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Alruwaili A, Alanazy A, Alanazi TM, Alobaidi N, Almamary AS, Faqihi BM, Al Enazi FH, Siraj R, Almukhlifi Y, Al Nufaiei ZF, Alsulami M. Managing High Frequency of Ambulance Calls in Hospitals: A Systematic Review. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2024; 17:287-296. [PMID: 38328469 PMCID: PMC10849096 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s436265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background This study addresses the critical issue of high-volume emergency calls in hospitals, focusing on the strain caused by frequent caller patients on ambulance services. The aim was to synthesize various management methods for handling high-frequency hospital calls. Methods The systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and guided by the Cochrane Handbook for systematic reviews. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies focusing on the management of emergency departments in hospitals, exploring various medical conditions requiring ambulance attention, and reporting on the impact of a high volume of ambulance calls on hospitals. Databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched from January 1, 2005, to May 1, 2022. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) Checklist. Results Out of 2390 identified citations, 18 studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies, from 12 countries, presented diverse methods categorized into country policy-based management, modeling approaches, and general strategies. Key findings included the effectiveness of risk stratification models and community-based interventions in managing high call frequencies and improving patient care. Our review identified effective strategies such as risk stratification models and community-based interventions, which have shown significant impacts in managing high call frequencies, aligning closely with our objective. These approaches have been pivotal in reducing the burden on emergency services and improving patient care. Conclusion The study synthesizes effective management methods for high-frequency ambulance calls, including predictive modeling and community interventions. It highlights the need for multi-faceted management strategies in different healthcare settings and underscores the importance of continued research and implementation of these methods to improve emergency service efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Alruwaili
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
- Ministry of National Guard- Health Affairs, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
- School of Health: Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ahmed Alanazy
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
- Ministry of National Guard- Health Affairs, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Turki M Alanazi
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
- Ministry of National Guard- Health Affairs, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nowaf Alobaidi
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
- Ministry of National Guard- Health Affairs, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Saleh Almamary
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
- Ministry of National Guard- Health Affairs, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bandar M Faqihi
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
- Ministry of National Guard- Health Affairs, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad H Al Enazi
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
- Ministry of National Guard- Health Affairs, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rayan Siraj
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Faisal University, Al-Hasa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yasir Almukhlifi
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ziyad F Al Nufaiei
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maher Alsulami
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Choice of Transport to Hospital in Nonurban Areas in Life-Threatening Situations: A Qualitative Research. J Ambul Care Manage 2021; 44:155-165. [PMID: 33591130 DOI: 10.1097/jac.0000000000000375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The time it takes to begin treatment in life-threatening situations is critical. Ambulance transport to the hospital in such situations ensures quick and effective treatment but is not always readily available in nonurban areas, or not preferred by the public, for various reasons. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the factors that deter or encourage ambulance use in life-threatening situations in the geographic periphery from clients' perspectives. We conducted interviews with 71 patients in 3 medical centers who had arrived by ambulance or by private transport, and with the 3 emergency department directors. The findings revealed that awareness of the clinical situation and health literacy, accessibility of emergency services, geographical conditions, and social and economic factors are central in the decision to utilize this service. We detail research recommendations for strengthening public health literacy and access to services.
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