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Brito AAOD, Vasconcelos BBD, Santos AMRD, Lima DDO, Madeira MZDA, Sá GGDM, Nolêto JDS, Oliveira RKCD. Factors associated with external causes in elderly attended by the mobile emergency care service. Rev Gaucha Enferm 2024; 45:e20230005. [PMID: 38451621 DOI: 10.1590/1983-1447.2024.20230005.en] [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: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the prevalence and factors associated with external causes in elderly people attended by the mobile emergency care service. METHOD Cross-sectional study with 1,972 pre-hospital care records of elderly victims of external causes from 2019 to 2020. A descriptive and bivariate analysis was performed, with a significance level of 5% (p<0.05). RESULTS The prevalence of external causes in elderly people attended by the mobile emergency service was 12.2%. Falling was the most frequent occurrence. The associations of the occurrence of falls with age from 90 years old (OR=29.31; p<0.001) and female gender (OR=5.38; p<0.001) stood out, as well as the suspicion of ingestion of alcoholic beverages with occurrence of violence (OR=4.17; p<0.001) and traffic accidents (OR=1.97; p<0.001). CONCLUSION The study showed factors associated with injuries due to external causes in theelderly and may support the formulation of coping strategies for this problem.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Débora de Oliveira Lima
- Universidade Federal do Piauí (UFPI). Programa de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem. Teresina, Piauí, Brasil
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Older patients are often vulnerable and highly dependent on healthcare professionals' assessment in the event of acute illness. In the context of ambulance services, this poses challenges as the assessment is normally conducted with a focus on identifying life-threatening conditions. Such assessment is not fully satisfactory in a patient relationship that also aims to promote and protect patient autonomy. AIM To describe ambulance clinicians' understanding of older patients' self-determination when the patient's decision-making ability is impaired. RESEARCH DESIGN A qualitative design with an inductive approach, guided by descriptive phenomenology. PARTICIPANTS In total, 30 ambulance clinicians, comprised of 25 prehospital emergency nurses, 1 nurse and 4 emergency medical technicians participated in 15 dyadic interviews. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS The research was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, and permission was granted by the Swedish Ethical Review Authority. FINDINGS The findings are presented in two themes: (1) Movement between explicit and implicit will; and (2) Contradictions about the patient's best interests. The clinicians' interpretations are based on an understanding of the patient's situation using substitute decision-making in emergency situations and conversations that reveal the patient's explicit wishes. Sometimes the clinicians collaborate to validate the patient's implicit will, while they at other times subordinate themselves to others' opinions. The clinicians find themselves in conflict between personal values and organisational values as they try to protect the patient's self-determination. CONCLUSION The results indicate that older patients with an impaired decision-making ability risk losing the right to self-determination in the context of ambulance services. The clinicians face challenges that significantly affect their ability to handle the older patient's unique needs based on a holistic perspective and their ability to be autonomous.
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Källberg AS, Berg LM, Skogli S, Bjurbo C, Muntlin Å, Ehrenberg A. Prevalence of frailty and associated factors in older adults seeking care at Swedish emergency departments. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:798. [PMID: 38049748 PMCID: PMC10694934 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04545-2] [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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Internationally, prolonged length of stay for older adults in the emergency department (ED) is associated with increased risk of in-hospital adverse events. In Sweden patients 65 years and older account for 35% of emergency visits, and according to consensus from an international expert group, all persons over 70 should be screened for frailty. This is not routinely done in Swedish EDs, and therefore, knowledge about prevalence, characteristics and clinical outcomes associated with frailty is limited. AIM To describe the prevalence of frailty and associated factors in older adults seeking care at Swedish EDs. METHODS The study has a cross-sectional design. Data was collected at three hospital-based EDs, varying in level and size of setting, for one month. Patients age 70 and older presenting at the EDs and agreed to participate were screened for frailty using the FRail Elderly Support researcH group (FRESH) instrument. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics to assess the distribution of patient characteristics and clinical outcomes. Multivariate logistic regression was used to model the association between frailty and demographic characteristics, and Cox regression was used to model the association between frailty and clinical outcomes. RESULTS A total of 3101 patients were eligible for inclusion; of these, 984 (32%) were included and screened for frailty. Of the final sample, 57.3% were assessed as frail. Characteristics significantly associated with frailty were living in a residential care facility, age (> 80 years), being a woman and arriving with emergency medical service (EMS). There was a significant association between frailty and admittance to in-hospital care. CONCLUSION Our study shows a high prevalence of frailty in older people. Factors associated with frailty were living in a residential care facility, age ≥ 80 years, being a woman and arriving with EMS to the ED and being admitted to in-hospital care. Frailty screening should be incorporated in the triage system to identify frail patients who need tailored interventions. More studies using the FRESH instrument are needed to further confirm our findings and to develop the methods for screening for frailty in the ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Sofie Källberg
- School of Health and Welfare, Dalarna University, Falun, SE-791 88, Sweden.
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Falun Hospital and Centre for Clinical Research Dalarna, Nissers väg 3, Falun, SE-791 82, Sweden.
| | - Lena M Berg
- School of Health and Welfare, Dalarna University, Falun, SE-791 88, Sweden
| | - Sara Skogli
- Department of Internal Medicine, Falun Hospital, Falun, SE-791 82, Sweden
| | - Charlotte Bjurbo
- Department of Emergency Care and Internal Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, entrance 40, level 5, Uppsala, SE-751 85, Sweden
| | - Åsa Muntlin
- Department of Emergency Care and Internal Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, entrance 40, level 5, Uppsala, SE-751 85, Sweden
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala University Hospital, entrance 40, level 5, Uppsala, SE-751 85, Sweden
| | - Anna Ehrenberg
- School of Health and Welfare, Dalarna University, Falun, SE-791 88, Sweden
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Rantala A, Sterner A, Frank C, Heinrich E, Holmberg B. Older patients' perceptions of the Swedish ambulance service: A qualitative exploratory study. Australas Emerg Care 2023; 26:249-253. [PMID: 36764911 DOI: 10.1016/j.auec.2023.01.005] [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: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As worldwide life expectancy increases, the Swedish Ambulance Service is likely to be affected by the demographic shift towards a larger proportion of older persons. An older population tends to increase the demand for ambulances, indicating a need to illuminate older patients' perspective. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore older patients' perceptions of the Swedish Ambulance Service. METHODS This interview study employed a descriptive qualitative design with a phenomenographic approach in accordance with Dahlgren and Fallsberg. RESULTS Three main descriptive categories emerged to describe the underlying conceptions in the interviews; A double-edged encounter, Trust is created by perceived competence, and Safety through accessibility in vulnerable situations. CONCLUSION Older patients described trust in ambulance clinicians as a prerequisite for feeling safe enough to share their feelings and allow a bodily examination. However, they also criticized the care provided because they questioned the need for certain actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Rantala
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Department of Ambulance Service, Region Skåne, Helsingborg, Sweden; Centre of Interprofessional Cooperation within Emergency Care (CICE), Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden.
| | - Anders Sterner
- Centre of Interprofessional Cooperation within Emergency Care (CICE), Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden; Faculty of Caring Sciences, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
| | - Catharina Frank
- Centre of Interprofessional Cooperation within Emergency Care (CICE), Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden; Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden
| | - Elsa Heinrich
- Department of Ambulance Service, Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Bodil Holmberg
- Centre of Interprofessional Cooperation within Emergency Care (CICE), Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden; Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden
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Karamercan MA, Dündar DZ, Slagman A, Ergin M, Janssens KAC, Fabbri A, Bjornsen LP, Somodi S, Adam VN, Polyzogopoulou E, Demir HA, Laribi S. Epidemiology of geriatric patients presenting to emergency departments in Europe: EGERS study. Eur J Emerg Med 2023; 30:117-124. [PMID: 36719188 DOI: 10.1097/mej.0000000000000997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE Patients aged 65 and above constitute a large and growing part of emergency department (ED) visits in western countries. OBJECTIVE The primary aim of this European prospective study was to determine the epidemiologic characteristics of elderly patients presenting to EDs across Europe. Our secondary objective was to determine the hospitalization rate, characteristics, and in-hospital mortality rates of geriatric patients presenting to EDs. DESIGN SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS An observational prospective cohort study over seven consecutive days between 19 October and 30 November 2020, in 36 EDs from nine European countries. Patients aged 65 years and older presenting to EDs with any complaint during a period of seven consecutive days were included. OUTCOME MEASURES Data were collected on demographics, the major presenting complaint, the presenting vital signs, comorbidities, usual medication, and outcomes after the ED, including disposition, in-hospital outcome, and the final hospital diagnosis. The patients were stratified into three groups: old (65-74 years), older (75-84 years), and oldest age (>85 years). MAIN RESULTS A total of 5767 patients were included in the study. The median age of the patients was 77 (interquartile range: 71-84) years. The majority presented with a non-traumatic complaint (81%) and about 90% of the patients had at least one comorbid disease and were on chronic medication. An ED visit resulted in subsequent hospital admission in 51% of cases, with 9% of patients admitted to an intensive care unit. Overall in-hospital mortality was 8%, and ED mortality was 1%. Older age was associated with a higher female proportion, comorbidities, need for home care service, history of previous falls, admission rates, length of ED, and hospital stay. CONCLUSION The characteristics of ED elderly patients and their subsequent hospital stay are reported in this prospective study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet A Karamercan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara
| | - Defne Z Dündar
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara
| | - Ana Slagman
- Division of Emergency and Acute Medicine, Campus Virchow Klinikum and Charité Campus Mitte, Charite Universitatmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mehmet Ergin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Yildirim Beyazit University, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Andrea Fabbri
- Dipartimento Emergenza, Azienda USL della Romagna, Forli, Italy
| | - Lars P Bjornsen
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Sándor Somodi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Visnja N Adam
- Department of Anesthesiology, Resuscitation and Intensive Care, Clinical Hospital Sveti Duh, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Effie Polyzogopoulou
- Emergency Medicine Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Hüseyin A Demir
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Sanliurfa Mehmet Akif Inan Education and Research Hospital, Sanliurfa, Turkey
| | - Said Laribi
- Emergency Medicine Department, Tours University Hospital, Tours, France
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Hjalmarsson A, Östlund G, Asp M, Kerstis B, Holmberg M. A matter of participation? A critical incident study of municipal care personnel in situations involving care-dependent older persons and emergency medical services. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2022; 17:2082062. [PMID: 35703409 PMCID: PMC9225717 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2022.2082062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed at describing municipal care personnel’s experiences of and actions in situations when older persons need emergency medical services (EMS) at home. Methods An inductive descriptive design adhering to critical incident technique (CIT) was used. Data were collected through interviews and free text written questionnaires, analysed in accordance with CIT procedure. Results Experiences related to the main areas of Lifesaving competence and Collaborative care. Lifesaving competence involved having sufficient knowledge to guide older persons in emergencies without organizational support. The lack of care alternatives carries dependence on inter-organizational collaboration, as well as having to accept the collaborative conditions provided by the EMS. Actions meant Adjusting to situational needs and EMS authority, which involved safeguarding the person while being directed by the EMS. Conclusions Lack of organizational support, care alternatives, and structured collaboration jeopardize care-dependent older persons’ health, and ability to influence care when emergency situations occur at home. Municipal care personnel’s actions as the older person’s representative support human agency, allowing older persons to become active participants in care despite acute suffering. This study underlines the importance of further developing welfare policies that facilitate and regulate inter-organizational responsibilities of health and social care to favour older people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Hjalmarsson
- School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Eskilstuna Västerås, Sweden
| | - Gunnel Östlund
- School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Eskilstuna Västerås, Sweden
| | - Margareta Asp
- School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Eskilstuna Västerås, Sweden
| | - Birgitta Kerstis
- School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Eskilstuna Västerås, Sweden
| | - Mats Holmberg
- School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Eskilstuna Västerås, Sweden
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linneaus University, Växjö, Sweden
- Centre for Clinical Research Sörmland, Uppsala University, Eskilstuna, Sweden
- Department of Ambulance Services, Region Sörmland, Eskilstuna, Sweden
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Gustafsson LK, Zander V, Bondesson A, Pettersson T, Anbacken EM, Östlund G. Actions taken to safeguard the intended health care chain of older people with multiple diagnoses - a critical incident study. BMC Nurs 2022; 21:260. [PMID: 36131284 PMCID: PMC9490918 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-022-01039-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Older people with multiple diagnoses often have problems coping with their daily lives at home because of lack of coordination between various parts of the healthcare chain during the transit from hospital care to the home. To provide good care to those persons who have the most complex needs, regions and municipalities must work together. It is of importance to develop further empirical knowledge in relation to older persons with multiple diagnoses to illuminate possible obstacles to person-centred care during the transition between healthcare institutions and the persons livelihood. The aim of the present study was to describe nurses’ experienced critical incidents in different parts of the intended healthcare chain of older people with multiple diagnoses. Methods The sample consisted of 18 RNs in different parts of the healthcare system involved in the care of older people with multiple diagnoses. Data were collected by semi structured interviews and analysed according to Critical Incident Technique (CIT). A total of 169 critical incidents were identified describing experiences in recently experienced situations. Results The result showed that organizational restrictions in providing care and limitations in collaboration were the main areas of experienced critical incidents. Actions took place due to the lack of preventive actions for care, difficulties in upholding patients’ legal rights to participation in care, deficiencies in cooperation between organizations as well as ambiguous responsibilities and roles. The RNs experienced critical incidents that required moral actions to ensure continued person-centred nursing and provide evidence-based care. Both types of critical incidents required sole responsibility from the nurse. The RNs acted due to ethics, ‘walking the extra mile’, searching for person-centred information, and finding out own knowledge barriers. Conclusions In conclusion and based on this critical incident study, home-based healthcare of older people with multiple diagnoses requires a nurse that is prepared to take personal and moral responsibility to ensure person-centred home-based healthcare. Furthermore, the development of in-between adjustments of organizations to secure cooperation, and transference of person-centred knowledge is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena-Karin Gustafsson
- Division of Caring Science, School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalens University, Box 325, 63105, Eskilstuna, Sweden.
| | - Viktoria Zander
- Division of Physiotherapy, School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Division of Physiotherapy, Mälardalens University, Västerås, Sweden
| | - Anna Bondesson
- Division of Caring Science, School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalens University, Box 325, 63105, Eskilstuna, Sweden
| | - Tina Pettersson
- Division of Caring Science, School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalens University, Box 325, 63105, Eskilstuna, Sweden
| | - El-Marie Anbacken
- Division of Social work, School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalens University, Eskilstuna, Sweden
| | - Gunnel Östlund
- Division of Social work, School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalens University, Eskilstuna, Sweden
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Torlén Wennlund K, Kurland L, Olanders K, Khoshegir A, Kamil HA, Castrén M, Bohm K. Emergency medical dispatchers' experiences of managing emergency calls: a qualitative interview study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e059803. [PMID: 35418440 PMCID: PMC9014079 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the emergency medical dispatchers (EMDs) experiences of managing emergency medical calls. DESIGN A qualitative interview study with an inductive approach. EMDs were interviewed individually using a semistructured interview guide. The verbatim transcripts were analysed using a qualitative content analysis. SETTING EMDs, without a professional background as registered nurses, were recruited from emergency medical communication centers (EMCCs) within Sweden. PARTICIPANTS To achieve a varied description of EMDs' experiences, participants were included from several EMCCs nationally, using a convenience sampling. Interviews were performed up until saturation of data, resulting in 13 EMDs from 7 EMCCs being interviewed. All the EMDs were women, ranging in age from 28 to 61 years (mean 42 years), and had worked in emergency medical dispatching between 1 and 13.5 years (mean 6.5 years). RESULTS The analysis revealed the main category-to attentively manage a multifaceted, interactive task-made up of three categories: utilize creativity to gather information, continuously process and assess complex information, and engage in the professional role. The content of each category was reflected in several subcategories further described and illustrated with representative quotes. CONCLUSIONS Managing emergency medical calls was experienced by EMDs to attentively manage a multifaceted interactive task. Core parts were described as: the ability to utilize creativity to gather information, continuously process and asses complex information, and engage in the professional role. Our results could be beneficial for emergency care managers when designing training programmes and organising EMD work and the EMD work environment, including further development of dispatch protocols and implementation of regular feedback sessions. Moreover, the results indicate that aspects such as self-awareness and emotional challenges encountered during EMD work could be important matters to discuss during staff evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klara Torlén Wennlund
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lisa Kurland
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Knut Olanders
- Department of Intensive and Perioperative Care, Skåne University Hospital Lund, Lund, Sweden
| | - Amanda Khoshegir
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hussein Al Kamil
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maaret Castrén
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Katarina Bohm
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Emergency Department, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
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Moafa HN, van Kuijk SM, Moukhyer ME, Alqahtani DM, Haak HR. Variation in on-scene time of emergency medical services and the extent of the difference of on-scene time between genders: a retrospective population-based registry study in Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e052481. [PMID: 35296475 PMCID: PMC8928325 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-052481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify the intergender variation of on-scene time (OST) for highly urgent emergency cases conveyed by emergency medical services (EMS) in Saudi Arabia and to assess other predictors of OST and hypothesise for possible factors delaying OST. DESIGN A retrospective population-based registry study. SETTING Riyadh Province is the largest province in terms of population and the second in terms of geographical area. PARTICIPANTS All highly urgent transported patients from the scene to emergency departments, be they medical emergencies or trauma emergencies during 2018. OUTCOME MEASURE OST difference between men and women transported by EMS. RESULTS In total, 21 878 patients were included for analysis: 33.9% women and 66.1% men. The median OST for women was 22 min (IQR 15-30) and 18 min (IQR 11-26) for men (p<0.001); for medical cases, median OST was 23 min (IQR 16-31) for women compared with 20 min (IQR 13 - 29) for men (p<0.001); for trauma cases, the median OST of both sexes was equal. We found the following additional predictors of OST: factors of emergency type, sex, age category, geographical areas, type of ambulance vehicle and hospital type were all significantly associated with OST in the crude or adjusted analyses. Factors of emergency type, sex, age category, geographical areas, type of ambulance vehicle and hospital type were also significantly associated with the odds of OST of more than 15 min in the crude and adjusted regression analyses. CONCLUSIONS The median OST was longer than 15 min for more than half of transported cases. For medical cases, women had a longer median OST than men. Additional predictors associated with prolonged OST were the patient's age, area (ie, urban vs rural), type of ambulance vehicle and season. These findings are hypothesis generating and require further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan N Moafa
- Health Services Management, Jazan University Faculty of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
- Health Services Research, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Technology Assessment, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Sander Mj van Kuijk
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Technology Assessment, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Mohammed E Moukhyer
- Emergency Medical Services, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
- Public Health Programmes, School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Dhafer M Alqahtani
- Saudi Red Crescent Authority, Department of Innovation and Development, Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Harm R Haak
- Health Services Research, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maxima Medical Centre, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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Peran D, Uhlir M, Pekara J, Kolouch P, Loucka M. Approaching the End of Their Lives Under Blue Lights and Sirens - Scoping Review. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 62:1308-1318. [PMID: 33989706 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Emergency medical services (EMS) are frequently responding to calls involving patients in advanced stages of incurable diseases. Despite the competencies and potential of EMS in supporting patients and their families facing symptoms of advanced progressive illnesses, the role of EMS in providing palliative care remains unclear. OBJECTIVE The following research question was formulated: What is the role of ambulance EMS, EMS dispatch centres, paramedics and emergency medical physicians in the provision of palliative care to terminally ill patients? METHODS Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, online bibliographic databases CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE Complete (EBSCO), PubMed and MEDLINE (Ovid) were searched from the initial year of database to September 2019. No language restrictions were applied. RESULTS 31 articles were included in the qualitative synthesis and 3 main roles and one contextual factor were identified: (1) Providing complex care; (2) Adjusting patient's trajectory; (3) Being able to make decisions in a time and information limited environment; (4) Health care professionals are insufficiently supported in palliative care. CONCLUSION There are limited data on the incidence of EMS calls to the patients at the end-of-life and no data focusing on the EMS dispatch centres. Both paramedics and emergency physicians are aware of their role in the end-of-life care. EMS personnel are lacking special training and education in the palliative care. Cooperation between palliative care providers, the EMS providers and other out-of-hours services might improve the responsiveness of the health care system to needs and expectations of patients and their families, and possibly improve the overall health care system efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Peran
- Prague Emergency Medical Services, Prague, Czech Republic; Divisions of Public Health, 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic; Medical College, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Marek Uhlir
- Prague Emergency Medical Services, Prague, Czech Republic; Centre for Palliative Care, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Pekara
- Prague Emergency Medical Services, Prague, Czech Republic; Medical College, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Kolouch
- Prague Emergency Medical Services, Prague, Czech Republic
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Svensson A, Bremer A, Rantala A, Andersson H, Devenish S, Williams J, Holmberg M. Ambulance clinicians' attitudes to older patients' self-determination when the patient has impaired decision-making ability: A Delphi study. Int J Older People Nurs 2021; 17:e12423. [PMID: 34510764 DOI: 10.1111/opn.12423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The proportion of older people is increasing and reflects in the demand on ambulance services (AS). Patients can be more vulnerable and increasingly dependent, especially when their decision-making ability is impaired. Self-determination in older people has a positive relation to quality of life and can raise ethical conflicts in AS. Hence, the aim of this study was to empirically explore attitudes among Swedish ambulance clinicians (ACs) regarding older patients' self-determination in cases where patients have impaired decision-making ability, and who are in urgent need of care. MATERIALS AND METHODS An explorative design was adopted. A Delphi technique was used, comprising four rounds, involving a group (N = 31) of prehospital emergency nurses (n = 14), registered nurses (n = 10) and emergency medical technicians (n = 7). Focus group conversations (Round 1) and questionnaires (Rounds 2-4) generated data. Round 1 was analysed using manifest content analysis, which ultimately resulted in the creation of discrete items. Each item was rated with a five-point Likert scale together with free-text answers. Consensus (≥70%) was calculated by trichotomising the Likert scale. RESULTS Round 1 identified 108 items which were divided into four categories: (1) attitudes regarding the patient (n = 35), (2) attitudes regarding the patient relationship (n = 8), (3) attitudes regarding oneself and one's colleagues (n = 45), and (4) attitudes regarding other involved factors (n = 20). In Rounds 2-4, one item was identified in the free text from Round 2, generating a total of 109 items. After four rounds, 72 items (62%) reached consensus. CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight the complexity of ACs' attitudes towards older patients' self-determination. The respect of older patients' self-determination is challenged by the patient, other healthcare personnel, significant others and/or colleagues. The study provided a unique opportunity to explore self-determination and shared decision-making. AS have to provide continued ethical training, for example to increase the use of simulation-based training or moral case deliberations in order to strengthen the ACs' moral abilities within their professional practice. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Ambulance services must develop opportunities to provide continued training within this topic. One option would be to increase the use of simulation-based training, focusing on ethical aspects of the care. Another option might be to facilitate moral case deliberations to strengthen the ACs' abilities to manage these issues while being able to share experiences with peers. These types of interventions should illuminate the importance of the topic for the individual AC, which, in turn, may strengthen and develop the caring abilities within an integrated care team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Svensson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden.,Centre of Interprofessional Collaboration within Emergency care (CICE), Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden.,Department of Ambulance Service, Växjö, Sweden
| | - Anders Bremer
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden.,Centre of Interprofessional Collaboration within Emergency care (CICE), Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden.,Department of Ambulance Service, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Andreas Rantala
- Centre of Interprofessional Collaboration within Emergency care (CICE), Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden.,Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Emergency Department, Helsingborg General Hospital, Helsingborg, Sweden
| | - Henrik Andersson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden.,Centre of Interprofessional Collaboration within Emergency care (CICE), Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden.,Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
| | - Scott Devenish
- Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Julia Williams
- Paramedic Clinical Research Unit (ParaCRU), University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Mats Holmberg
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden.,Centre of Interprofessional Collaboration within Emergency care (CICE), Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden.,Centre for Clinical Research Sörmland, Uppsala University, Eskilstuna, Sweden.,Department of Ambulance Service, Region Sörmland, Katrineholm, Sweden
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12
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Moafa HN, van Kuijk SMJ, Moukhyer ME, Alqahtani DM, Haak HR. Non-Conveyance Due to Patient-Initiated Refusal in Emergency Medical Services: A Retrospective Population-Based Registry Analysis Study in Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18179252. [PMID: 34501841 PMCID: PMC8431479 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This research study aimed to investigate the association between demographic and operational factors and emergency medical services (EMS) missions ending in non-conveyance (NC) due to patient-initiated refusal (PIR). We conducted a retrospective population-based registry study by analyzing 67,620 EMS missions dispatched to the scene during 2018 in the Riyadh province. First, the number and percentages of conveyances statuses were calculated. Then, using crude and adjusted linear and logistic regression analysis, we determined which characteristics were predictors of NC due to PIR. We found that 23,991 (34.4%) of missions ended in NC due to PIR, and 5969 ended in EMS-initiated refusal (8.6%). NC rates due to PIR were higher for women, adults, for missions in Riyadh city, during nighttime, for medical emergencies, and for advanced life support (ALS) crews. We also found the following additional predictors significantly associated with the odds of NC due to PIR in crude regression analyses: age category, geographical location, EMS-shift, time of call, emergency type, and response time. We conclude that the NC rate represents half of all missions for patients requesting EMS, and the rate in Riyadh city has increased compared to previous studies. Most NC cases occur for the highest urgency level of medical emergency type in Riyadh city during the nighttime with ALS crews. NC due to PIR involves younger patients more than elderly, and females more than males. This study’s findings have provided empirical evidence that indicate that conducting further studies involving EMS providers, patients, and the public to identify precise and detailed reasons is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan N. Moafa
- Department of Health Services Management, Faculty of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan 82817 2820, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Health Services Research, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, 6229 GT Maastricht, The Netherlands;
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Technology Assessment, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands;
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +31-615-373-733
| | - Sander M. J. van Kuijk
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Technology Assessment, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands;
| | - Mohammed E. Moukhyer
- Department of Academic Development and Quality, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan 82511, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Dhafer M. Alqahtani
- Department of Electronic Transaction Management, Saudi Red Crescent Authority, Ministry of Health, Riyadh 13251-8261, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Harm R. Haak
- Department of Health Services Research, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, 6229 GT Maastricht, The Netherlands;
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maxima Medisch Centre, 5631 BM Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
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13
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Forsgärde ES, Svensson A, Rööst M, Fridlund B, Elmqvist C. The dialogue as decision support; lived experiences of extended collaboration when an ambulance is called. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2021; 16:1970095. [PMID: 34427535 PMCID: PMC8386744 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2021.1970095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to describe extended collaboration in situations when an ambulance was called, as experienced by older patients, a significant other, and ambulance- and primary healthcare (PHC) centre personnel. Methods The study used a phenomenological reflective lifeworld research (RLR) approach. Participants included in three specific situations with extended collaboration were interviewed: three older patients, one significant other, three ambulance personnel and four personnel at the PHC centre. The transcribed interviews were analysed for meanings of the phenomenon. Results The extended collaboration means that decisions were supported through dialogue by bridging knowledge spaces between person, within-team and across-team levels. Through dialogue experience and knowledge were shared and certainty in decisions was increased. The extended collaboration was built on trust, responsibility taken, shared and entrusted, and the common goal of adapted care for the unique patient. A need for further improvement and transparency was elucidated. Conclusions The difficulty of making care decisions stresses the importance of available extended collaboration based on the dialogue between patients, significant others, and ambulance- and PHC centre personnel to increase certainty in decisions. Collaboration further requires respectful encounters, trust, responsibility and a common goal of adapting the care for the unique patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elin-Sofie Forsgärde
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden.,Centre of Interprofessional Collaboration within Emergency Care CICE, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden
| | - Anders Svensson
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden.,Centre of Interprofessional Collaboration within Emergency Care CICE, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden.,Ambulance Service, Region Kronoberg, Växjö, Sweden
| | - Mattias Rööst
- Department for Research and Development, Region Kronoberg, Växjö, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Family Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Bengt Fridlund
- Centre of Interprofessional Collaboration within Emergency Care CICE, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden
| | - Carina Elmqvist
- Centre of Interprofessional Collaboration within Emergency Care CICE, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden.,Department for Research and Development, Region Kronoberg, Växjö, Sweden
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