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Höglund E, Magnusson C, Lederman J, Spangler D, Vloet L, Ebben R. Ambulance quality and outcome measures for general non-conveyed populations (AQUA): A scoping review. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306341. [PMID: 39163307 PMCID: PMC11335110 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increasing number of patients receive ambulance care without being conveyed to a definitive care provider. This process has been described as complex, challenging, and lacking in guideline support by EMS clinicians. The use of quality- and outcome measures among non-conveyed patients is an understudied phenomenon. AIM To identify current quality- and outcome measures for the general population of non-conveyed patients in order to describe major trends and knowledge gaps. METHODS A scoping review of peer-reviewed original articles was conducted to identify quality- and outcome measures for non-conveyance within emergency medical services. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews statement (PRISMA-ScR) was followed. The PROSPERO and OSF database were checked for pending reviews or protocols. PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library database were searched for relevant articles. Searches were performed in November 2023. RESULTS Thirty-six studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Mortality was the most used outcome measure, reported in 24 (67%) of the articles. Emergency department attendance and hospital admission were the following most used outcome measures. Follow-up durations varied substantially between both measures and studies. Mortality rates were found to have the longest follow-up times, with a median follow-up duration a little bit over one week. CONCLUSIONS This scoping review shows that studies report a wide range of quality and outcome measures in the ambulance setting to measure non-conveyance. Reported quality and outcome measures were also heterogeneous with regard to their follow-up timeframe. The variety of approaches to evaluate non-conveyance poses challenges for future research and quality improvement. A more uniform approach to reporting and measuring non-conveyance is needed to enable comparisons between contexts and formal meta-analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Höglund
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University Health Care Research Center, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Carl Magnusson
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jakob Lederman
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Douglas Spangler
- Department of Surgical Sciences—Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Uppsala Center for Prehospital Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lilian Vloet
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Research Department of Emergency and Critical Care, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Remco Ebben
- Research Department of Emergency and Critical Care, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Emergency Medical Service, Veiligheids- en Gezondheidsregio Gelderland-Midden, Arnhem, The Netherlands
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Packendorff N, Magnusson C, Wibring K, Axelsson C, Hagiwara MA. Development of a trigger tool to identify harmful incidents, no harm incidents, and near misses in prehospital emergency care. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2024; 32:38. [PMID: 38685120 PMCID: PMC11059688 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-024-01209-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are a unique setting because care for the chief complaint is given across all ages in a complex and high-risk environment that may pose a threat to patient safety. Traditionally, a reporting system is commonly used to raise awareness of adverse events (AEs); however, it could fail to detect an AE. Several methods are needed to evaluate patient safety in EMS. In this light, this study was conducted to (1) develop a national ambulance trigger tool (ATT) with a guide containing descriptions of triggers, examples of use, and categorization of near misses (NMs), no harm incidents (NHIs), and harmful incidents (HIs) and (2) use the ATT on randomly selected ambulance records. METHODS The ambulance trigger tool was developed in a stepwise manner through (1) a literature review; (2) three sessions of structured group discussions with an expert panel having knowledge of emergency medical service, patient safety, and development of trigger tools; (3) a retrospective record review of 900 randomly selected journals with three review teams from different geographical locations; and (4) inter-rater reliability testing between reviewers. RESULTS From the literature review, 34 triggers were derived. After removing clinically irrelevant ones and combining others through three sessions of structured discussions, 19 remained. The most common triggers identified in the 900 randomly selected records were deviation from treatment guidelines (30.4%), the patient is non conveyed after EMS assessment (20.8%), and incomplete documentation (14.4%). The positive triggers were categorized as a near miss (40.9%), no harm (3.7%), and harmful incident (0.2%). Inter-rater reliability testing showed good agreement in both sessions. CONCLUSION This study shows that a trigger tool together with a retrospective record review can be used as a method to measure the frequency of harmful incidents, no harm incidents, and near misses in the EMS, thus complementing the traditional reporting system to realize increased patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niclas Packendorff
- Prehospen-Centre for Prehospital Research, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden.
- Department of Prehospital Emergency Care, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Carl Magnusson
- Prehospen-Centre for Prehospital Research, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
- Department of Prehospital Emergency Care, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kristoffer Wibring
- Department of Ambulance and Prehospital Care, Region Halland, Sweden
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christer Axelsson
- Prehospen-Centre for Prehospital Research, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
- Department of Prehospital Emergency Care, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Magnus Andersson Hagiwara
- Prehospen-Centre for Prehospital Research, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
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Granlund L, Brännström I, Lindström V. Factors influencing non-conveyance care encounters in the ambulance service, registered nurses experiences - a qualitative study. BMC Nurs 2024; 23:271. [PMID: 38658953 PMCID: PMC11044363 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-024-01899-9] [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: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a notable variation in the percentage of non-conveyed patients within the ambulance service. Discharging patients at the scene includes a risk of adverse events, and both patients and ambulance clinicians experience the complexity of non-conveyance. Therefore, this study aimed to describe factors influencing the care encounter when care in the ambulance service concludes with non-conveyance. METHOD A qualitative study design employing the critical incident technique for data collection through individual interviews, and a qualitative analysis based on Fridlund et al. descriptions was utilized. The study conforms to the COREQ checklist for reporting qualitative research. RESULTS Fourteen Registered Nurses (RN) described 30 incidents and various factors were identified as influencing the care encounter. The factors included communication, sharing information, maintaining a secure and confident approach, organizational aspects, applying person-centered care in collaboration with the patient, relatives, and other caregivers, and an overall understanding of the patient's entire situation. These factors were integrated into the RNs' decision-making process for non-conveyance. CONCLUSION The decision-making process for non-conveyance by RNs is a multifaceted approach that incorporates several factors. Communication, sharing of information, maintaining a secure and confident approach, organizational aspects, applying person-centered care in collaboration with the patient, relatives, and other caregivers, and a comprehensive understanding of the patient's entire situation. These findings have the potential to contribute to the development of guidelines supporting the RNs working in the ambulance service in their decisions regarding non-conveyance. Further research is needed on the patient's and relatives' perspective on non-conveyance otherwise, patient participation and partnership in person-centered care are not possible to achieve.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Granlund
- Department of Ambulance Service, Region Västerbotten, Umeå, Sweden
| | - I Brännström
- Department of Ambulance Service, Region Västerbotten, Umeå, Sweden
| | - V Lindström
- Department of Nursing, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
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Larsson G, Eldh J, Hagman E, Andersson Hagiwara M. The non-conveyance of trauma patients in Swedish emergency medical services: a retrospective observational study of the trauma population not transported to an emergency department. BMC Emerg Med 2024; 24:34. [PMID: 38413853 PMCID: PMC10900607 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-024-00952-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Due to a systemic modification in Swedish emergency medical services (EMS) staffing in recent years, the nature of the Swedish EMS has changed. Transport to an emergency department (ED) is no longer the only option. Referrals and non-conveyance form a growing part of EMS assignments. Trauma is one of the most common causes of death and accounts for 17% of Swedish EMS assignments. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics and clinical outcomes of non-conveyed trauma patients who were assessed, treated and triaged by the EMS to gain a better understanding of, and to optimise, transport and treatment decisions. METHODS The study had a descriptive, retrospective and epidemiologic design and was conducted by reviewing EMS and hospital records for 837 non-conveyed trauma patients in the southwest of Sweden in 2019. RESULTS Three in four non-conveyed trauma patients did not seek further medical care within 72 h following EMS assessment. The patients who were admitted to hospital later were often older, had suffered a fall and had a medical history. Half of all the incidents occurred in a domestic environment, and head trauma was the major complaint. Less than 1% of the studied patients died. CONCLUSION Most of the non-conveyed trauma patients did not seek further medical care after being discharged at the scene. Falling was the most common trauma event, and for the older population, this meant a higher risk of hospital admission. The reasons for falls should therefore be investigated thoroughly prior to non-conveyance decisions. Future studies should focus on the reasons for non-conveyance and measure the morbidity and invalidity outcomes rather than mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn Larsson
- Centre for Prehospital Research, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, SE-501 90, Borås, Sweden
- Department of Prehospital Emergency Care, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- PICTA, Prehospital Innovation arena, Lindholmen Science Park, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jana Eldh
- Centre for Prehospital Research, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, SE-501 90, Borås, Sweden
| | - Elisabeth Hagman
- Faculty of Health and Society, Department of Care Science, Malmö University, SE-205 06, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Magnus Andersson Hagiwara
- Centre for Prehospital Research, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, SE-501 90, Borås, Sweden.
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Ort BBA, Uit Het Broek LG, de Bruin H, Akkermans RP, Goosselink B, Vermeulen H, Ebben RHA, Vloet LCM, Berben SAA. Patient factors associated with conveyance decision-making by Emergency Medical Services professionals in patients with a syncope: a cross-sectional factorial survey design. BMC Emerg Med 2023; 23:118. [PMID: 37798716 PMCID: PMC10557231 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-023-00890-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The clinical decision-making of non-conveyance is perceived as complex and difficult by emergency medical services (EMS) professionals. Patients with a transient loss of consciousness (TLOC) based on syncope constitute a significant part of the non-conveyance population. Risk stratification is the basis of the clinical decision-making process by EMS professionals. This risk stratification is based on various patient factors. This study aimed to explore patient factors significantly associated with conveyance decision-making by EMS professionals in patients with a TLOC based on syncope. METHODS A cross-sectional vignette study with a factorial survey design was conducted. Patient factors were derived from the "National Protocol Ambulance Care", and all possible combinations of these factors and underlying categories were combined, resulting in 256 unique vignettes (2*4*4*4*2 = 256). Patient factors presented either low-risk or high-risk factors for adverse events. Data were collected through an online questionnaire, in which participants received a random sample of 15 vignettes. For each vignette, the respondent indicated whether the patient would need to be conveyed to the emergency department or not. A multilevel logistic regression analysis with stepwise backward elimination was performed to analyse factors significantly associated with conveyance decision-making. In the logistic model, we modelled the probability of non-conveyance. RESULTS 110 respondents were included, with 1646 vignettes being assessed. Mean age 45.5 (SD 9.3), male gender 63.6%, and years of experience 13.2 (SD 8.9). Multilevel analysis showed two patient factors contributing significantly to conveyance decision-making: 'red flags' and 'prehospital electrocardiogram (ECG)'. Of these patient factors, three underlying categories were significantly associated with non-conveyance: 'sudden cardiac death < 40 years of age in family history' (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.22-0.50; p < 0.001), 'cardiovascular abnormalities, pulmonary embolism or pulmonary hypertension in the medical history' (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.43-0.91; p = 0.01), and 'abnormal prehospital ECG' (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.41-0.72; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Sudden cardiac death < 40 years of age in family history, medical history, and abnormal ECG are significantly negatively associated with non-conveyance decision-making by EMS professionals in patients with a TLOC based on syncope. Low-risk factors do not play a significant role in conveyance decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Bastiaan A Ort
- School of Health Studies, Research Department of Emergency and Critical Care, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Lucia G Uit Het Broek
- School of Health Studies, Research Department of Emergency and Critical Care, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Harm de Bruin
- Emergency Medical Service, RAV Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Reinier P Akkermans
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare, Radboud University Medical Centre , Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ben Goosselink
- Emergency Medical Service, Ambulance IJsselland, Zwolle, The Netherlands
| | - Hester Vermeulen
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare, Radboud University Medical Centre , Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Remco H A Ebben
- School of Health Studies, Research Department of Emergency and Critical Care, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Emergency Medical Service, Public Health and Safety region Gelderland-Midden, Arnhem, The Netherlands
| | - Lilian C M Vloet
- School of Health Studies, Research Department of Emergency and Critical Care, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare, Radboud University Medical Centre , Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sivera A A Berben
- School of Health Studies, Research Department of Emergency and Critical Care, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare, Radboud University Medical Centre , Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Wolthers SA, Blomberg SNF, Breindahl N, Anjum S, Hägi-Pedersen D, Ersbøll A, Andersen LB, Christensen HC. Association between using a prehospital assessment unit and hospital admission and mortality: a matched cohort study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e075592. [PMID: 37739475 PMCID: PMC10533654 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to compare hospital admission and 30-day mortality between patients assessed by the prehospital assessment unit (PAU) and patients not assessed by the PAU. DESIGN This was a matched cohort study. SETTING This study was conducted between November 2021 and October 2022 in Region Zealand, Denmark. PARTICIPANTS 989 patients aged >18, assessed by the PAU, were identified, and 9860 patients not assessed by the PAU were selected from the emergency calls using exposure density sampling. EXPOSURE Patients assessed by the PAU. The PAU is operated by paramedics with access to point-of-care test facilities. The PAU is an alternative response vehicle without the capability of transporting patients. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was hospital admission within 48 hours after the initial call. The key secondary outcomes were admission within 7 days, 30-day mortality and admission within 6 hours. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted, and logistic regression models were used to estimate adjusted OR (aOR) and 95% CI. RESULTS Among the PAU assessed, 44.1% were admitted within 48 hours, compared with 72.9% of the non-PAU assessed, p<0.001. The multivariable analysis showed a lower risk of admission within 48 hours and 7 days among the PAU patients, aOR 0.31 (95% CI 0.26 to 0.38) and aOR 0.50 (95% CI 0.38 to 0.64), respectively. The 30-day mortality rate was 3.8% in the PAU-assessed patients vs 5.5% in the non-PAU-assessed patients, p=0.03. In the multivariable analysis, no significant difference was found in mortality aOR 0.99 (95% CI 0.71 to 1.42). No deaths were observed in PAU-assessed patients without subsequent follow-up. CONCLUSION The recently introduced PAU aims for patient-centred emergency care. The PAU-assessed patients had reduced admissions within 48 hours and 7 days after the initial call. Study findings indicate that the PAU is safe since we identified no significant differences in 30-day mortality. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05654909.
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Affiliation(s)
- Signe Amalie Wolthers
- Prehospital Center, Region Zealand, Naestved, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Niklas Breindahl
- Prehospital Center, Region Zealand, Naestved, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sair Anjum
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Slagelse University Hospital, Slagelse, Denmark
| | | | - Annette Ersbøll
- University of Southern Denmark National Institute of Public Health, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Helle Collatz Christensen
- Prehospital Center, Region Zealand, Naestved, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Uit Het Broek LG, Ort BBA, Vermeulen H, Pelgrim T, Vloet LCM, Berben SAA. Risk stratification tools for patients with syncope in emergency medical services and emergency departments: a scoping review. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2023; 31:48. [PMID: 37723535 PMCID: PMC10508018 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-023-01102-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with a syncope constitute a challenge for risk stratification in (prehospital) emergency care. Professionals in EMS and ED need to differentiate the high-risk from the low-risk syncope patient, with limited time and resources. Clinical decision rules (CDRs) are designed to support professionals in risk stratification and clinical decision-making. Current CDRs seem unable to meet the standards to be used in the chain of emergency care. However, the need for a structured approach for syncope patients remains. We aimed to generate a broad overview of the available risk stratification tools and identify key elements, scoring systems and measurement properties of these tools. METHODS We performed a scoping review with a literature search in MEDLINE, CINAHL, Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane and Web of Science from January 2010 to May 2022. Study selection was done by two researchers independently and was supervised by a third researcher. Data extraction was performed through a data extraction form, and data were summarised through descriptive synthesis. A quality assessment of included studies was performed using a generic quality assessment tool for quantitative research and the AMSTAR-2 for systematic reviews. RESULTS The literature search identified 5385 unique studies; 38 were included in the review. We discovered 19 risk stratification tools, one of which was established in EMS patient care. One-third of risk stratification tools have been validated. Two main approaches for the application of the tools were identified. Elements of the tools were categorised in history taking, physical examination, electrocardiogram, additional examinations and other variables. Evaluation of measurement properties showed that negative and positive predictive value was used in half of the studies to assess the accuracy of tools. CONCLUSION A total of 19 risk stratification tools for syncope patients were identified. They were primarily established in ED patient care; most are not validated properly. Key elements in the risk stratification related to a potential cardiac problem as cause for the syncope. These insights provide directions for the key elements of a risk stratification tool and for a more advanced process to validate risk stratification tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia G Uit Het Broek
- Research Department of Emergency and Critical Care, School of Health Studies, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - B Bastiaan A Ort
- Research Department of Emergency and Critical Care, School of Health Studies, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hester Vermeulen
- Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Pelgrim
- Research Department of Emergency and Critical Care, School of Health Studies, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lilian C M Vloet
- Research Department of Emergency and Critical Care, School of Health Studies, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sivera A A Berben
- Research Department of Emergency and Critical Care, School of Health Studies, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Greene JA, Goldstein J, Stirling J, Swain JM, Brown R, McVey J, Carter A. Clinical Roles in the Medical Communications Centre: A Rapid Scoping Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e39441. [PMID: 37362545 PMCID: PMC10289204 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.39441] [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: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, 911 call volumes have increased, and emergency medical services (EMS) are routinely stretched beyond capacity. To better match resources with patient needs, some EMS systems have integrated clinician roles into the emergency medical communications centre (MCC). Our objective was to explore the nature and scope of clinical roles in emergency MCCs. Using a rapid scoping review methodology, we searched PubMed for studies related to any clinical role employed within an emergency MCC. We accepted reviews, experimental and observational designs, as well as expert opinions. Studies reporting on dispatcher recognition and pre-arrival instructions were excluded. Title and abstract screening were conducted by a single reviewer, included studies were verified by two reviewers, and data extraction was completed in duplicate, all using Covidence review software. The level of evidence was assessed using the prehospital evidence-based practice (PEP) scale. The protocol was registered in Open Science Framework (10.17605/OSF.IO/NX4T8). Our search yielded 1071 titles, and four were added from other sources; 44 studies were reviewed at the full-text stage and 31 were included. The included studies were published from 2002 to 2022 and represent 17 countries. Studies meeting inclusion criteria consisted of level I (n=4, 11%), II (n=13, 37%), and III (N=6, 17%) methodologies, as well as 12 other studies (34%) with qualitative or other designs. Most of the included studies reported systems that employ nurses in the MCC (n=29, 83%). Twelve (34%) studies reported on the inclusion of paramedics in the MCC, and five (14%) reported physician involvement. The roles of these clinicians chiefly consisted of triage (n=25, 71%), advice (n=20, 57%), referral to non-emergency care (n=14, 40%), and peer-to-peer consulting (n=2, 4%). Alternative dispositions (as opposed to emergency ambulance transport) for low acuity callers included self-care, as well as referral to a general practitioner, pharmacist, or other outreach programs. There is a wide range of literature reporting on clinical roles integrated within MCCs. Our findings revealed that MCC nurses, physicians, and paramedics assist substantively with triage, advice, and referrals to better match resources to patient needs, with or without the requirement for ambulance dispatch.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Janel M Swain
- Emergency Health Services, Nova Scotia, Dartmouth, CAN
| | - Ryan Brown
- Interprofessional Practice and Learning, Nova Scotia Health, Sydney, CAN
- Emergency Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, CAN
| | | | - Alix Carter
- Emergency Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, CAN
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Bunting D, Endo T, Watt K, Daniel R, Bosley E. Mastering Linked Datasets: The Future of Emergency Health Care Research. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2022; 27:1031-1040. [PMID: 35913099 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2022.2108179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this work is to describe routine integration of prehospital emergency health records into a health master linkage file, delivering ongoing access to integrated patient treatment and outcome information for ambulance-attended patients in Queensland.Methods: The Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) data are integrated monthly into the Queensland Health Master Linkage File (MLF) using a linkage algorithm that relies on probabilistic matches in combination with deterministic rules based on patient demographic details, date, time and facility identifiers. Each ambulance record is assigned an enduring linkage key (unique patient identifier) and further processing determines whether each record matches with a corresponding hospital emergency department, admission or death registry record. In this study, all QAS electronic ambulance report form (eARF) records from October 2016 to December 2018 where at least 1 key linkage variable was present (n = 1,771,734) were integrated into the MLF.Results: The majority of records (n = 1,456,502; 82.2%) were for transported patients, and 90.1% (n = 1,312,176) of these transports were to public hospital facilities. Of these transport records, 93.9% (n = 1,231,951) matched to emergency department (ED) records and 59.3% (n = 864,394) also linked to admitted patient records. Of ambulance non-transport records integrated into the MLF, 23.6% (n = 74,311) matched with ED records.Conclusion: This study demonstrates robust linkage methods, quality assurance processes and high linkage rates of data across the continuum of care (prehospital/emergency department/admitted patient/death) in Queensland. The resulting infrastructure provides a high-quality linked dataset that facilitates complex research and analysis to inform critical functions such as quality improvement, system evaluation and design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Bunting
- Information Support, Research & Evaluation, Queensland Ambulance Service, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Taku Endo
- Queensland Health, Preventive Health Branch, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kerrianne Watt
- Information Support, Research & Evaluation, Queensland Ambulance Service, Brisbane, Australia
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Raymond Daniel
- Queensland Health, Statistical Services Branch, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Emma Bosley
- Information Support, Research & Evaluation, Queensland Ambulance Service, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Clinical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
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Breuer F, Pommerenke C, Poloczek S. Analyse von Einflussfaktoren auf die Transporthäufigkeit von Frequent Usern mit Angststörung. Notf Rett Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10049-022-01045-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Zusammenfassung
Einleitung
Frequent User wählen wiederholt den Notruf 112 und sind für eine Vielzahl von Einsätzen verantwortlich. In vielen Fällen ist eine Angststörung ursächlich für das Verhalten. Hierbei spielen vermutlich eine unzureichende Anbindung an eine geeignete Versorgungseinrichtung sowie eine mangelhafte Compliance eine wesentliche Rolle.
Methodik
Als Frequent User mit Angststörung wurden diejenigen Patientinnen definiert, bei denen im Einsatzprotokoll die Kombination aus der (Verdachts‑)Diagnose „psychiatrischer Notfall“ sowie dem psychiatrischen Befund „ängstlich“ dokumentiert wurde und es im betrachteten Zeitraum (01.10.2020 bis 31.05.2021) zu mindestens 2 Einsätzen der Notfallrettung kam (n = 74). Ergänzend erfolgte eine Auswertung aus den Daten aus dem Einsatzleitsystem. Die Einsätze (n = 326) wurden in Bezug auf die Transporthäufigkeit in Abhängigkeit von mNACA-Score, Einsatzort sowie der Notrufmeldung analysiert.
Ergebnisse
In 52,1 % handelte es sich um mNACA-II-Einsätze, in 42,3 % um mNACA-III-Einsätze und in 5,5 % um mNACA-IV-Einsätze. Neben dem mNACA-Score hatte weder der Einsatzort noch die Einsatzzeit noch die Dringlichkeit Einfluss auf die Transporthäufigkeit. Im Ergebnis zur Alarmierung zum „psychiatrischen Notfall“ wurden signifikant mehr Transporte durchgeführt. Das Alter war ebenfalls nicht maßgeblich.
Schlussfolgerung
Neben der Notwendigkeit der Verbesserung der Gesundheitskompetenz von vulnerablen Gruppen muss sich auch der Rettungsdienst in den kommenden Jahren vermehrt auf ein verändertes Einsatzspektrum einstellen. Damit einhergehend müssen Schnittstellen und die Anbindung an alternative Versorgungsformen optimiert werden. Neben einem Case Management sind Strukturen denkbar, die psychosoziale Hilfe unmittelbar an die Notfallrettung anbinden.
Graphic abstract
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11
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Outcomes in patients not conveyed by emergency medical services (EMS): a one-year prospective study. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2022; 30:40. [PMID: 35698086 PMCID: PMC9195370 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-022-01023-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The decision to not convey patients has become common in emergency medical services worldwide. A substantial proportion (12–51%) of the patients seen by emergency medical services are not conveyed by those services. The practice of non-conveyance is a result of the increasing and changing demands on the acute care system. Research focusing on the outcomes of the decision by emergency medical services to not convey patients is needed. Aim The aim was to describe outcomes (emergency department visits, admission to in-hospital intensive care units and mortality, all within seven days) and their association with the variables (sex, age, day of week, time of day, emergency signs and symptoms codes, triage level colour, and destination) for non-conveyed patients. Methods This was a prospective analytical study with consecutive inclusion of all patients not conveyed by emergency medical services. Patients were included between February 2016 and January 2017. The study was conducted in Region Örebro county, Sweden. The region consists of both rural and urban areas and has a population of approximately 295,000. The region had three ambulance departments that received approximately 30,000 assignments per year. Results The result showed that no patient received intensive care, and 18 (0.7%) patients died within seven days after the non-conveyance decision. Older age was associated with a higher risk of hospitalisation and death within seven days after a non-conveyance decision. Conclusions Based on the results of this one-year follow-up study, few patients compared to previous studies were admitted to the hospital, received intensive care or died within seven days. This study contributes insights that can be used to improve non-conveyance guidelines and minimise the risk of patient harm. Supplementary information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13049-022-01023-3.
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12
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Larsson G, Dagerhem A, Wihlborg J, Rantala A. Satisfaction among non-conveyed patients and significant others when discharged at the scene by the ambulance service: an exploratory cross-sectional survey. BMC Emerg Med 2022; 22:100. [PMID: 35672702 PMCID: PMC9171931 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-022-00659-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn Larsson
- PreHospen-Centre for Prehospital Research, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden.,Department of Prehospital Emergency Care, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Alma Dagerhem
- Emergency Department, Halland Hospital, Halmstad, Sweden
| | - Jonas Wihlborg
- School of Health and Welfare, Dalarna University, Falun, Sweden
| | - Andreas Rantala
- Emergency Department, Helsingborg General Hospital, Helsingborg, Sweden. .,Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, P.O. Box 157, SE-221 00, Lund, Sweden. .,Centre of Interprofessional Cooperation within Emergency Care (CICE), Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden.
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13
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Larsson G, Hansson P, Olsson E, Herlitz J, Hagiwara MA. Prehospital assessment of patients with abdominal pain triaged to self-care at home: an observation study. BMC Emerg Med 2022; 22:92. [PMID: 35659247 PMCID: PMC9164890 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-022-00649-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients who call for emergency medical services (EMS) due to abdominal pain suffer from a broad spectrum of diseases, some of which are time sensitive. As a result of the introduction of the concept of 'optimal level of care', some patients with abdominal pain are triaged to other levels of care than in an emergency department (ED). We hypothesised that it could be challenging in a patient safety perspective. AIM This study aims to describe consecutive patients who call for EMS due to abdominal pain and are triaged to self-care by EMS clinicians. METHODS This was an observational study performed in an EMS organisation in Western Sweden during 2020. The triage tool Rapid Emergency Triage and Treatment System (RETTS), which included Emergency Signs and Symptom (ESS) codes, was used to find medical records where patients with abdominal pain have been triaged to self-care and 194 patients was included in the study. RESULTS Of total 48,311 ambulance missions, A total of 1747 patients were labelled with ESS code six (abdominal pain), including 223 (12.8%) who were given the code for self-care and 194 who were further assessed by the research group. Of these patients, 32 (16.3%) had a return visit within 96 hours due to the same symptoms and 11 (5.6%) were hospitalised. In six of these patients, the EMS triage was evaluated retrospectively and assessed as inappropriate. These patients had a final diagnosis of ruptured abdominal aneurysm (n = 1), acute appendicitis with peritonitis (n = 2) and acute pancreatitis (n = 3). All these patients required extensive evaluation and different treatments, including acute surgery, antibiotics and fluid therapy. CONCLUSION Amongst the 1747 patients assessed by EMS due to abdominal pain, 223 (12.8%) were triaged to self-care. Of the 194 patients who were further assessed, 16.3% required a return visit to the ED within 96 hours and 5.6% were hospitalised. Six patients had obvious time-sensitive conditions. Our study highlights the difficulties in the early assessment of abdominal pain and the requirement for an accurate decision support tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn Larsson
- Centre for Prehospital Research, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, SE-501 90, Borås, Sweden.,Department of Prehospital Emergency Care, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Peter Hansson
- NU Hospital Group (NU), Department of Ambulance Care, SE- 461 85, Trollhättan, Sweden
| | - Emelie Olsson
- NU Hospital Group (NU), Department of Ambulance Care, SE- 461 85, Trollhättan, Sweden
| | - Johan Herlitz
- Centre for Prehospital Research, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, SE-501 90, Borås, Sweden
| | - Magnus Andersson Hagiwara
- Centre for Prehospital Research, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, SE-501 90, Borås, Sweden.
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14
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Heppenstall E, McClelland G, Price C, Wilkinson C. Documentation of atrial fibrillation among non-conveyed ambulance patients: a new primary prevention opportunity? Br Paramed J 2022; 7:51-57. [DOI: 10.29045/14784726.2022.06.7.1.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and is a significant risk factor for stroke. Prescription of oral anticoagulant (OAC) medication reduces the risk of AF-related stroke by 64% ‐ yet over 400,000 people in England have
undiagnosed (and therefore untreated) AF.Emergency medical services (EMS) encounter a wide range of patients, some of whom may not engage with other healthcare services. AF may be detected by EMS in connection with the cause of the call, or as an incidental finding. While EMS are not traditionally
utilised for public health screening, they may offer an opportunity to identify patients with undiagnosed or untreated AF and refer onward.This study aimed to explore what proportion of patients seen by EMS who were not transported to hospital had AF and to estimate how many would potentially
benefit from OAC.Methods: A retrospective service evaluation was conducted using routinely collected data from a large UK regional ambulance service. The sample included adults attended by EMS on the 15th of each month in 2019, who were not transported to hospital and where an electrocardiogram
was recorded. Of those with AF, we calculated the proportion in whom this was possibly new and report whether OAC was prescribed.Results: There were 859 patients who met the inclusion criteria, of whom 91 (11%) had AF documented. Of the 91 patients with AF, 23 (25%) had no documented
history of AF or OAC prescription, so were potentially new diagnoses of AF, who would benefit from consideration of OAC therapy.Conclusion: The EMS assessment offers an opportunity for AF to be identified in patients who were not transported to hospital. EMS may have a role in primary
prevention of harm, including stroke, by identifying and referring patients with AF for consideration of OAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Heppenstall
- Newcastle University ORCID iD:, URL: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2423-6221
| | - Graham McClelland
- Newcastle University; North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust ORCID iD:, URL: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4502-5821
| | - Chris Price
- Newcastle University ORCID iD:, URL: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3566-3157
| | - Chris Wilkinson
- Newcastle University ORCID iD:, URL: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0748-0150
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15
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Magnusson C, Hagiwara MA, Norberg-Boysen G, Kauppi W, Herlitz J, Axelsson C, Packendorff N, Larsson G, Wibring K. Suboptimal prehospital decision- making for referral to alternative levels of care - frequency, measurement, acceptance rate and room for improvement. BMC Emerg Med 2022; 22:89. [PMID: 35606694 PMCID: PMC9125920 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-022-00643-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The emergency medical services (EMS) have undergone dramatic changes during the past few decades. Increased utilisation, changes in care-seeking behaviour and competence among EMS clinicians have given rise to a shift in EMS strategies in many countries. From transport to the emergency department to at the scene deciding on the most appropriate level of care and mode of transport. Among the non-conveyed patients some may suffer from “time-sensitive conditions” delaying diagnosis and treatment. Thus, four questions arise:How often are time-sensitive cases referred to primary care or self-care advice? How can we measure and define the level of inappropriate clinical decision-making? What is acceptable? How to increase patient safety?
Main text To what extent time-sensitive cases are non-conveyed varies. About 5–25% of referred patients visit the emergency department within 72 hours, 5% are hospitalised, 1–3% are reported to have a time-sensitive condition and seven-day mortality rates range from 0.3 to 6%. The level of inappropriate clinical decision-making can be measured using surrogate measures such as emergency department attendances, hospitalisation and short-term mortality. These measures do not reveal time-sensitive conditions. Defining a scoring system may be one alternative, where misclassifications of time-sensitive cases are rated based on how severely they affected patient outcome. In terms of what is acceptable there is no general agreement. Although a zero-vision approach does not seem to be realistic unless under-triage is split into different levels of severity with zero-vision in the most severe categories. There are several ways to reduce the risk of misclassifications. Implementation of support systems for decision-making using machine learning to improve the initial assessment is one approach. Using a trigger tool to identify adverse events is another. Conclusion A substantial number of patients are non-conveyed, including a small portion with time-sensitive conditions. This poses a threat to patient safety. No general agreement on how to define and measure the extent of such EMS referrals and no agreement of what is acceptable exists, but we conclude an overall zero-vision is not realistic. Developing specific tools supporting decision making regarding EMS referral may be one way to reduce misclassification rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Magnusson
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden. .,Department of Prehospital Emergency Care , Sahlgrenska University Hospital, SE-411 04, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Magnus Andersson Hagiwara
- Prehospen-Centre for Prehospital Research, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, SE-501 90, Borås, Sweden
| | - Gabriella Norberg-Boysen
- Prehospen-Centre for Prehospital Research, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, SE-501 90, Borås, Sweden
| | - Wivica Kauppi
- Prehospen-Centre for Prehospital Research, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, SE-501 90, Borås, Sweden
| | - Johan Herlitz
- Prehospen-Centre for Prehospital Research, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, SE-501 90, Borås, Sweden
| | - Christer Axelsson
- Department of Prehospital Emergency Care , Sahlgrenska University Hospital, SE-411 04, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Prehospen-Centre for Prehospital Research, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, SE-501 90, Borås, Sweden
| | - Niclas Packendorff
- Prehospen-Centre for Prehospital Research, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, SE-501 90, Borås, Sweden
| | - Glenn Larsson
- Prehospen-Centre for Prehospital Research, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, SE-501 90, Borås, Sweden
| | - Kristoffer Wibring
- Department of Ambulance and Prehospital Care, Region Halland, SE-302 49, Halmstad, Sweden
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16
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Johansson H, Lundgren K, Hagiwara MA. Reasons for bias in ambulance clinicians' assessments of non-conveyed patients: a mixed-methods study. BMC Emerg Med 2022; 22:79. [PMID: 35524195 PMCID: PMC9074185 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-022-00630-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The number of ambulance assignments and the influx of patients to the emergency departments (EDs) in Sweden have increased in recent years. This is one reason the protocol for prehospital emergency care was developed around referring patients for non-conveyance, either through the see-and-convey elsewhere approach or through the see-and-treat approach. However, this protocol has led to challenges in patient assessments. This study aimed to investigate the underlying causes of patient harm among those referred for the see-and-treat approach by the emergency medical services. Methods This three-phase study involved a mixed-methods design. Cases of injuries, internal investigations and incident analyses of referrals for the see-and-treat approach in two regions in south eastern Sweden from 2015 to 2020 were examined using qualitative content analysis. This qualitative analysis was the basis for the quantitative analysis of the ambulance records. After the qualitative analysis was completed, a review protocol was developed; 34 variables were used to review 240 randomly selected ambulance records logged in 2020, wherein patients were referred for the see-and-treat approach. Finally, the review results were synthesised. Results The qualitative analysis revealed three common themes: ‘assessment of patients’, ‘guidelines’ and ‘environment and organisation’. These results were confirmed by a medical journal review. Shortcomings were found in the anamnesis and in the number of targeted examinations performed. The checklist for referring patients for the see-and-treat approach and the information sheet to be provided to the patients were not used. In 34% of the ambulance records examined, the EMS clinicians deviated from the current guidelines for a see-and-treat referral. Conclusions The results indicated that the low adherence to guidelines and the patient assessment deviating from the protocol put patients at risk of being harmed during a see-and-treat referral. Measures are needed to guarantee a safe assessment of an increasing number of patients who are referred for the see-and-treat approach, especially the multi-sick elderly patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12873-022-00630-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Johansson
- Falck Ambulans Östergötland, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, SE-501 90, Borås, Sweden
| | - Kristin Lundgren
- Ambulanssjukvården Region Jönköpings län, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, SE-501 90, Borås, Sweden
| | - Magnus Andersson Hagiwara
- Centre for Prehospital Research, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, SE-501 90, Borås, Sweden.
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17
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Kangasniemi H, Setälä P, Huhtala H, Olkinuora A, Kämäräinen A, Virkkunen I, Tirkkonen J, Yli-Hankala A, Jämsen E, Hoppu S. Advising and limiting medical treatment during phone consultation: a prospective multicentre study in HEMS settings. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2022; 30:16. [PMID: 35264211 PMCID: PMC8905861 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-022-01002-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We investigated paramedic-initiated consultation calls and advice given via telephone by Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) physicians focusing on limitations of medical treatment (LOMT). Methods A prospective multicentre study was conducted on four physician-staffed HEMS bases in Finland during a 6-month period. Results Of all 6115 (mean 8.4/base/day) paramedic-initiated consultation calls, 478 (7.8%) consultation calls involving LOMTs were included: 268 (4.4%) cases with a pre-existing LOMT, 165 (2.7%) cases where the HEMS physician issued a new LOMT and 45 (0.7%) cases where the patient already had an LOMT and the physician further issued another LOMT. The most common new limitation was a do-not-attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DNACPR) order (n = 122/210, 58%) and/or ‘not eligible for intensive care’ (n = 96/210, 46%). In 49 (23%) calls involving a new LOMT, termination of an initiated resuscitation attempt was the only newly issued LOMT. The most frequent reasons for issuing an LOMT during consultations were futility of the overall situation (71%), poor baseline functional status (56%), multiple/severe comorbidities (56%) and old age (49%). In the majority of cases (65%) in which the HEMS physician issued a new LOMT for a patient without any pre-existing LOMT, the physician felt that the patient should have already had an LOMT. The patient was in a health care facility or a nursing home in half (49%) of the calls that involved issuing a new LOMT. Access to medical records was reported in 29% of the calls in which a new LOMT was issued by an HEMS physician. Conclusion Consultation calls with HEMS physicians involving patients with LOMT decisions were common. HEMS physicians considered end-of-life questions on the phone and issued a new LOMT in 3.4% of consultations calls. These decisions mainly concerned termination of resuscitation, DNACPR, intubation and initiation of intensive care. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13049-022-01002-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Kangasniemi
- Research and Development Unit, FinnHEMS Ltd, WTC Helsinki Airport, Lentäjäntie 3, 01530, Vantaa, Finland. .,Division of Anaesthesiology, Department of Perioperative, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, HUS University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Meilahti Tower Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 3, 00029, Helsinki, Finland. .,Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33014, Tampere, Finland. .,Emergency Medical Services, Centre for Prehospital Emergency Care, Department of Emergency, Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, Tampere University Hospital, P.O. Box 2000, 33521, Tampere, Finland.
| | - Piritta Setälä
- Emergency Medical Services, Centre for Prehospital Emergency Care, Department of Emergency, Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, Tampere University Hospital, P.O. Box 2000, 33521, Tampere, Finland
| | - Heini Huhtala
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, P.O. Box 100, 33014, Tampere, Finland
| | - Anna Olkinuora
- Research and Development Unit, FinnHEMS Ltd, WTC Helsinki Airport, Lentäjäntie 3, 01530, Vantaa, Finland
| | - Antti Kämäräinen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hyvinkää Hospital, 05850, Hyvinkää, Finland
| | - Ilkka Virkkunen
- Research and Development Unit, FinnHEMS Ltd, WTC Helsinki Airport, Lentäjäntie 3, 01530, Vantaa, Finland.,Emergency Medical Services, Centre for Prehospital Emergency Care, Department of Emergency, Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, Tampere University Hospital, P.O. Box 2000, 33521, Tampere, Finland
| | - Joonas Tirkkonen
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Tampere University Hospital, P.O. Box 2000, 33521, Tampere, Finland
| | - Arvi Yli-Hankala
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33014, Tampere, Finland.,Department of Emergency, Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, Tampere University Hospital, P.O. Box 2000, 33521, Tampere, Finland
| | - Esa Jämsen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33014, Tampere, Finland.,Department of Geriatrics, Tampere University Hospital, P.O. Box 2000, 33521, Tampere, Finland
| | - Sanna Hoppu
- Emergency Medical Services, Centre for Prehospital Emergency Care, Department of Emergency, Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, Tampere University Hospital, P.O. Box 2000, 33521, Tampere, Finland
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18
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Lederman J, Lindström V, Elmqvist C, Löfvenmark C, Ljunggren G, Djärv T. Non-conveyance of older adult patients and association with subsequent clinical and adverse events after initial assessment by ambulance clinicians: a cohort analysis. BMC Emerg Med 2021; 21:154. [PMID: 34895152 PMCID: PMC8666056 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-021-00548-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Older adults (age ≥ 65 years) represent a significant proportion of all patients who are not transported to hospital after assessment by ambulance clinicians (non-conveyed patients). This study aimed to fill the knowledge gap in the understanding of the prevalence of older adult non-conveyed patients and investigate their characteristics and risk factors for subsequent and adverse events with those of younger non-conveyed patients comparatively. Methods This population-based retrospective cohort study included all adult non-conveyed patients who availed the ambulance service of Region Stockholm, Sweden in 2015; they were age-stratified into two groups: 18–64 and ≥ 65 years. Inter-group differences in short-term outcomes (i.e. emergency department visits, hospitalisations, and mortality within 7 days following non-conveyance) were assessed using multivariate regression analyses. Results Older adult patients comprised 48% of the 17,809 non-conveyed patients. Dispatch priority levels were generally lower among older non-conveyed patients than among younger patients. Non-conveyance among older patients occurred more often during daytime, and they were more frequently assessed by ambulance clinicians with nonspecific presenting symptoms. Approximately one in five older adults was hospitalised within 7 days following non-conveyance. Patients presenting with infectious symptoms had the highest mortality risk following non-conveyance. Oxygen saturation level < 95% or systolic blood pressure > 160 mmHg had significantly higher associations with hospitalisation within 7 days following non-conveyance in older adult patients. Conclusions Older adult patients have an increased risk for adverse events following non-conveyance. In combination with a complex and variating presentation of symptoms and vital signs proved difficult for dispatch operators and ambulance clinicians to identify and assess, the identified risks raise questions on the patient safety of older adult non-conveyed patients. The results indicate a system failure that need to be managed within the ambulance service organisation to achieve higher levels of patient safety for older non-conveyed patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12873-021-00548-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Lederman
- Dept. of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet, Sjukhusbacken 10, 118 83, Stockholm, Sweden. .,Academic Emergency Medical Services/AISAB Ambulance care in Greater Stockholm Ltd, Region Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Veronica Lindström
- Samariten Ambulance, Stockholm, Sweden.,Dept. of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, section of nursing, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carina Elmqvist
- Dept. of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden.,Centre of Interprofessional Cooperation within Emergency care (CICE), Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden
| | - Caroline Löfvenmark
- Dept. of Health promoting science, Sophiahemmet University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gunnar Ljunggren
- Division for Family Medicine, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Academic Primary Health care Centre, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Therese Djärv
- Dept. of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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19
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Vloet LCM, Hesselink G, Berben SAA, Hoogeveen M, Rood PJT, Ebben RHA. The updated national research agenda 2021-2026 for prehospital emergency medical services in the Netherlands: a Delphi study. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2021; 29:162. [PMID: 34801072 PMCID: PMC8605575 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-021-00971-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In 2015, a national research agenda was established for Dutch prehospital EMS to underpin the evidence base of care delivery and inform policymakers and funders. The continuously increasing demand for ambulance care and the reorientation towards the role of EMS in recent years may have changed research priorities. Therefore, this study aimed to update the Dutch national EMS research agenda. Methods A three-round online Delphi survey was used to explore and discuss different viewpoints and to reach consensus on research priorities (i.e., themes and special interest groups, e.g. patient types who require specific research attention). A multidisciplinary expert panel (n = 62) was recruited in the field of prehospital EMS and delegates of relevant professional organizations and stakeholders participated. In round one, fifty-nine research themes and six special interest groups (derived from several resources) were rated on importance on a 5-point scale by the panel members. In round two, the panel selected their priority themes and special interest groups (yes/no), and those with a positive difference score were further assessed in round three. In this final round, appropriateness of the remaining themes and agreement within the panel was taken into account, following the RAND/UCLA appropriateness method, which resulted in the final list of research priorities. Results The survey response per round varied between 94 and 100 percent. In round one, a reduction from 59 to 25 themes and the selection of three special interest groups was realized. Round two resulted in the prioritization of six themes and one special interest group ('Vulnerable elderly'). Round three showed an adequate level of agreement regarding all six themes: 'Registration and (digital) exchange of patient data in the chain of emergency care'; 'Mobile care consultation/Non conveyance'; 'Care coordination'; 'Cooperation with professional partners within the care domain'; 'Care differentiation' and 'Triage and urgency classification'. Conclusions The updated Dutch national EMS research agenda builds further on the previous version and introduces new EMS research priorities that correspond with the future challenges prehospital EMS care is faced with. This agenda will guide researchers, policymakers and funding bodies in prioritizing future research projects. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13049-021-00971-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian C M Vloet
- School of Health Studies, Research Department of Emergency and Critical Care, HAN University of Applied Sciences, PO Box 6960, 6503 GL, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, IQ Healthcare, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Gijs Hesselink
- School of Health Studies, Research Department of Emergency and Critical Care, HAN University of Applied Sciences, PO Box 6960, 6503 GL, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, IQ Healthcare, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sivera A A Berben
- School of Health Studies, Research Department of Emergency and Critical Care, HAN University of Applied Sciences, PO Box 6960, 6503 GL, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, IQ Healthcare, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Margreet Hoogeveen
- Dutch National Sector Organization for Ambulance Care (Ambulancezorg Nederland, AZN), PO BOX 4898000 AL, Zwolle, The Netherlands
| | - Paul J T Rood
- School of Health Studies, Research Department of Emergency and Critical Care, HAN University of Applied Sciences, PO Box 6960, 6503 GL, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Remco H A Ebben
- School of Health Studies, Research Department of Emergency and Critical Care, HAN University of Applied Sciences, PO Box 6960, 6503 GL, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Patton A, O'Donnell C, Keane O, Henry K, Crowley D, Collins A, Redmond E, Glynn N, Dunne M, Deasy C. The Alternative Pre-hospital Pathway team: reducing conveyances to the emergency department through patient centered Community Emergency Medicine. BMC Emerg Med 2021; 21:138. [PMID: 34794391 PMCID: PMC8601091 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-021-00536-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Internationally increasing demand for emergency care is driving innovation within emergency services. The Alternative Pre-Hospital Pathway (APP) Team is one such Community Emergency Medicine (CEM) initiative developed in Cork, Ireland to target low acuity emergency calls. In this paper the inception of the APP Team is described, and an observational descriptive analysis of the APP Team’s service data presented for the first 12 months of operation. The aim of this study is to describe and analyse the APP team service. Methods The APP Team, consisting of a Specialist Registrar (SpR) in Emergency Medicine (EM) and an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) based in Cork, covers a mixed urban and rural population of approximately 300,000 people located within a 40-min drive time of Cork University Hospital. The team are dispatched to low acuity 112/999 calls, aiming to provide definitive care or referring patients to the appropriate community or specialist service. A retrospective analysis was performed of the team’s first 12 months of operation using the prospectively maintained service database. Results Two thousand and one patients were attended to with a 67.8% non-conveyance rate. The median age was 62 years, with 33.0% of patients aged over 75 years. For patients over 75 years, the non-conveyance rate was 62.0%. The average number of patients treated per shift was 7. Medical complaints (319), falls (194), drug and alcohol related presentations (193), urological (131), and respiratory complaints (119) were the most common presentations. Conclusion Increased demand for emergency care and an aging population is necessitating a re-design of traditional models of emergency care delivery. We describe the Alternative Pre-Hospital Pathway service, delivered by an EMT and an Emergency Medicine SpR responding to low acuity calls. This service achieved a 68% non-conveyance rate; our data demonstrates that a community emergency medicine outreach team in collaboration with the National Ambulance Service offering Alternative Pre-Hospital Pathways is an effective model for reducing conveyances to hospital. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12873-021-00536-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Patton
- Emergency Department, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Cathal O'Donnell
- Medical Directorate, National Ambulance Service, Health Service Executive, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Owen Keane
- Emergency Department, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland
| | - Kieran Henry
- National Ambulance Service, Health Service Executive, Cork, Ireland
| | - Donal Crowley
- National Ambulance Service, Health Service Executive, Cork, Ireland
| | - Adrian Collins
- National Ambulance Service, Health Service Executive, Cork, Ireland
| | - Eoghan Redmond
- School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Nicky Glynn
- National Ambulance Service, Health Service Executive, Cork, Ireland
| | - Martin Dunne
- National Ambulance Service, Health Service Executive, Cork, Ireland
| | - Conor Deasy
- Emergency Department, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland
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21
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Ward C, Zhang A, Brown K, Simpson J, Chamberlain J. National Characteristics of Non-Transported Children by Emergency Medical Services in the United States. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2021; 26:537-546. [PMID: 34570670 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2021.1985666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Study Objective: Most 911 calls result in ambulance transport to an emergency department. In some cases, transport is refused or deemed unnecessary. The frequency of pediatric non-transport is unknown. Our primary objective was to describe the proportion of pediatric EMS activations resulting in non-transport. Our secondary objective was to identify patient, community, and EMS agency factors associated with pediatric non-transport.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using 2019 data from the National EMS Information System registry. We compared non-transport rates for children (<18 y/o), adults (18 - 60 y/o) and elderly (>60 y/o) patients. We then used generalized estimating equations to identify factors associated with pediatric non-transport while accounting for geographical clustering.Results: There were 21,931,490 EMS activations, including 1,403,454 pediatric 911 responses. 30% of pediatric 911 responses resulted in non-transport. Non-transport was less likely for adults (19%, OR 0.54 [0.54, 0.55]) and elderly patients (13%, OR 0.35 [0.35, 0.36]). The most common pediatric non-transport dispositions were: refused evaluation/care, and treated/released. Non-transport was associated with: pulmonary (aOR 3.84 [3.30, 4.48]) and musculoskeletal chief complaints (aOR 3.75 [3.22, 4.36]). Non-transport was more likely for: rural EMS calls (aOR 1.28 [1.24, 1.32]); calls classified by EMS as Lower Acuity (aOR 7.88 [5.98, 10.38]); and Tribal EMS agencies (aOR 3.49 [3.09, 3.94]).Conclusion: Almost one-third of pediatric 911 activations result in non-transport. Although very few children have been included in pilots of alternate transport processes to date, non-transport is actually more common in children than adults. More work is needed to understand better the patient safety and economic implications of this practice.
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22
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Todd VF, Swain A, Howie G, Tunnage B, Smith T, Dicker B. Factors Associated with Emergency Medical Service Reattendance in Low Acuity Patients Not Transported by Ambulance. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2021:1-17. [PMID: 33320722 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2020.1862943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Background: The decision for emergency medical services (EMS) personnel not to transport a patient is challenging: there is a risk of subsequent deterioration but transportation of all patients to hospital would overburden emergency departments. The aim of this large-scale EMS study was to identify factors associated with an increased likelihood of ambulance reattendance within 48 hours in low acuity patients who were not transported by ambulance.Methods: We conducted a 2-year retrospective cohort study using data from the St John New Zealand EMS between 1 July 2016 and 30 June 2018 to investigate demographic and clinical associations with ambulance reattendance.Results: In total, 83,171 low acuity patients not transported by ambulance were included, of whom 4,512 (5.4%) had an EMS ambulance reattend within 48 hours. There were significant associations between EMS reattendance and patient age, sex, ethnicity, deprivation, and event location. Patients aged 60-74 years old had the highest likelihood of ambulance recall (OR 2.87, 95% CI: 2.51-3.28). Males were more likely to have an EMS ambulance reattend within 48 hours (OR 1.17, 95% CI: 1.09-1.25). Māori and Pacific Peoples had a similar likelihood of EMS recall to European/Others; however, the Asian cohort showed a reduced likelihood of reattendance (OR 0.76, 95% CI: 0.62-0.93).There were significant associations between EMS reattendance and non-transport reason, time spent on scene, event type, clinical acuity level (status), and pain score. Shorter (<30 minutes) on scene times were associated with a decreased likelihood of ambulance reattendance, whereas longer scene times (>45 minutes) were associated with an increased likelihood. Medical events were more likely to require reattendance than accident-related events (OR 1.22, 95% CI: 1.13-1.32). Non-transported patients with a severe pain score (7-10/10) were at increased likelihood of requiring reattendance (OR 1.60, 95% CI: 1.33-1.92).Discussion: The overall low rate of EMS reattendance is encouraging. Further research is needed into the clinical presentation of patients requiring ambulance reattendance within 48 hours to determine if there are early warning signs indicative of subsequent deterioration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verity F Todd
- Received November 25, 2019 from Clinical Audit and Research Team, St John New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand (VFT, GH, BT, TS, BD); Paramedicine Department, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand (VFT, AS, GH, BT, BD); Wellington Free Ambulance, Wellington, New Zealand (AS). Revision received December 3, 2020; accepted for publication December 6, 2020
| | - Andy Swain
- Received November 25, 2019 from Clinical Audit and Research Team, St John New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand (VFT, GH, BT, TS, BD); Paramedicine Department, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand (VFT, AS, GH, BT, BD); Wellington Free Ambulance, Wellington, New Zealand (AS). Revision received December 3, 2020; accepted for publication December 6, 2020
| | - Graham Howie
- Received November 25, 2019 from Clinical Audit and Research Team, St John New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand (VFT, GH, BT, TS, BD); Paramedicine Department, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand (VFT, AS, GH, BT, BD); Wellington Free Ambulance, Wellington, New Zealand (AS). Revision received December 3, 2020; accepted for publication December 6, 2020
| | - Bronwyn Tunnage
- Received November 25, 2019 from Clinical Audit and Research Team, St John New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand (VFT, GH, BT, TS, BD); Paramedicine Department, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand (VFT, AS, GH, BT, BD); Wellington Free Ambulance, Wellington, New Zealand (AS). Revision received December 3, 2020; accepted for publication December 6, 2020
| | - Tony Smith
- Received November 25, 2019 from Clinical Audit and Research Team, St John New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand (VFT, GH, BT, TS, BD); Paramedicine Department, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand (VFT, AS, GH, BT, BD); Wellington Free Ambulance, Wellington, New Zealand (AS). Revision received December 3, 2020; accepted for publication December 6, 2020
| | - Bridget Dicker
- Received November 25, 2019 from Clinical Audit and Research Team, St John New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand (VFT, GH, BT, TS, BD); Paramedicine Department, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand (VFT, AS, GH, BT, BD); Wellington Free Ambulance, Wellington, New Zealand (AS). Revision received December 3, 2020; accepted for publication December 6, 2020
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23
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van Doorn SCM, Verhalle RC, Ebben RHA, Frost DM, Vloet LCM, de Brouwer CPM. The experience of non-conveyance following emergency medical service triage from the perspective of patients and their relatives: A qualitative study. Int Emerg Nurs 2020; 54:100952. [PMID: 33383408 DOI: 10.1016/j.ienj.2020.100952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As many as 25% of all Dutch ambulance emergency service assignments result in non-conveyance of the patient to the hospital. Little is known about how patients and their relatives experience being left at home by an ambulance nurse after an acute request for medical help. AIM To gain insight into the experience of patients and their relatives with a high urgency request for ambulance assistance that results in non-conveyance, with the ultimate goal of offering adequate follow-up. METHOD A qualitative design based on semi-structured interviews with fifteen patients and seven relatives, conducted between September and November 2018. RESULTS Four themes emerged from the thematic analysis: Fear as the prominent emotion, four components of confidence in decision-making, different consequences and coping between patient and relative(s) over time and the perceived need for evaluation afterwards. CONCLUSION The experience after non-conveyance has several phases in which fear, reassurance, confirmation (for relatives) and shame (for patients) follow each other throughout the care process. Complex interpersonal skills of ambulance nurses congruent with the concept of person-centred care can modulate this impact. These findings offer starting points for the optimisation of training programmes within the ambulance care sector.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ruud C Verhalle
- Ambulance Service Brabant Midden West Noord, 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands.
| | - Remco H A Ebben
- HAN University of Applied Sciences, School of Health Studies, Knowledge Centre of Sustainable Healthcare, Research Department of Emergency and Critical Care, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Donna M Frost
- Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of People and Health, Master Advanced Nursing Practice, The Netherlands.
| | - Lilian C M Vloet
- HAN University of Applied Sciences, School of Health Studies, Knowledge Centre of Sustainable Healthcare, Research Department of Emergency and Critical Care, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, IQ Healthcare, The Netherlands.
| | - Carin P M de Brouwer
- Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of People and Health, Master Advanced Nursing Practice, The Netherlands.
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