. Palliat Med 2013; 27:573. [PMID: 23685772 DOI: 10.1177/0269216313478677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rosie Bronnert
- Palliative Care Department, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK; Health Sciences Research Institute, Warwick Medical School, Coventry, UK
| | - Daniel Munday
- Health Sciences Research Institute, Warwick Medical School, Coventry, UK
| | - Robert Cole
- Clinical and Quality Directorate, West Midlands Ambulance Service, Dudley, UK
| | - Annie Pettifer
- Department of Adult Nursing, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
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