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Seid FY, Gete BC, Endeshaw AS. Challenges of pre-hospital emergency care at Addis Ababa Fire and Disaster Risk Management Commission, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:803. [PMID: 38992683 PMCID: PMC11241940 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11292-6] [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: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A challenge to pre-hospital emergency care is any barrier or obstacle that impedes quality pre-hospital care or impacts community pre-hospital utilization. The Addis Ababa Fire and Disaster Risk Management Commission (AAFDRMC) provides pre-hospital emergency services in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. These services operate under a government-funded organization that delivers free emergency services, including out-of-hospital medical care and transportation to the most appropriate health facility. This study aimed to assess the challenges of pre-hospital emergency care at the Addis Ababa Fire and Disaster Risk Management Commission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHODS A qualitative descriptive study was conducted from November 20 to December 4, 2022. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 21 experienced individuals in the field of pre-hospital emergency care, who were selected using purposeful sampling. A thematic analysis method was used to analyze the data. RESULTS This study includes twenty-one participants working at the Addis Ababa Fire and Disaster Risk Management Commission. Three major themes emerged. The themes that arose were the participants' perspectives on the challenges of pre-hospital emergency care in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION The Fire and Disaster Risk Management Commission faces numerous challenges in providing quality pre-hospital emergency care in Addis Ababa. Respondents stated that infrastructure, communication, and resources were the main causes of pre-hospital emergency care challenges. There has to be more focus on emergency management in light of infrastructure reform, planning, staff training, and education, recruiting additional professional power, improving communication, and making pre-hospital emergency care an independent organization in the city.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feleku Yimer Seid
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care, St. Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Birhanu Chekol Gete
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care, St. Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Amanuel Sisay Endeshaw
- Department of Anesthesia, College of Medicine and Health Science, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.
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Koniaris D, Suciu C, Nica S. Flight to Recovery: Impact of a Rooftop Helipad Air Ambulance Service at the Emergency University Hospital of Bucharest-A Caseload Analysis of the First 3 Years After Its Implementation. Air Med J 2024; 43:321-327. [PMID: 38897695 DOI: 10.1016/j.amj.2024.03.002] [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: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This observational study provides an overview of the implementation and impact of the helipad at the Bucharest Emergency University Hospital, Romania. The helipad, established in April 2019, is the only rooftop medical helipad in Bucharest authorized for day and night flights. Its influence extends beyond the local region, enabling the hospital to receive patients from various cities across Romania. The helipad has particularly strengthened the hospital's capabilities in cardiology, neurovascular emergencies, and neonatal care. Patients with acute myocardial infarctions or strokes can now be swiftly transported to the hospital for immediate intervention, whereas critically ill newborns can receive specialized care at the earliest stages of their lives. The objective of this article was to present a comprehensive timeline of the helipad's implementation and to demonstrate its transformative role in improving patient transportation, enhancing medical interventions, and elevating the overall efficiency of the health care facility. METHODS The study is a retrospective regional caseload analysis based on data gathered from the Emergency Department of the University Emergency Hospital of Bucharest database. We included all 215 air transfer missions registered between December 2019 and December 2022, exactly 3 years apart from the beginning of the program. RESULTS The findings provide valuable insights into patient demographics, case distribution, and trends, highlighting the importance of specialized medical interventions at the University Emergency Hospital of Bucharest. In particular, the mean age of patients treated at the hospital was 55.9 years, with a higher representation of males (156) than females (59). The average duration of hospitalization was 10.68 days. The study also examined transportation statistics, showing a decrease in the average number of transports per month over the years. Cardiologic cases accounted for the highest frequency (62.8%) among the analyzed categories followed by neurosurgery (8.8%) and neurologic cases (8.4%). CONCLUSION The analysis provides important insights into patient demographics, case distribution, and trends. The findings highlight the significance of specialized medical interventions, particularly in cardiology and neurosurgery, which accounted for the majority of the cases. The implementation of the helipad has greatly improved patient transportation and facilitated timely medical assistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Constantin Suciu
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, Bucharest, Romania; Department of Emergency Medicine, Emergency University Hospital of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Silvia Nica
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, Bucharest, Romania; Department of Emergency Medicine, Emergency University Hospital of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
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Bekkevold M, Solvik-Olsen T, Heyerdahl F, Lang AM, Hagemo J, Rehn M. Reporting interhospital neonatal intensive care transport: international five-step Delphi-based template. BMJ Paediatr Open 2024; 8:e002374. [PMID: 38569741 PMCID: PMC10989109 DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2023-002374] [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: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop a general and internationally applicable template of data variables for reporting interhospital neonatal intensive care transports. DESIGN A five-step Delphi method. SETTING A group of experts was guided through a formal consensus process using email. SUBJECTS 12 experts in neonatal intensive care transports from Canada, Denmark, Norway, the UK and the USA. Four women and eight men. The experts were neonatologists, anaesthesiologists, intensive care nurse, anaesthetic nurse, medical leaders, researchers and a parent representative. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES 37 data variables were included in the final template. RESULTS Consensus was achieved on a template of 37 data variables with definitions. 30 variables to be registered for each transport and 7 for annual registration of the system of the transport service. 11 data variables under the category structure, 20 under process and 6 under outcome. CONCLUSIONS We developed a template with a set of data variables to be registered for neonatal intensive care transports. To register the same data will enable larger datasets and comparing services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marit Bekkevold
- Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tone Solvik-Olsen
- Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Fridtjof Heyerdahl
- Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Air Ambulance, Division of Prehospital Services, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Astri Maria Lang
- Department of Paediatric, Akershus University Hospital, Lorenskog, Norway
| | - Jostein Hagemo
- Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Air Ambulance, Division of Prehospital Services, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marius Rehn
- Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Air Ambulance, Division of Prehospital Services, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Schröder H, Beckers SK, Borgs C, Sommer A, Rossaint R, Grüßer L, Felzen M. Long-term effects of a prehospital telemedicine system on structural and process quality indicators of an emergency medical service. Sci Rep 2024; 14:310. [PMID: 38172217 PMCID: PMC10764932 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50924-5] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The benefits of a telemedical support system for prehospital emergency medical services include high-level emergency medical support at the push of a button: delegation of drug administration, diagnostic assistance, initiation of therapeutic measures, or choice of hospital destination. At various European EMS sites telemedical routine systems are shortly before implementation. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term effects of implementing a tele-EMS system on the structural and procedural quality indicators and therefore performance of an entire EMS system. This retrospective study included all EMS missions in Aachen city between 2015 and 2021. Regarding structural indicators of the EMS system, we investigated the overall number of emergency missions with tele-EMS and onsite EMS physicians. Furthermore, we analyzed the distribution of tracer diagnosis and process quality with respect to the time spans on the scene, time until teleconsultation, duration of teleconsultation, prehospital engagement time, and number of simultaneous teleconsultations. During the 7-year study period, 229,384 EMS missions were completed. From 2015 to 2021, the total number of EMS missions increased by 8.5%. A tele-EMS physician was consulted on 23,172 (10.1%) missions. The proportion of telemedicine missions increased from 8.6% in 2015 to 12.9% in 2021. Teleconsultations for missions with tracer diagnoses decreased during from 43.7% to 30.7%, and the proportion of non-tracer diagnoses increased from 56.3% to 69.3%. The call duration for teleconsultation decreased from 12.07 min in 2015 to 9.42 min in 2021. For every fourth mission, one or more simultaneous teleconsultations were conducted by the tele-EMS physician on duty. The implementation and routine use of a tele-EMS system increased the availability of onsite EMS physicians and enabled immediate onsite support for paramedics. Parallel teleconsultations, reduction in call duration, and increase in ambulatory onsite treatments over the years demonstrate the increasing experience of paramedics and tele-EMS physicians with the system in place. A prehospital tele-EMS system is important for mitigating the current challenges in the prehospital emergency care sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Schröder
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical Faculty RWTH Aachen University, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
- Aachen Institute for Rescue Management and Public Safety, City of Aachen and University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Stefan K Beckers
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical Faculty RWTH Aachen University, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Aachen Institute for Rescue Management and Public Safety, City of Aachen and University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Medical Direction of Aachen Fire Department, Stolberger Strasse 155, 52068, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christina Borgs
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical Faculty RWTH Aachen University, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Aachen Institute for Rescue Management and Public Safety, City of Aachen and University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Anja Sommer
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical Faculty RWTH Aachen University, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Aachen Institute for Rescue Management and Public Safety, City of Aachen and University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Rolf Rossaint
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical Faculty RWTH Aachen University, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Linda Grüßer
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical Faculty RWTH Aachen University, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Marc Felzen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical Faculty RWTH Aachen University, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Aachen Institute for Rescue Management and Public Safety, City of Aachen and University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Medical Direction of Aachen Fire Department, Stolberger Strasse 155, 52068, Aachen, Germany
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Scott J, Thomas L, Joy T, McCrossan P. How can quality be measured within a physician-led Community Emergency Medical service? A scoping review protocol. Syst Rev 2024; 13:3. [PMID: 38167079 PMCID: PMC10759743 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-023-02424-w] [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: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quality measurement as part of quality improvement in healthcare is integral for service delivery and development. This is particularly pertinent for health services that deliver care in ways that differ from traditional practice. Community Emergency Medicine (CEM) is a novel and evolving concept of care delivered by services in parts of the UK and Ireland. This scoping review aims to provide a broad overview of how quality may be measured within services delivering CEM. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The methodology follows both the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). It is guided by recognised work of Arksey and O'Malley and the guidelines developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Several databases will be searched: MEDLINE, EMbase, EMcare, CINAHL, Scopus, the Cochrane Library and grey literature. Search terms have been developed by representatives within Community Emergency Medicine services. Two reviewers will independently screen eligible studies for final study selection. Results will be collected and analysed in descriptive and tabular form to illustrate the breadth of quality indicators that may be applicable to CEM services. This scoping review protocol has been registered with the Open Science Framework platform (osf.io/e7qxg). DISCUSSION This is the first stage of a larger research study aimed at developing national quality indicators for CEM. The purpose of this scoping review is to provide a comprehensive review of quality indicators that could be used within CEM. The results will be mapped using a framework and identify gaps in the literature to help guide future-focused research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Scott
- Physician Response Unit, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK.
| | - Libby Thomas
- Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, England
| | - Tony Joy
- Physician Response Unit, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
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Ulvin OE, Skjærseth EÅ, Krüger AJ, Thorsen K, Nordseth T, Haugland H. Can video communication in the emergency medical communication centre improve dispatch precision? A before-after study in Norwegian helicopter emergency medical services. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e077395. [PMID: 37899141 PMCID: PMC10618992 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-077395] [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: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Dispatching helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) to the patients with the greatest medical or logistical benefit remains challenging. The introduction of video calls (VC) in the emergency medical communication centres (EMCC) could provide additional information for EMCC operators and HEMS physicians when assessing the need for HEMS dispatch. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact from VC in the EMCC on HEMS dispatch precision. DESIGN An observational before-after study. SETTING The regional EMCC and one HEMS base in Mid-Norway. PARTICIPANTS EMCC operators and HEMS physicians at the EMCC and HEMS base in Trondheim, Norway. INTERVENTION In January 2022, VC became available in emergency calls in Trondheim EMCC. Data were collected from 2020 2021 (pre-intervention) and 2022 (post-intervention). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was the proportion of seriously ill or injured HEMS patients, defined as a National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) score between 4 and 7. The secondary outcome was the proportion of inappropriate dispatches, defined as missions with neither provision of additional competence nor any logistical contribution based on quality indicators for physician-staffed emergency medical services. RESULTS 811 and 402 HEMS missions with patient contact were included in the pre- and post-intervention group, respectively. The proportion of missions with NACA 4-7 was not significantly changed after the intervention (OR 1.21, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.61, p=0.17). There was no significant change in HEMS alarm times between the pre- and post-intervention groups (7.6 min vs 6.4 min, p=0.15). The proportion of missions with neither medical nor logistical benefit was significantly lower in the post-intervention group (28.4% vs 40.3%, p=0.007). CONCLUSION The results from this study indicate that VC is a promising, feasible and safe tool for EMCC operators in the complex HEMS dispatch process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ole Erik Ulvin
- Department of Research and Development, Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Pre-hospital Services, St Olav's University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Olav's University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Eivinn Årdal Skjærseth
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Pre-hospital Services, St Olav's University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Andreas J Krüger
- Department of Research and Development, Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Pre-hospital Services, St Olav's University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Kjetil Thorsen
- Department of Research and Development, Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trond Nordseth
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Olav's University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Research and Development, Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Helge Haugland
- Department of Research and Development, Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Pre-hospital Services, St Olav's University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
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Greene A, Dion PM, Nolan B, Trachter R, Vu E, Trojanowski J. Overcoming distance: an exploration of current practices of government and charity-funded critical care transport and retrieval organizations. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2023; 31:52. [PMID: 37789319 PMCID: PMC10548638 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-023-01125-6] [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: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For critically ill and injured patients, timely access to definitive care is associated with a reduction in avoidable mortality. Access to definitive care is significantly affected by geographic remoteness. To overcome this disparity, a robust critical care transport (CCT) or retrieval system is essential to support the equity of care and overcome the tyranny of distance. While critical care transport or retrieval systems have evolved over the years, there is no universally accepted system or standard, which has led to considerable variation in practices. The objective of this mixed-methods study was to identify and explore the current clinical, operational, and educational practices of government and charity-funded critical care transport and retrieval organizations operating across access- and weather- challenged geography. METHODS This study utilized a mixed-methods approach comprising a rapid review of the literature and semi-structured interviews with identified subject matter experts (SME). RESULTS A total of 44 articles and 14 interviews with SMEs from six different countries, 12 different services/systems, and seven operational roles, including clinicians (physician, paramedic, and nurse), educator, quality improvement, clinical governance, clinical informatics and research, operations manager, and medical director were included in the narrative analysis. The study identified several themes including deployment, crew composition, selection and education, clinical governance, quality assurance and quality improvement and research. CONCLUSION This mixed-methods study underscores the paucity of literature describing current clinical, operational, and educational practices of government or charity-funded CCT or retrieval programs operating across access- and weather- challenged geography. While many common themes were identified including clearly defined mission profiles, use of dedicated or specialized transport teams, central coordination, rigorous selection processes, service-sponsored graduate education, and strong clinical governance, there is little consensus and considerable variation in current practices. Further research is needed to identify and harmonize best practices within the CCT and retrieval environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Greene
- British Columbia Emergency Health Services, Provincial Health Services Authority, Victoria, BC, Canada.
- School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK.
| | - Pierre-Marc Dion
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Brodie Nolan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rob Trachter
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, Nanaimo, BC, Canada
| | - Erik Vu
- British Columbia Emergency Health Services, Provincial Health Services Authority, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vancouver General Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vancouver General Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jan Trojanowski
- British Columbia Emergency Health Services, Provincial Health Services Authority, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Kelowna General Hospital, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
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Khattak FA, Saba M, Hakim M, Khan A, Aleem S, Afaq S, Ullah A, Rahim A, Haq ZU. Patient Satisfaction and Utilization of Ambulance Services in Prehospital Services at a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Air Med J 2023; 42:239-245. [PMID: 37356883 DOI: 10.1016/j.amj.2023.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients reporting to emergency departments frequently use different ambulance services; therefore, the measurement of patient satisfaction is relevant to encouraging those services to meet patient expectations. The aim of this study was to determine the patients' satisfaction and utilization of different ambulance services at a tertiary health care hospital in Peshawar relating to prehospital services. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted at Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, from July 2019 to January 2020 using a consecutive sampling technique with a total sample size of 378. The patients reporting to the emergency department using any ambulance service were included in this study. Different types of ambulance services were used as an outcome variable. Proportions were compared for the categoric variables using the chi-square test, whereas the 1-way analysis of variance test was used to determine the mean response time and age. Results were considered significant at a P value ≤ .050. All analyses were completed using SPSS version 20 (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY). RESULTS Of the total 378 study participants, approximately 166 (43.9%) used Rescue 1122 services, 99 (26.2%) used private ambulance services, and 44 (11.6%) used public ambulance services. Road traffic accidents were the most common complaint by 98 (25.9%, P < .003) participants. The mean response time for Rescue 1122 was 13.2 ± 18 minutes followed by the Chippa Foundation (private) at 17.8 ± 20 minutes (P < .005). Males (n = 254) were the predominant users of all services. Participants from the urban region (n = 112) used Rescue 1122, whereas the public ambulance service was used only by 31 patients (P < .005). Among all the ambulance services, 19 (61.3%) participants were not satisfied with the Chippa service regarding vehicle cleanliness, whereas participants were highly satisfied with Rescue 1122. CONCLUSION Overall, the patients were more satisfied with the services provided by the Rescue 1122 ambulances compared with all other ambulance services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhad Ali Khattak
- Research Cell, Khyber College of Dentistry, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Mehwish Saba
- Health Department, Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Hakim
- Institute of Public Health & Social Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Asad Khan
- College of Medical Technology, Bacha Khan Medical College, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Saima Aleem
- Institute of Public Health & Social Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Saima Afaq
- Institute of Public Health & Social Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Abid Ullah
- Sarhad University of Science and Technology, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Abid Rahim
- Sardar Begum Dental College & Hospital, Gandhara University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Zia Ul Haq
- Institute of Public Health & Social Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
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Williams G, Pirret A, Credland N, Odell M, Raftery C, Smith D, Winterbottom F, Massey D. A practical approach to establishing a critical care outreach service: An expert panel research design. Aust Crit Care 2023; 36:151-158. [PMID: 35341667 DOI: 10.1016/j.aucc.2022.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For over two decades, nurse-led critical care outreach services have improved the recognition, response, and management of deteriorating patients in general hospital wards, yet variation in terms, design, implementation, and evaluation of such services continue. For those establishing a critical care outreach service, these factors make the literature difficult to interpret and translate to the real-world setting. AIM The aim of this study was to provide a practical approach to establishing a critical care outreach service in the hospital setting. METHOD An international expert panel of clinicians, managers, and academics with experience in implementing, developing, operationalising, educating, and evaluating critical care outreach services collaborated to synthesise evidence, experience, and clinical judgment to develop a practical approach for those establishing a critical care outreach service. A rapid review of the literature identified publications relevant to the study. A modified Delphi technique was used to achieve expert panel consensus particularly in areas where insufficient published literature or ambiguities existed. FINDINGS There were 502 publications sourced from the rapid review, of which 104 were relevant and reviewed. Using the modified Delphi technique, the expert panel identified five key components needed to establish a critical care outreach service: (i) approaches to service delivery, (ii) education and training, (iii) organisational engagement, (iv) clinical governance, and (v) monitoring and evaluation. CONCLUSION An expert panel research design successfully synthesised evidence, experience, and clinical judgement to provide a practical approach for those establishing a critical care outreach service. This method of research will likely be valuable in other areas of practice where terms are used interchangeably, and the literature is diverse and lacking a single approach to practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ged Williams
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, Griffith University, Australia; South Metropolitan Health Service, Perth, Australia.
| | - Alison Pirret
- Critical Care Complex, Middlemore Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand; Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Nicki Credland
- Reader in Critical Care Education, University of Hull, United Kingdom; Chair British Association of Critical Care Nurses (BACCN), United Kingdom
| | - Mandy Odell
- Critical Care, Royal Berkshire Hospital, NHS FT, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Raftery
- School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Australia; Gold Coast Health, Queensland, Australia
| | - Duncan Smith
- City, University of London, Northampton Square, London, UK; Honorary Charge Nurse - Patient Emergency Response & Resuscitation Team, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Debbie Massey
- Southern Cross University, Australia; Intensive Care Unit John Flynn Hospital, Tugun, Australia
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Heino A, Björkman J, Tommila M, Iirola T, Jäntti H, Nurmi J. Accuracy of prehospital clinicians' perceived prognostication of long-term survival in critically ill patients: a nationwide retrospective cohort study on helicopter emergency service patients. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e059766. [PMID: 35580968 PMCID: PMC9115026 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Prehospital critical care physicians regularly attend to patients with poor prognosis and may limit the advanced therapies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of poor prognosis given by prehospital critical care clinicians. DESIGN Cohort study. SETTING We performed a retrospective cohort study using the national helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) quality database. PARTICIPANTS Patients classified by the HEMS clinician to have survived until hospital admission solely because of prehospital interventions but evaluated as having no long-term survival by prehospital clinician, were included. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME The survival of the study patients was examined at 30 days, 1 year and 3 years. RESULTS Of 36 715 patients encountered by the HEMS during the study period, 2053 patients were classified as having no long-term survival and included. At 30 days, 713 (35%, 95% CI 33% to 37%) were still alive and 69 were lost to follow-up. Furthermore, at 1 year 524 (26%) and at 3 years 267 (13%) of the patients were still alive. The deceased patients received more often prehospital rapid sequence intubation and vasoactives, compared with patients alive at 30 days. Patients deceased at 30 days were older and had lower initial Glasgow Coma Scores. Otherwise, no clinically relevant difference was found in the prehospital vital parameters between the survivors and non-survivors. CONCLUSIONS The prognostication of long-term survival for critically ill patients by a prehospital critical care clinician seems to fulfil only moderately. A prognosis based on clinical judgement must be handled with a great degree of caution and decision on limitation of advanced care should be made cautiously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anssi Heino
- Department of Perioperative Services, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Management, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Johannes Björkman
- Research and Development Unit, FinnHEMS Ltd, Vantaa, Finland
- University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Miretta Tommila
- Department of Perioperative Services, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Management, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Timo Iirola
- Emergency Medical Services, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Helena Jäntti
- Center for Prehospital Emergency Care, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jouni Nurmi
- Research and Development Unit, FinnHEMS Ltd, Vantaa, Finland
- Emergency Medicine Services, Helsinki University Hospital, and Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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11
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Heino A, Raatiniemi L, Iirola T, Meriläinen M, Liisanantti J, Tommila M. The development of emergency medical services benefit score: a European Delphi study. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2021; 29:151. [PMID: 34656149 PMCID: PMC8520267 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-021-00966-3] [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: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The helicopter emergency services (HEMS) Benefit Score (HBS) is a nine-level scoring system developed to evaluate the benefits of HEMS missions. The HBS has been in clinical use for two decades in its original form. Advances in prehospital care, however, have produced demand for a revision of the HBS. Therefore, we developed the emergency medical services (EMS) Benefit Score (EBS) based on the former HBS. As reflected by its name, the aim of the EBS is to measure the benefits produced by the whole EMS systems to patients. Methods This is a four-round, web-based, international Delphi consensus study with a consensus definition made by experts from seven countries. Participants reviewed items of the revised HBS on a 5-point Likert scale. A content validity index (CVI) was calculated, and agreement was defined as a 70% CVI. Study included experts from seven European countries. Of these, 18 were prehospital expert panellists and 11 were in-hospital commentary board members. Results The first Delphi round resulted in 1248 intervention examples divided into ten diagnostic categories. After removing overlapping examples, 413 interventions were included in the second Delphi round, which resulted in 38 examples divided into HBS categories 3–8. In the third Delphi round, these resulted in 37 prehospital interventions, examples of which were given revised version of the score. In the fourth and final Delphi round, the expert panel was given an opportunity to accept or comment on the revised scoring system. Conclusions The former HBS was revised by a Delphi methodology and EBS developed to represent its structural purpose better. The EBS includes 37 exemplar prehospital interventions to guide its clinical use. Trial registration The study permission was requested and granted by Turku University Hospital (decision number TP2/010/18). Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13049-021-00966-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anssi Heino
- Department of Perioperative Services, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Management, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland. .,University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
| | - Lasse Raatiniemi
- Centre for Prehospital Emergency Care, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Timo Iirola
- University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Emergency Medical Services, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Merja Meriläinen
- Medical Research Centre, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Janne Liisanantti
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Medical Research Centre and Research Group of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, University of Oulu, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Miretta Tommila
- Department of Perioperative Services, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Management, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland.,University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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12
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Azami-Aghdash S, Moosavi A, Gharaee H, Sadeghi G, Mousavi Isfahani H, Ghasemi Dastgerdi A, Mohseni M. Development of quality indicators to measure pre-hospital emergency medical services for road traffic injury. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:235. [PMID: 33726709 PMCID: PMC7970773 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06238-1] [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: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pre-Hospital Emergency Care (PEC) is a fundamental property of prevention of Road Traffic Injuries (RTIs). Thus, this sector requires a system for evaluation and performance improvement. This study aimed to develop quality indicators to measure PEC for RTIs. Methods Following the related literature review, 14 experts were interviewed through semi-structured interviews to identify Quality Measurement Indicators (QMIs). The extracted indicators were then categorized into three domains: structure, performance, and management. Finally, the identified QMIs were confirmed through two rounds of the Delphi technique. Results Using literature review 11 structural, 13 performance, and four managerial indicators (A total of 28 indicators) were identified. Also, four structural, four performance, and three managerial indicators (A total of 11indicators) were extracted from interviews with experts. Two indicators were excluded after two rounds of Delphi’s technics. Finally, 14 structural, 16 performance and, seven managerial indicators (A total of 37indicators) were finalized. Conclusion Due to the importance and high proportion of RTIs compared to other types of injuries, this study set out to design and evaluate the QMIs of PEC delivered for RTIs. The findings of this research contribute to measuring and planning aimed at improving the performance of PEC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-021-06238-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saber Azami-Aghdash
- Road Traffic Injury Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, Health Management and Safety Promotion Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Moosavi
- Department of Health and Community Medicine, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
| | - Hojatolah Gharaee
- District Health Center of Hamadan City, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Ghader Sadeghi
- Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, Health Management and Safety Promotion Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Haleh Mousavi Isfahani
- School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Ghasemi Dastgerdi
- Disaster and Emergency Medical Management Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mohseni
- Health Management and Economics Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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13
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Björkman J, Laukkanen-Nevala P, Olkinuora A, Pulkkinen I, Nurmi J. Short-term and long-term survival in critical patients treated by helicopter emergency medical services in Finland: a registry study of 36 715 patients. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e045642. [PMID: 33622956 PMCID: PMC7907881 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-045642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to describe the short-term and long-term mortality of patients treated by prehospital critical care teams in Finland. DESIGN AND SETTING We performed a registry-based retrospective study that included all helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) dispatches in Finland from 1 January 2012 to 8 September 2019. Mortality data were acquired from the national Population Register Centre to calculate the standardised mortality ratio (SMR). PARTICIPANTS All patients encountered by Finnish HEMS crews during the study period were included. MAIN OUTCOMES Mortalities presented at 0 to 1 day, 2 to 30 days, 31 days to 1 year and 1 to 3 years for different medical reasons following the prehospital care. Patients were divided into four groups by age and categorised by gender. The SMR at 2 to 30 days, 31 days to 1 year and 1 to 3 years was calculated for the same groups. RESULTS Prehospital critical care teams participated in the treatment of 36 715 patients, 34 370 of whom were included in the study. The cumulative all-cause mortality at 30 days was 27.5% and at 3 years was 36.5%. The SMR in different medical categories and periods ranged from 23.2 to 72.2, 18.1 to 22.4, 7.7 to 9.2 and 2.1 to 2.6 in the age groups of 0 to 17 years, 18 to 64 years, 65 to 79 years and ≥80 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS We found that the rate of mortality after a HEMS team provides critical care is high and remains significantly elevated compared with the normal population for years after the incident. The mortality is dependent on the medical reason for care and the age of the patient. The long-term overmortality should be considered when evaluating the benefit of prehospital critical care in the different patient groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Björkman
- Research and Development Unit, FinnHEMS Oy, Vantaa, Uusimaa, Finland
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
| | | | - Anna Olkinuora
- Research and Development Unit, FinnHEMS Oy, Vantaa, Uusimaa, Finland
| | - Ilkka Pulkkinen
- Prehospital Emergency Care, Lapland Hospital District, Rovaniemi, Finland
| | - Jouni Nurmi
- Research and Development Unit, FinnHEMS Oy, Vantaa, Uusimaa, Finland
- Emergency Medicine and Services, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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14
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Rugg C, Woyke S, Voelckel W, Paal P, Ströhle M. Analgesia in adult trauma patients in physician-staffed Austrian helicopter rescue: a 12-year registry analysis. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2021; 29:28. [PMID: 33526048 PMCID: PMC7852148 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-021-00839-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sufficient analgesia is an obligation, but oligoanalgesia (NRS> 3) is frequently observed prehospitally. Potent analgesics may cause severe adverse events. Thus, analgesia in the helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) setting is challenging. Adequacy, efficacy and administration safety of potent analgesics pertaining to injured patients in HEMS were analysed. Methods Observational study evaluating data from 14 year-round physician-staffed helicopter bases in Austria in a 12-year timeframe. Results Overall, 47,985 (34.3%) patients received analgesics, 26,059 of whom were adult patients, injured and not mechanically ventilated on site. Main drugs administered were opioids (n=20,051; 76.9%), esketamine (n=9082; 34.9%), metamizole (n=798; 3.1%) and NSAIDs (n=483; 1.9%). Monotherapy with opioids or esketamine was the most common regimen (n=21,743; 83.4%), while opioids together with esketamine (n= 3591; 13.8%) or metamizole (n=369; 1.4%) were the most common combinations. Females received opioids less frequently than did males (n=6038; 74.5% vs. n=14,013; 78.1%; p< 0.001). Pain relief was often sufficient (> 95%), but females more often had moderate to severe pain on arrival in hospital (n=34; 5.0% vs. n=59; 3.2%; p=0.043). Administration of potent analgesics was safe, as indicated by MEES, SpO2 and respiratory rates. On 10% of all missions, clinical patient assessment was deemed sufficient by HEMS physicians and monitoring was spared. Conclusions Opioids and esketamine alone or in combination were the analgesics of choice in physician-staffed HEMS in Austria. Analgesia was often sufficient, but females more than males suffered from oligoanalgesia on hospital arrival. Administration safety was high, justifying liberal use of potent analgesics in physician-staffed HEMS. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13049-021-00839-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Rugg
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Simon Woyke
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Voelckel
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine AUVA Trauma Centre Salzburg, Academic Teaching Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Dr.-Franz-Rehrl-Platz 5, 5010, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Peter Paal
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Hospitallers Brothers Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University, Kajetanerplatz 1, 5010, Salzburg, Austria.,Austrian Society for Mountain and High-altitude Medicine (ÖGAHM), Lehnrain 30a, 6414, Mieming, Austria
| | - Mathias Ströhle
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria. .,Austrian Society for Mountain and High-altitude Medicine (ÖGAHM), Lehnrain 30a, 6414, Mieming, Austria.
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15
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Developing Quality Indicators for Helicopter Emergency Medical Services Coordination in Norwegian Emergency Medical Communication Centrals: A Consensus Process. Air Med J 2021; 40:20-27. [PMID: 33455621 DOI: 10.1016/j.amj.2020.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Efforts to optimize the use, availability, and safety of helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) is important. A lack of consistent and comprehensive flight dispatch procedures and a lack of use of safety technology are recurring safety problems. Reports after several major incidents pointed toward a possible gain by coordinating Norwegian HEMS from regional emergency medical communication centrals. Our objective was to develop and implement relevant quality indicators before such implementation in central Norway. METHODS We recruited an expert panel of 24 persons representing Norwegian health authorities, emergency medical communication centrals, and HEMS bases and performed a 3-step e-mail-based Delphi process to develop relevant quality indicators. Each indicator was assessed according to their feasibility, rankability, actionability, and variability. To reach a consensus, a median score of 5 or more on a 6-point Likert scale in step 3 was needed. RESULTS A total of 61 quality indicators were proposed. Of the 14 indicators that reached a consensus, 12 of these were considered process indicators, and 2 were bordering to outcome indicators. CONCLUSION We applied a Delphi process method to develop quality indicators for HEMS coordination and flight following. An experienced and heterogeneous expert panel suggested and reached a consensus on which quality indicators should be applied.
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16
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Du L, Xu J, Chen X, Zhu X, Zhang Y, Wu R, Ji H, Zhou L. Rebuild doctor-patient trust in medical service delivery in China. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21956. [PMID: 33319841 PMCID: PMC7738514 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78921-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Doctor–patient trust is not strong in China, but studies examining this factor remain insufficient. The present study aimed to explore the effect of doctor–patient communication, medical service quality, and service satisfaction on patient trust in doctors. Five hundred sixty-four patients with tuberculosis participated in this cross-sectional study in Dalian, China. They completed questionnaires assessing socio-demographic characteristics, doctor–patient communication, medical service quality, service satisfaction and patient trust in medical staff. A structural equation model was applied to examine the hypotheses, and all the study hypotheses were supported: (1) doctor–patient communication, medical service quality and service satisfaction were positively associated with building doctor–patient trust; (2) service quality positively mediated the relationship between doctor–patient communication and trust; (3) medical service satisfaction positively mediated the relationship between doctor–patient communication and trust; (4) medical service satisfaction positively mediated the relationship between medical service quality and doctor–patient trust; and (5) medical service quality and service satisfaction were the positively sequential mediators between communication and doctor–patient trust. Based on these findings, improvements in doctor–patient communication, medical service quality, and service satisfaction are the important issues contributing to the rebuilding of doctor–patient trust in medical service delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Du
- School of Public Health, Dalian Medical University, 9 Western Section, Lvshun South Street, Lvshunkou District, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia Xu
- School of Public Health, Dalian Medical University, 9 Western Section, Lvshun South Street, Lvshunkou District, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Chen
- School of Public Health, Dalian Medical University, 9 Western Section, Lvshun South Street, Lvshunkou District, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuexue Zhu
- School of Public Health, Dalian Medical University, 9 Western Section, Lvshun South Street, Lvshunkou District, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Zhang
- School of Public Health, Dalian Medical University, 9 Western Section, Lvshun South Street, Lvshunkou District, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruiheng Wu
- School of Public Health, Dalian Medical University, 9 Western Section, Lvshun South Street, Lvshunkou District, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Haoqiang Ji
- School of Public Health, Dalian Medical University, 9 Western Section, Lvshun South Street, Lvshunkou District, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Zhou
- School of Public Health, Dalian Medical University, 9 Western Section, Lvshun South Street, Lvshunkou District, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.
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17
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Haugland H, Olkinuora A, Rognås L, Ohlén D, Krüger A. Mortality and quality of care in Nordic physician-staffed emergency medical services. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2020; 28:100. [PMID: 33054786 PMCID: PMC7556966 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-020-00796-9] [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: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Quality indicators (QI) for physician staffed emergency medical services (P-EMS) are necessary to improve service quality. Mortality can be considered the ultimate outcome QI. The process quality of care in P-EMS can be described by 15 response-specific QIs developed for these services. The most critical patients in P-EMS are presumably found among patients who die within 30 days after the P-EMS response. Securing high quality care for these patients should be a prioritized task in P-EMS quality improvement. Thus, the first aim of this study was to describe the 30-days survival in Nordic P-EMS as an expression of the outcome quality of care. The second aim was to describe the process quality of care as assessed by the 15 QIs, for patients who die within 30 days after the P-EMS response. Methods In this prospective observational study, P-EMSs in Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway registered 30-days survival and scored the 15 QIs for their patients. The QI performance for patients who died within 30 days after the P-EMS response was assessed using established benchmarks for the applied QIs. Further, mean QI performance for the 30-days survivors and the 30-days non-survivors were compared using Chi-Square test for categorical variables and Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables. Results We recorded 2808 responses in the study period. 30-days survival varied significantly between the four participating countries; from 89.0 to 76.1%. When assessing the quality of care for patients who die within 30 days after the P-EMS response, five out of 15 QIs met the established benchmarks. For nine out of 15 QIs, there was significant difference in mean scores between the 30 days survivors and non-survivors. Conclusion In this study we have described 30-days survival as an outcome QI for P-EMS, and found significant differences between four Nordic countries. For patients who died within 30 days, the majority of the 15 QIs developed for P-EMS did not meet the benchmarks, indicating room for quality improvement. Finally, we found significant differences in QI performance between 30-days survivors and 30-days non-survivors which also might represent quality improvement opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helge Haugland
- Department for Research and Development, The Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Postbox 414, Sentrum, 0103, Oslo, Norway. .,Department of Emergency Medicine and Pre-Hospital Services, St. Olav University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Anna Olkinuora
- Research and Development Unit, FinnHEMS Ltd, Vantaa, Finland
| | - Leif Rognås
- Department of Anaesthesia, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Danish Air Ambulance, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - David Ohlén
- Airborne Intensive Care Unit, Department of Anaesthesia, Perioperative Management and Intensive Care Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Andreas Krüger
- Department for Research and Development, The Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Postbox 414, Sentrum, 0103, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Emergency Medicine and Pre-Hospital Services, St. Olav University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
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18
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Valent F, Di Chiara A, Di Bartolomeo S. Emergency Key Performance Indicators in the Italian region Friuli Venezia Giulia. EMERGENCY CARE JOURNAL 2020. [DOI: 10.4081/ecj.2020.8910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Key Performance Indicators (KPI) regard key areas of a particular service which needs to be evaluated. Within the health system, they represent specific and measurable elements and are based on standards generally set by the scientific literature. KPI can be used to assess performances in different areas and achievement of goals. To develop and calculate a set of KPI in the Italian Region Friuli Venezia Giulia (1 million inhabitants) as an audit tool for the regional Emergency healthcare system, with a focus on three timedependent conditions: trauma, acute myocardial infarction, and stroke. To develop the set, a modified Delphi process was applied among Emergency care experts in Friuli Venezia Giulia. Then, the indicators were calculated from anonymous administrative health databases (Emergency Medical System, Emergency Department, hospital discharge, cardiac catheterization laboratory). Databases could be linked with each other at the individual level through a univocal stochastic key. Sensitivity analyses were conducted where different results were expected using different databases. Sixty-one indicators were calculated for the year 2018. Five indicators were summary descriptive measures, 10 were outcome measures, the others were process indicators; 20 were specific on acute myocardial infarction, 12 on trauma, 4 on stroke. Values for some indicators varied depending on the data source. These KPI provided new and interesting information and are used for periodic audit purposes in Friuli Venezia Giulia. Higher quality, completeness and richness of the administrative databases should be promoted to further increase the value of the indicators.
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19
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Tønsager K, Krüger AJ, Ringdal KG, Rehn M. Data quality of Glasgow Coma Scale and Systolic Blood Pressure in scientific studies involving physician-staffed emergency medical services: Systematic review. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 2020; 64:888-909. [PMID: 32270473 DOI: 10.1111/aas.13596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergency physicians on-scene provide highly specialized care to severely sick or injured patients. High-quality research relies on the quality of data, but no commonly accepted definition of EMS data quality exits. Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) and Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) are core physiological variables, but little is known about the quality of these data when reported in p-EMS research. This systematic review aims to describe the quality of pre-hospital reporting of GCS and SBP data in studies where emergency physicians are present on-scene. METHODS A systematic literature search was performed using CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, Medline, Norart, Scopus, SweMed + and Web of Science, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Reported data on accuracy of reporting, completeness and capture were extracted to describe the quality of documentation of GCS and SBP. External and internal validity assessment was performed by extracting a set of predefined variables. RESULTS We included 137 articles describing data collection for GCS, SBP or both. Most studies (81%) were conducted in Europe and 59% of studies reported trauma cases. Reporting of GCS and SBP data were not uniform and may be improved to enable comparisons. Of the predefined external and internal validity data items, 26%-45% of data were possible to extract from the included papers. CONCLUSIONS Reporting of GCS and SBP is variable in scientific papers. We recommend standardized reporting to enable comparisons of p-EMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Tønsager
- Department of Research The Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation Oslo Norway
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Stavanger University Hospital Stavanger Norway
- Faculty of Health Sciences University of Stavanger Stavanger Norway
| | - Andreas J. Krüger
- Department of Research The Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation Oslo Norway
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Pre-Hospital Services St. Olavs Hospital Trondheim Norway
| | - Kjetil G. Ringdal
- Department of Anaesthesiology Vestfold Hospital Trust Tønsberg Norway
- Norwegian Trauma Registry Oslo University Hospital Oslo Norway
| | - Marius Rehn
- Department of Research The Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation Oslo Norway
- Faculty of Health Sciences University of Stavanger Stavanger Norway
- Pre-hospital Division Air Ambulance DepartmentOslo University Hospital Oslo Norway
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20
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Saviluoto A, Björkman J, Olkinuora A, Virkkunen I, Kirves H, Setälä P, Pulkkinen I, Laukkanen-Nevala P, Raatiniemi L, Jäntti H, Iirola T, Nurmi J. The first seven years of nationally organized helicopter emergency medical services in Finland - the data from quality registry. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2020; 28:46. [PMID: 32471467 PMCID: PMC7260827 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-020-00739-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) play an important role in prehospital care of the critically ill. Differences in funding, crew composition, dispatch criteria and mission profile make comparison between systems challenging. Several systems incorporate databases for quality control, performance evaluation and scientific purposes. FinnHEMS database was incorporated for such purposes following the national organization of HEMS in Finland 2012. The aims of this study are to describe information recorded in the database, data collection, and operational characteristics of Finnish HEMS during 2012–2018. Methods All dispatches of the six Finnish HEMS units recorded in the national database from 2012 to 2018 were included in this observational registry study. Five of the units are physician staffed, and all are on call 24/7. The database follows a template for uniform reporting in physician staffed pre-hospital services, exceeding the recommended variables of relevant guidelines. Results The study included 100,482 dispatches, resulting in 33,844 (34%) patient contacts. Variables were recorded with little or no missing data. A total of 16,045 patients (16%) were escorted by HEMS to hospital, of which 2239 (2%) by helicopter. Of encountered patients 4195 (4%) were declared deceased on scene. The number of denied or cancelled dispatches was 66,638 (66%). The majority of patients were male (21,185, 63%), and the median age was 57.7 years. The median American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Scale classification was 2 and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance class 0. The most common reason for response was trauma representing 26% (8897) of the patients, followed by out-of-hospital cardiac arrest 20% (6900), acute neurological reason excluding stroke 13% (4366) and intoxication and related psychiatric conditions 10% (3318). Blunt trauma (86%, 7653) predominated in the trauma classification. Conclusions Gathering detailed and comprehensive data nationally on all HEMS missions is feasible. A national database provides valuable insights into where the operation of HEMS could be improved. We observed a high number of cancelled or denied missions and a low percentage of patients transported by helicopter. The medical problem of encountered patients also differs from comparable systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anssi Saviluoto
- Research and Development Unit, FinnHEMS, WTC Helsinki Airport, Lentäjäntie 3, FI-01530, Vantaa, Finland. .,University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Johannes Björkman
- Research and Development Unit, FinnHEMS, WTC Helsinki Airport, Lentäjäntie 3, FI-01530, Vantaa, Finland.,University of Helsinki, PO Box 4, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anna Olkinuora
- Research and Development Unit, FinnHEMS, WTC Helsinki Airport, Lentäjäntie 3, FI-01530, Vantaa, Finland
| | - Ilkka Virkkunen
- Research and Development Unit, FinnHEMS, WTC Helsinki Airport, Lentäjäntie 3, FI-01530, Vantaa, Finland
| | - Hetti Kirves
- Prehospital Emergency Care, Hyvinkää hospital area, Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa, PO Box 585, FI-05850, Hyvinkää, Finland
| | - Piritta Setälä
- Emergency Medical Services, Tampere University Hospital, PO Box 2000, FI-33521, Tampere, Finland
| | - Ilkka Pulkkinen
- Research and Development Unit, FinnHEMS, WTC Helsinki Airport, Lentäjäntie 3, FI-01530, Vantaa, Finland
| | - Päivi Laukkanen-Nevala
- Research and Development Unit, FinnHEMS, WTC Helsinki Airport, Lentäjäntie 3, FI-01530, Vantaa, Finland
| | - Lasse Raatiniemi
- Centre for Prehospital Emergency Care, Oulu University Hospital, PO Box 50, FI-90029, Oulu, Finland
| | - Helena Jäntti
- University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland.,Center for Prehospital Emergency Care, Kuopio University Hospital, PO Box 100, FI-70029, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Timo Iirola
- Emergency Medical Services, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, PO Box 52, FI-20521, Turku, Finland
| | - Jouni Nurmi
- Research and Development Unit, FinnHEMS, WTC Helsinki Airport, Lentäjäntie 3, FI-01530, Vantaa, Finland.,Emergency Medicine and Services, Helsinki University Hospital and Emergency Medicine, University of Helsinki, PO Box 100, FI-00029, Helsinki, Finland
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21
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Heino A, Laukkanen-Nevala P, Raatiniemi L, Tommila M, Nurmi J, Olkinuora A, Virkkunen I, Iirola T. Reliability of prehospital patient classification in helicopter emergency medical service missions. BMC Emerg Med 2020; 20:42. [PMID: 32450816 PMCID: PMC7249641 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-020-00338-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Several scores and codes are used in prehospital clinical quality registries but little is known of their reliability. The aim of this study is to evaluate the inter-rater reliability of the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status (ASA-PS) classification system, HEMS benefit score (HBS), International Classification of Primary Care, second edition (ICPC-2) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status in a helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) clinical quality registry (CQR). Methods All physicians and paramedics working in HEMS in Finland and responsible for patient registration were asked to participate in this study. The participants entered data of six written fictional missions in the national CQR. The inter-rater reliability of the ASA-PS, HBS, ICPC-2 and ECOG were evaluated using an overall agreement and free-marginal multi-rater kappa (Κfree). Results All 59 Finnish HEMS physicians and paramedics were invited to participate in this study, of which 43 responded and 16 did not answer. One participant was excluded due to unfinished data entering. ASA-PS had an overall agreement of 40.2% and Κfree of 0.28 in this study. HBS had an overall agreement of 44.7% and Κfree of 0.39. ICPC-2 coding had an overall agreement of 51.5% and Κfree of 0.47. ECOG had an overall agreement of 49.6% and Κfree of 0.40. Conclusion This study suggests a marked inter-rater unreliability in prehospital patient scoring and coding even in a relatively uniform group of practitioners working in a highly focused environment. This indicates that the scores and codes should be specifically designed or adapted for prehospital use, and the users should be provided with clear and thorough instructions on how to use them.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Heino
- Research and Development Unit, FinnHEMS Ltd, Vantaa, Finland. .,Department of Perioperative Services, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Management, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
| | | | - L Raatiniemi
- Centre for Pre-Hospital Emergency Care, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.,Anaesthesia Research Group, MRC, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - M Tommila
- Department of Perioperative Services, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Management, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - J Nurmi
- Emergency Medicine Services, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - A Olkinuora
- Research and Development Unit, FinnHEMS Ltd, Vantaa, Finland
| | - I Virkkunen
- Research and Development Unit, FinnHEMS Ltd, Vantaa, Finland
| | - T Iirola
- Emergency Medical Services, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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22
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Dormann H, Eder PA, Gimpel H, Meindl O, Rashid A, Regal C. Assessing healthcare service quality using routinely collected data: Linking information systems in emergency care. J Med Syst 2020; 44:113. [PMID: 32385607 PMCID: PMC7210224 DOI: 10.1007/s10916-020-01572-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Emergency departments need to continuously calculate quality indicators in order to perform structural improvements, improvements in the daily routine, and ad-hoc improvements in everyday life. However, many different actors across multiple disciplines collaborate to provide emergency care. Hence, patient-related data is stored in several information systems, which in turn makes the calculation of quality indicators more difficult. To address this issue, we aim to link and use routinely collected data of the different actors within the emergency care continuum. In order to assess the feasibility of linking and using routinely collected data for quality indicators and whether this approach adds value to the assessment of emergency care quality, we conducted a single case study in a German academic teaching hospital. We analyzed the available data of the existing information systems in the emergency continuum and linked and pre-processed the data. Based on this, we then calculated four quality indicators (Left Without Been Seen, Unplanned Reattendance, Diagnostic Efficiency, and Overload Closure). Lessons learned from the calculation and results of the discussions with staff members that had multiple years of work experience in the emergency department provide a better understanding of the quality of the emergency department, the related challenges during the calculation, and the added value of linking routinely collected data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Dormann
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Klinikum Fürth, Fürth, Germany
| | | | - Henner Gimpel
- Project Group Business & Information Systems Engineering of Fraunhofer FIT, Augsburg, Germany.,FIM Research Center, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Oliver Meindl
- FIM Research Center, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany.
| | | | - Christian Regal
- Project Group Business & Information Systems Engineering of Fraunhofer FIT, Augsburg, Germany.,FIM Research Center, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
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23
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Lvovschi VE, Maignan M, Tazarourte K, Diallo ML, Hadjadj-Baillot C, Pons-Kerjean N, Lapostolle F, Dussart C. Multiple criteria decision analysis approach to consider therapeutic innovations in the emergency department: The methoxyflurane organizational impact in acute trauma pain. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231571. [PMID: 32294125 PMCID: PMC7159203 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute trauma pain is poorly managed in the emergency department (ED). The reasons are partly organizational: ED crowding and rare trauma care pathways contribute to oligoanalgesia. Anticipating the organizational impact of an innovative care procedure might facilitate the decision-making process and help to optimize pain management. METHODS We used a multiple criteria decision analysis (MCDA) approach to consider the organizational impact of methoxyflurane (self-administered) in the ED, introduced alone or supported by a trauma care pathway. A MCDA experiment was designed for this specific context, 8 experts in emergency trauma care pathways (leading physicians and pharmacists working in French urban tertiary hospitals) were recruited. The study involved four steps: (i) Selection of organizational criteria for evaluating the innovation's impact; (ii) assessment of the relative weight of each criterion; (iii) choice of appropriate scenarios for exploring the organizational impact of MEOX under various contexts; and (iv) software-assisted simulation based on pairwise comparisons of the scenarios. The final outcome measure was the expected overall organizational impact of methoxyflurane on a 0-to-100 scale (score >50: positive impact). RESULTS Nine organizational criteria were selected. "Mean length of stay in the ED" was the most weighted. Methoxyflurane alone obtained 59 as a total score, with a putative positive impact for eight criteria, and a neutral effect on one. When a trauma care pathway was introduced concomitantly, the impact of methoxyflurane was greater overall (score: 75) and for each individual criterion. CONCLUSIONS Our model highlighted the putative positive organizational impact of methoxyflurane in the ED-particularly when supported by a trauma care pathway-and the relevance of expert consensus in this particular pharmacoeconomic context. The MCDA approach could be extended to other research fields and healthcare challenges in emergency medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Eve Lvovschi
- Emergency Department, Rouen University Hospital, Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, INSERM U1073, Rouen, France
| | - Maxime Maignan
- Emergency Department, Grenoble University Hospital, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1042, CHU Grenoble Alpes, HP2, Grenoble Alps University, Grenoble, France
| | - Karim Tazarourte
- Emergency Department, Edouard Herriot Hospital, Lyon Public Hospices, Lyon, France; Health Services and Performance Research, HESPER, EA, Claude Bernard University, Lyon, France
| | | | | | | | - Frederic Lapostolle
- SAMU 93, Avicenne Hospital-APHP, Bobigny, France; INSERM U942, Paris 13 University, Paris, France
| | - Claude Dussart
- Lyon Public Hospices, Central Pharmacy, Lyon, France; EA, Systemic Health Pathway Laboratory, University Claude Bernard, Lyon, France
- * E-mail:
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24
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Tønsager K, Krüger AJ, Ringdal KG, Rehn M. Template for documenting and reporting data in physician-staffed pre-hospital services: a consensus-based update. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2020; 28:25. [PMID: 32245496 PMCID: PMC7119287 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-020-0716-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physician-staffed emergency medical services (p-EMS) are resource demanding, and research is needed to evaluate any potential effects of p-EMS. Templates, designed through expert agreement, are valuable and feasible, but they need to be updated on a regular basis due to developments in available equipment and treatment options. In 2011, a consensus-based template documenting and reporting data in p-EMS was published. We aimed to revise and update the template for documenting and reporting in p-EMS. METHODS A Delphi method was applied to achieve a consensus from a panel of selected European experts. The experts were blinded to each other until a consensus was reached, and all responses were anonymized. The experts were asked to propose variables within five predefined sections. There was also an optional sixth section for variables that did not fit into the pre-defined sections. Experts were asked to review and rate all variables from 1 (totally disagree) to 5 (totally agree) based on relevance, and consensus was defined as variables rated ≥4 by more than 70% of the experts. RESULTS Eleven experts participated. The experts generated 194 unique variables in the first round. After five rounds, a consensus was reached. The updated dataset was an expanded version of the original dataset and the template was expanded from 45 to 73 main variables. The experts approved the final version of the template. CONCLUSIONS Using a Delphi method, we have updated the template for documenting and reporting in p-EMS. We recommend implementing the dataset for standard reporting in p-EMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Tønsager
- Department of Research, The Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Post box 414, Sentrum, N-0103, Oslo, Norway. .,Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway. .,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway.
| | - Andreas Jørstad Krüger
- Department of Research, The Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Post box 414, Sentrum, N-0103, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Emergency Medicine and Pre-Hospital Services, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Kjetil Gorseth Ringdal
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Vestfold, Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway.,Norwegian Trauma Registry, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marius Rehn
- Department of Research, The Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Post box 414, Sentrum, N-0103, Oslo, Norway.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway.,Pre-hospital Division, Air Ambulance Department, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Pap R, Lockwood C, Stephenson M, Simpson P. Indicators to measure prehospital care quality: a scoping review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 16:2192-2223. [PMID: 30439748 DOI: 10.11124/jbisrir-2017-003742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this scoping review was to locate, examine and describe the literature on indicators used to measure prehospital care quality. INTRODUCTION The performance of ambulance services and quality of prehospital care has traditionally been measured using simple indicators, such as response time intervals, based on low-level evidence. The discipline of paramedicine has evolved significantly over the last few decades. Consequently, the validity of utilizing such measures as holistic prehospital care quality indicators (QIs) has been challenged. There is growing interest in finding new and more significant ways to measure prehospital care quality. INCLUSION CRITERIA This scoping review examined the concepts of prehospital care quality and QIs developed for ambulance services. This review considered primary and secondary research in any paradigm and utilizing any methods, as well as text and opinion research. METHODS Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for conducting scoping reviews was employed. Separate searches were conducted for two review questions; review question 1 addressed the definition of prehospital care quality and review question 2 addressed characteristics of QIs in the context of prehospital care. The following databases were searched: PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. The searches were limited to publications from January 1, 2000 to the day of the search (April 16, 2017). Non-English articles were excluded. To supplement the above, searches for gray literature were performed, experts in the field of study were consulted and applicable websites were perused. RESULTS Review question 1: Nine articles were included. These originated mostly from England (n = 3, 33.3%) and the USA (n = 3, 33.3%). Only one study specifically aimed at defining prehospital care quality. Five articles (55.5%) described attributes specific to prehospital care quality and four (44.4%) articles considered generic healthcare quality attributes to be applicable to the prehospital context. A total of 17 attributes were identified. The most common attributes were Clinical effectiveness (n = 17, 100%), Efficiency (n = 7, 77.8%), Equitability (n = 7, 77.8%) and Safety (n = 6, 66.7%). Timeliness and Accessibility were referred to by four and three (44.4% and 33.3%) articles, respectively.Review question 2: Thirty articles were included. The predominant source of articles was research literature (n = 23; 76.7%) originating mostly from the USA (n = 13; 43.3%). The most frequently applied QI development method was a form of consensus process (n = 15; 50%). A total of 526 QIs were identified. Of these, 283 (53.8%) were categorized as Clinical and 243 (46.2%) as System/Organizational QIs. Within these categories respectively, QIs related to Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (n = 57; 10.8%) and Time intervals (n = 75; 14.3%) contributed the most. The most commonly addressed prehospital care quality attributes were Appropriateness (n = 250, 47.5%), Clinical effectiveness (n = 174, 33.1%) and Accessibility (n = 124, 23.6%). Most QIs were process indicators (n = 386, 73.4%). CONCLUSION Whilst there is paucity in research aiming to specifically define prehospital care quality, the attributes of generic healthcare quality definitions appear to be accepted and applicable to the prehospital context. There is growing interest in developing prehospital care QIs. However, there is a need for validation of existing QIs and de novo development addressing broader aspects of prehospital care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Pap
- Joanna Briggs Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Craig Lockwood
- Joanna Briggs Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Matthew Stephenson
- Joanna Briggs Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Paul Simpson
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
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Haugland H, Olkinuora A, Rognås L, Ohlen D, Krüger A. Testing quality indicators and proposing benchmarks for physician-staffed emergency medical services: a prospective Nordic multicentre study. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e030626. [PMID: 31685504 PMCID: PMC6858216 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-030626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A consensus study from 2017 developed 15 response-specific quality indicators (QIs) for physician-staffed emergency medical services (P-EMS). The aim of this study was to test these QIs for important characteristics in a real clinical setting. These characteristics were feasibility, rankability, variability, actionability and documentation. We further aimed to propose benchmarks for future quality measurements in P-EMS. DESIGN In this prospective observational study, physician-staffed helicopter emergency services registered data for the 15 QIs. The feasibility of the QIs was assessed based on the comments of the recording physicians. The other four QI characteristics were assessed by the authors. Benchmarks were proposed based on the quartiles in the dataset. SETTING Nordic physician-staffed helicopter emergency medical services. PARTICIPANTS 16 physician-staffed helicopter emergency services in Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway. RESULTS The dataset consists of 5638 requests to the participating P-EMSs. There were 2814 requests resulting in completed responses with patient contact. All QIs were feasible to obtain. The variability of 14 out of 15 QIs was adequate. Rankability was adequate for all QIs. Actionability was assessed as being adequate for 10 QIs. Documentation was adequate for 14 QIs. Benchmarks for all QIs were proposed. CONCLUSIONS All 15 QIs seem possible to use in everyday quality measurement and improvement. However, it seems reasonable to not analyse the QI 'Adverse Events' with a strictly quantitative approach because of a low rate of adverse events. Rather, this QI should be used to identify adverse events so that they can be analysed as sentinel events. The actionability of the QIs 'Able to respond immediately when alarmed', 'Time to arrival of P-EMS', 'Time to preferred destination', 'Provision of advanced treatment' and 'Significant logistical contribution' was assessed as being poor. Benchmarks for the QIs and a total quality score are proposed for future quality measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helge Haugland
- Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Pre-Hospital Services, St. Olav University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Anna Olkinuora
- Research and Development Unit, FinnHEMS Ltd, Vantaa, Finland
| | - Leif Rognås
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
- Danish Air Ambulance, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - David Ohlen
- Airborne Intensive Care Unit, Department of Anaesthesia, Perioperative Management and Intensive Care Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Andreas Krüger
- Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Pre-Hospital Services, St. Olav University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
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27
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Heino A, Iirola T, Raatiniemi L, Nurmi J, Olkinuora A, Laukkanen-Nevala P, Virkkunen I, Tommila M. The reliability and accuracy of operational system data in a nationwide helicopter emergency medical services mission database. BMC Emerg Med 2019; 19:53. [PMID: 31615407 PMCID: PMC6792230 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-019-0265-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and accuracy of documentation in FinnHEMS database, which is a nationwide helicopter emergency service (HEMS) clinical quality registry. METHODS This is a nationwide study based on written fictional clinical scenarios. Study subjects were HEMS physicians and paramedics, who filled in the clinical quality registry based on the clinical scenarios. The inter-rater -reliability of the collected data was analyzed with percent agreement and free-marginal multi-rater kappa. RESULTS Dispatch coding had a percent agreement of 91% and free-marginal multi-rater kappa value of 0.83. Coding for transportation or mission cancellation resulted in an agreement of 84% and free-marginal kappa value of 0.68. An agreement of 82% and a kappa value of 0.73 for dispatcher coding was found. Mission end, arrival at hospital and HEMS unit dispatch -times had agreements from 80 to 85% and kappa values from 0.61 to 0.73. The emergency call to dispatch centre time had an agreement of 71% and kappa value of 0.56. The documentation of pain had an agreement of 73% on both the first and second measurements. All other vital parameters had less than 70% agreement and 0.40 kappa value in the first measurement. The documentation of secondary vital parameter measurements resulted in agreements from 72 to 91% and kappa values from 0.43 to 0.64. CONCLUSION Data from HEMS operations can be gathered reliably in a national clinical quality registry. This study revealed some inaccuracies in data registration and data quality, which are important to detect to improve the overall reliability and validity of the HEMS clinical quality register.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Heino
- FinnHEMS Research and Development Unit, Vantaa, Finland. .,Department of Perioperative Services, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Management, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
| | - T Iirola
- Emergency Medical Services, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - L Raatiniemi
- Centre for Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - J Nurmi
- Emergency Medicine Services, Helsinki University Hospital and Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - A Olkinuora
- FinnHEMS Research and Development Unit, Vantaa, Finland
| | | | - I Virkkunen
- FinnHEMS Research and Development Unit, Vantaa, Finland
| | - M Tommila
- Department of Perioperative Services, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Management, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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28
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Young HML, Goodliffe S, Madhani M, Phelps K, Regen E, Locke A, Burton JO, Singh SJ, Smith AC, Conroy S. Co-producing Progression Criteria for Feasibility Studies: A Partnership between Patient Contributors, Clinicians and Researchers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E3756. [PMID: 31590424 PMCID: PMC6801439 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16193756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
There is a lack of guidance for developing progression criteria (PC) within feasibility studies. We describe a process for co-producing PC for an ongoing feasibility study. Patient contributors, clinicians and researchers participated in discussions facilitated using the modified Nominal Group Technique (NGT). Stage one involved individual discussion groups used to develop and rank PC for aspects of the trial key to feasibility. A second stage involving representatives from each of the individual groups then discussed and ranked these PC. The highest ranking PC became the criteria used. At each stage all members were provided with a brief education session to aid understanding and decision-making. Fifty members (15 (29%) patients, 13 (25%) researchers and 24 (46%) clinicians) were involved in eight initial groups, and eight (two (25%) patients, five (62%) clinicians, one (13%) researcher) in one final group. PC relating to eligibility, recruitment, intervention and outcome acceptability and loss to follow-up were co-produced. Groups highlighted numerous means of adapting intervention and trial procedures should 'change' criteria be met. Modified NGT enabled the equal inclusion of patients, clinician and researcher in the co-production of PC. The structure and processes provided a transparent mechanism for setting PC that could be replicated in other feasibility studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M L Young
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK.
- John Walls Renal Unit, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester LE1 5WW, UK.
| | - Samantha Goodliffe
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK.
- John Walls Renal Unit, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester LE1 5WW, UK.
| | - Meeta Madhani
- Leicester Kidney Lifestyle Haemodialysis Patient Involvement Group, University of Leicester and University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester LE1 5WW, UK.
| | - Kay Phelps
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK.
| | - Emma Regen
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK.
| | - Anthony Locke
- Aging Related Research Patient and Public Involvement Group, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK.
| | - James O Burton
- National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK.
- Department of Cardiovascular Science, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK.
| | - Sally J Singh
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK.
- National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK.
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Glenfield Hospital, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester LE1 5WW, UK.
| | - Alice C Smith
- Aging Related Research Patient and Public Involvement Group, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Simon Conroy
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK.
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Dussart C, Gelas J, Geffroy L, de Fréminville H, Lvovschi VE. Medico-economic study of pain in an emergency department: a targeted literature review. JOURNAL OF MARKET ACCESS & HEALTH POLICY 2019; 7:1659099. [PMID: 31552134 PMCID: PMC6746270 DOI: 10.1080/20016689.2019.1659099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Background: Pain management in emergency departments is a complex objective. The absence of a care pathway or a high level of activity complicates diagnostic or analgesic therapeutic strategies. Medical innovation can impact both individual practices and the functioning of an emergency department. Objective: We then wanted to understand how medico-economic studies on pain were carried out in an emergency department. Study design: We reviewed the literature of the last 20 years (between 1998 and 2018). Setting: Of 846 titles screened, a total of 268 abstracts qualified for further screening, and 578 titles were excluded. A total of 14 studies qualified for inclusion in the review. Studies on medico-economics in an emergency department are very diverse. None of the methods used are identical; the studies differ in their very nature (prospective, retrospective, cost-effectiveness, etc.) and the determination of emergency room costs differs according to the part of the world studied. In addition, organizational impact is rarely measured, although it is an essential dimension for choosing or not a medical innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claude Dussart
- Central Pharmacy, Lyon Public Hospices, Lyon, France
- Systemic Health Pathway Laboratory, EA 4129, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Julien Gelas
- Pharmacy department, Military teaching hospital, Lyon, France
| | - Loïc Geffroy
- Systemic Health Pathway Laboratory, EA 4129, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Humbert de Fréminville
- Systemic Health Pathway Laboratory, EA 4129, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Virginie-Eve Lvovschi
- Emergency Department, CHRU Charles Nicolle, Rouen, France
- INSERM U 1073, Universite de Rouen Normandie, Rouen, France
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Pappinen J, Olkinuora A, Laukkanen-Nevala P. Defining a mission-based method to determine a HEMS unit's actual service area. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2019; 27:63. [PMID: 31262336 PMCID: PMC6604211 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-019-0640-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Geographical service areas are used as descriptive system indicators in Emergency Medical Service (EMS) related studies and reporting templates. The actual service area may differ significantly from administrative areas; this may lead to inaccuracy in determining indicator values, such as population or mission density, thus making it biased when comparing results between different areas and organizations. The aim of this study was to introduce a univocal, repeatable and easily adaptable method to determine the actual service area of a helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) unit for statistical, quality measurement and research purposes using widely available geographical information (GIS) and statistical analysis tools. Methods The method was first tested with Tampere HEMS unit. All accepted missions in 2017 were extracted from FinnHEMS database (FHDB). We calculated distance from HEMS base to each accepted mission location. Missions were reordered based on the distance and 99th and 95th percentiles were calculated for mission distances. Convex hulls including 100, 99 and 95% of the missions, and the population and area covered by these missions, were then calculated. The method was repeated for all Finnish HEMS bases. Results Approximately 90% of Tampere HEMS unit’s accepted missions took place within 100 km from the base. 10.9% of the missions occurred outside of the administrative service area. 95% convex hull areas are most in line with the everyday experience of where the units actually operate. In Tampere, the 95% convex hull area corresponds to 76,5% of the administrative area’s population and to 89,8% of its area. Calculating the 95% convex hull areas for all Finnish HEMS units results in service areas that overlap at some points, and some areas of the country fall outside of all HEMS service areas. Conclusions Administrative areas do not correspond to the actual service areas of HEMS units. The service area of a HEMS unit defined by administrative boundaries may differ significantly from actual operations. Using historical mission data to create a convex hull that incorporates mission locations could offer a standardized and comparable solution for determining actual HEMS unit service areas, which can be used for statistical comparison, quality measurement and system development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jukka Pappinen
- FinnHEMS Research and Development Unit, Lentäjäntie 3, FI-01530, Vantaa, Finland. .,University of Eastern Finland, Faculty of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Anna Olkinuora
- FinnHEMS Research and Development Unit, Lentäjäntie 3, FI-01530, Vantaa, Finland
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Alstrup K, Petersen JAK, Barfod C, Knudsen L, Rognås L, Møller TP. The Danish helicopter emergency medical service database: high quality data with great potential. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2019; 27:38. [PMID: 30953564 PMCID: PMC6451291 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-019-0615-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Danish Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) is part of the Danish pre-hospital response offering advanced patient care on scene and during rapid transport to definitive care. Monitoring HEMS performance and the quality of critical care has high national as well as international priority underlining the need for research in this field. The data quality of the Danish HEMS database is unknown. Furthermore, a set of quality indicators (QI) developed by an international collaboration group (EQUIPE) potentially for use in physician-staffed EMS, has recently been presented. The aim of the current study was to present the design and data quality of the Danish helicopter database, and to evaluate the coverage of available variables in the database according to the QIs proposed. Method The study included all helicopter dispatches between October 1st 2014 and April 30th 2018. The database layout and data entering procedure, as well as the key variables and data completeness were described. Furthermore, missing data and misclassifications were addressed. Lastly, the 26 QIs proposed by the EQUIPE-collaboration were evaluated for coverage in the HEMS database. Results A total of 13,392 missions were included in the study. The database includes a broad spectrum of mission- and patient-specific data related to the pre-hospital pathway of acutely ill or injured patients in a national coverage. Missing data for the majority of variables is less than 6.5%. The percentage of completed report forms has increased over time and reached 99.9% in 2018. Misclassification were observed for 294 patients in the study period corresponding to 3,7%. Less than half of the QIs proposed by the EQUIPE-collaboration group were directly available from the database. Conclusions Helicopter Emergency Medical Services in Denmark are a new and sparsely investigated health care provider. The database contains nearly all missions dispatched by the five regional Emergency Medical Dispatch Centres. Generally, the data quality is considered high with great potential for future research. Potential quality indicators as proposed by the EQUIPE-collaboration group could inspire the configuration and design of the next version of Hemsfile creating an even more solid basis for research and quality improvement. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13049-019-0615-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Alstrup
- Research and Development, Pre-hospital Emergency Medical Services, Central Denmark Region, Olof Palmes Allé 34, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark.
| | - Jens Aage Kølsen Petersen
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,The Danish Air Ambulance, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Barfod
- The Danish Air Ambulance, Aarhus, Denmark.,Emergency Medical Services, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Knudsen
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,The Danish Air Ambulance, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Leif Rognås
- Research and Development, Pre-hospital Emergency Medical Services, Central Denmark Region, Olof Palmes Allé 34, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark.,Department of Anaesthesiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,The Danish Air Ambulance, Aarhus, Denmark
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What is the impact of physicians in prehospital treatment for patients in need of acute critical care? - An overview of reviews. Int J Technol Assess Health Care 2019; 35:27-35. [PMID: 30722802 DOI: 10.1017/s0266462318003616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this overview was to systematically identify and synthesize existing evidence from systematic reviews on the impact of prehospital physician involvement. METHODS The Medline, Embase, and Cochrane library were searched from 1 January 2000 to 17 November 2017. We included systematic reviews comparing physician-based with non-physician-based prehospital treatment in patients with one of five critical conditions requiring a rapid response. RESULTS Ten reviews published from 2009 to 2017 were included. Physician treatment was associated with increased survival in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and patients with severe trauma; in the latter group, the result was based on more limited evidence. The success rate of prehospital endotracheal intubation (ETI) has improved over the years, but ETI by physicians is still associated with higher success rates than intubation by paramedics. In patients with severe traumatic brain injury, intubation by paramedics who were not well skilled to do so markedly increased mortality. CONCLUSIONS Current evidence is hinting at a benefit of physicians in selected aspects of prehospital emergency services, including treatment of patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and critically ill or injured patients in need of prehospital intubation. Evidence is, however, limited by confounding and bias, and comparison is hampered by differences in case mix and the organization of emergency medical services. Future research should strive to design studies that enable appropriate control of baseline confounding and obtain follow-up data for the proportion of patients who die in the prehospital setting.
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Haugland H, Uleberg O, Klepstad P, Krüger A, Rehn M. Quality measurement in physician-staffed emergency medical services: a systematic literature review. Int J Qual Health Care 2019; 31:2-10. [PMID: 29767795 PMCID: PMC6387994 DOI: 10.1093/intqhc/mzy106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Quality measurement of physician-staffed emergency medical services (P-EMS) is necessary to improve service quality. Knowledge and consensus on this topic are scarce, making quality measurement of P-EMS a high-priority research area. The aim of this review was to identify, describe and evaluate studies of quality measurement in P-EMS. DATA SOURCES The databases of MEDLINE and Embase were searched initially, followed by a search for included article citations in Scopus. STUDY SELECTION The study eligibility criteria were: (1) articles describing the use of one quality indicator (QI) or more in P-EMS, (2) original manuscripts, (3) articles published from 1 January 1968 until 5 October 2016. The literature search identified 4699 records. 4543 were excluded after reviewing title and abstract. An additional 129 were excluded based on a full-text review. The remaining 27 papers were included in the analysis. Methodological quality was assessed using an adapted critical appraisal tool. DATA EXTRACTION The description of used QIs and methods of quality measurement was extracted. Variables describing the involved P-EMSs were extracted as well. RESULTS OF DATA SYNTHESIS In the included papers, a common understanding of which QIs to use in P-EMS did not exist. Fifteen papers used only a single QI. The most widely used QIs were 'Adherence to medical protocols', 'Provision of advanced interventions', 'Response time' and 'Adverse events'. CONCLUSION The review demonstrated a lack of shared understanding of which QIs to use in P-EMS. Moreover, papers using only one QI dominated the literature, thus increasing the risk of a narrow perspective in quality measurement. Future quality measurement in P-EMS should rely on a set of consensus-based QIs, ensuring a comprehensive approach to quality measurement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helge Haugland
- Department of Research and Development, Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Drøbak, Norway
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Pre-Hospital Services, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Medical Faculty, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Oddvar Uleberg
- Department of Research and Development, Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Drøbak, Norway
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Pre-Hospital Services, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Medical Faculty, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Pål Klepstad
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Medical Faculty, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, St. Olav University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Andreas Krüger
- Department of Research and Development, Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Drøbak, Norway
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Pre-Hospital Services, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Medical Faculty, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Marius Rehn
- Department of Research and Development, Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Drøbak, Norway
- Department of Health Studies, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
- Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Department of Anaesthesia, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Meghoo CA, Gaievskyi S, Linchevskyy O, Oommen B, Stetsenko K. Prehospital response to respiratory distress by the public ambulance system in a Ukrainian city. World J Emerg Med 2019; 10:42-45. [PMID: 30598717 DOI: 10.5847/wjem.j.1920-8642.2019.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The capability of the public ambulance system in Ukraine to address urgent medical complaints in a prehospital environment is unknown. Evaluation using reliable sources of patient data is needed to provide insight into current treatments and outcomes. METHODS We obtained access to de-identified computer records from the emergency medical services (EMS) dispatch center in Poltava, a medium-sized city in central Ukraine. Covering a five-month period, we retrieved data for urgent calls with a patient complaint of respiratory distress. We evaluated ambulance response and treatment times, field diagnoses, and patient disposition, and analyzed factors related to fatal outcomes. RESULTS Over the five-month period of the study, 2,029 urgent calls for respiratory distress were made to the Poltava EMS dispatch center. A physician-led ambulance typically responded within 10 minutes. Seventy-seven percent of patients were treated and released, twenty percent were taken to hospital, and three percent died in the prehospital phase. On univariate analysis, age over 60 and altered mental status at the time of the call were strongly associated with a fatal outcome. CONCLUSION The EMS dispatch center in a medium-sized city in Ukraine has adequate organizational infrastructure to ensure that a physician-led public ambulance responds rapidly to complaints of respiratory distress. That EMS system was able to manage most patients without requiring hospital admission. However, a prehospital fatality rate of three percent suggests that further research is warranted to determine training, equipment, or procedural needs of the public ambulance system to manage urgent medical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Bindhu Oommen
- Hunt Regional Medical Center, Greenville, Texas, USA
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Jaklič TK, Kovač J, Maletič M, Bunc KT. Analysis of Patient Satisfaction with Emergency Medical Services. Open Med (Wars) 2018; 13:493-502. [PMID: 30426087 PMCID: PMC6227734 DOI: 10.1515/med-2018-0073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study analyses the degree of patient satisfaction regarding the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) by taking into account the waiting time which is considered to be associated with the success of the EMS organizational model. Methodology Between 1 Jan 2016 and 31 March 2016 a cross-sectional research study among visitors of the EMS clinics in the EMS of the Primary Health Services of Gorenjska was performed. The EUROPEP survey was used for rating the degree of patient satisfaction. Statistical methods were utilized to determine the differences among the studied variables, namely the t test, one way ANOVA, as well as post-hoc multiple comparisons, were used. Results Nearly all questions associated with the patient survey scored higher than 4.0, indicating patients were generally very satisfied with EMS treatment. Patients were least satisfied with the length of time spent waiting for an examination. The results showed that the waiting time is a statistically significant factor concerning all four dimensions of patient satisfaction: medical staff, clinical facilities, clinical equipment and organization of services (p < 0.05). Conclusions Research results have confirmed that the effectiveness of the EMS organizational model impacts on the degree of patient satisfaction. The research also revealed a deficiency in the current EMS organizational services at the prehospital level, given that triage frequently failed to be carried out upon a patient’s arrival at the EMS clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Kitić Jaklič
- Primary Health Care Gorenjska, Health Centre Kranj, Gosposvetska ulica 10, 4000 Kranj, Slovenia
| | - Jure Kovač
- University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Kidričeva cesta 55a, 4000 Kranj, Slovenia
| | - Matjaž Maletič
- University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Kidričeva cesta 55a, 4000 Kranj, Slovenia
| | - Ksenija Tušek Bunc
- University of Maribor, Faculty of Medicine, Taborska ulica 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
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Samdal M, Haugland HH, Fjeldet C, Rehn M, Sandberg M. Static Rope Evacuation by Helicopter Emergency Medical Services in Rescue Operations in Southeast Norway. Wilderness Environ Med 2018; 29:315-324. [PMID: 29908723 DOI: 10.1016/j.wem.2018.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2017] [Revised: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Physician-staffed helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) in Norway are an adjunct to existing search and rescue services. Our aims were to study the epidemiological, operational, and medical aspects of HEMS daylight static rope operations performed in the southeastern part of the country and to examine several quality dimensions that are characteristic of this service. METHODS We reviewed the static rope operations performed at 3 HEMS bases during a 3-y period and applied a set of quality indicators designed for physician-staffed emergency medical services to evaluate the quality of care. Data are presented as medians with quartiles, except National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) scores, which are presented as mean (SD). RESULTS Fifty-nine static rope operations were identified, involving 60 patients. Median (quartiles) age was 43 (27-55) y. Median (quartiles) take-off time was 9 (5-13) min. Trauma-related injuries were found in 48 patients. The main conditions were lower limb injuries, found in 32 patients. Ten patients experienced medical conditions. Mean (SD) NACA score was 3.3 (1.3). A potential or actual life-threatening diagnosis (NACA score: 4-6) was reported among 15 patients. The main interventions were intravenous lines (19 patients), analgesics (17), and oxygen treatment (14). Four patients were intubated, and 1 thoracostomy was performed. CONCLUSIONS Static rope operations are rarely performed. The quality indicators suggest that the service is safe, available, and equitable. Its main benefit seems to be evacuation and the maintenance of readiness before rapid transport of the physician to the scene or the patient to the hospital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Samdal
- Department of Research, Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Drøbak (Drs Samdal, Haugland, and Rehn); Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Department of Anesthesiology (Drs Samdal and Rehn).
| | - Helge H Haugland
- Department of Research, Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Drøbak (Drs Samdal, Haugland, and Rehn); Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, St. Olav's University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway (Dr Haugland)
| | - Cato Fjeldet
- Norwegian Air Ambulance, Evenes, Norway (Mr Fjeldet)
| | - Marius Rehn
- Department of Research, Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Drøbak (Drs Samdal, Haugland, and Rehn); Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Department of Anesthesiology (Drs Samdal and Rehn); Department of Health Studies, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway (Dr Rehn)
| | - Mårten Sandberg
- Air Ambulance Department, Prehospital Clinic (Dr Sandberg), Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (Dr Sandberg)
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The care administered on air ambulances has become increasing complex. This has led to a discussion among experts as to whether air ambulance travel should be manned by physicians. This review provides evidence in support of anaesthesiologists being the physician-leaders in air ambulance medicine, because of their training in advanced airway management, critical care, and resuscitation. RECENT FINDINGS Successful prehospital care requires the ability to perform a complex set of advanced diagnostics and interventions. These include airway management, haemorrhage control, pain management, point-of-care diagnostics, complex interfacility transport, and advanced interventions. This skill set closely mirrors the training and expertise of anaesthesiologists. SUMMARY There are few studies investigating the specific benefit of anaesthesiologists in air ambulance medicine. However, current evidence indicates that their presence does improve patient care and safety. Future studies on this topic should use evidence-based quality indicators and standardized data sets to seek answers to optimal staffing of air ambulance teams.
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Ellensen EN, Naess H, Wisborg T, Hunskaar S, Zakariassen E. Stroke identification by criteria based dispatch - a register based study. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 2018; 62:105-115. [PMID: 29105736 PMCID: PMC5725681 DOI: 10.1111/aas.13032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rapid and precise dispatch of resources is a key element in pre-hospital emergency medicine. Emergency medical communication centres (EMCCs) dispatch resources based on protocols and guidelines, balancing the acute need of the individual and the resource allocation of the pre-hospital emergency medical system. The aim of this study was to determine the validity of stroke identification by the Norwegian dispatch guidelines. METHOD AND MATERIAL This was a register-based study where patients suspected for stroke were compared to those with the final diagnosis of stroke as an indicator group for the guideline validation. One EMCC and its three associated hospitals participated with 13 months of data. Four subcodes of the stroke dispatch code were defined as suspicious of stroke and further analysed. Factors associated with stroke identification were explored. RESULTS The sensitivity for identifying a stroke patient at initial EMCC contact was 57.9% (51.5, 64.1), specificity was 99.1% (98.9, 99.2), positive predictive value was 45.7% (40.1, 51.4) and negative predictive value was 99.4% (99.3, 99.5). The emergency medical access telephone (113) was initial EMCC contact line in only 48% of the cases. Paralyses and admittance to a smaller hospital were associated with increased probability for stroke (OR 2.6, P = 0.001 and OR 2.7, P = 0.01), respectively. CONCLUSION The sensitivity for identification of stroke patients by the dispatch guidelines is modest, while the specificity is high. The 113 telephone line was initial EMCC access point for less than half of the stroke patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. N. Ellensen
- Department of Research; Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation; Drøbak Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care; University of Bergen; Bergen Norway
| | - H. Naess
- Department of Neurology; Haukeland University Hospital; Bergen Norway
- Centre for Age-Related Medicine; Stavanger University Hospital; Stavanger Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine; University of Bergen; Bergen Norway
| | - T. Wisborg
- Faculty of Health Sciences; Anaesthesia and Critical Care Research Group; University of Tromsø; Tromsø Norway
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Trauma; Oslo University Hospital; Oslo Norway
| | - S. Hunskaar
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care; University of Bergen; Bergen Norway
- National Centre for Emergency Primary Health Care; Uni Research Health; Bergen Norway
| | - E. Zakariassen
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care; University of Bergen; Bergen Norway
- National Centre for Emergency Primary Health Care; Uni Research Health; Bergen Norway
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