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Villani M, Nehme E, Cox S, Anderson D, Reinders N, Nehme Z. Outcomes of adult patients discharged at scene by emergency medical services. Emerg Med J 2024:emermed-2023-213777. [PMID: 38886060 DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2023-213777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The outcomes of patients who call an ambulance but are discharged at scene reflect the safety and quality of emergency medical service (EMS) care. While previous studies have examined the outcomes of patients discharged at scene, none have specifically focused on paramedic-initiated discharge. This study aims to describe the outcomes of adult patients discharged at scene by paramedics and identify factors associated with 72-hour outcomes. METHODS This was a retrospective data linkage study on consecutive adult EMS patients discharged at scene by paramedics in Victoria, Australia, between 1 January 2015 and 30 June 2019. Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate factors associated with EMS recontact, ED presentation, hospital admission and serious adverse events (death, cardiac arrest, category 1 triage or intensive care unit admission) within 72 hours of the initial emergency call. RESULTS There were 375 758 cases of adults discharged at scene following EMS attendance, of which 222 571 (59.2%) were paramedic-initiated decisions. Of these, 6.8% recontacted EMS, 5.0% presented to ED, 2.4% were admitted to hospital and 0.3% had a serious adverse event in the following 72 hours. The odds of EMS recontact were increased in cases related to mental health (adjusted OR (AOR) 1.41 (95% CI 1.33 to 1.49)), among low-income government concession holders (AOR 1.61 (95% CI 1.55 to 1.67)) and in areas of low socioeconomic advantage (AOR 1.19 (95% CI 1.13 to 1.25)). The odds of hospital admission were increased in cases related to infection (AOR 3.14 (95% CI 2.80 to 3.52)) and pain (AOR 1.93 (95% CI 1.75 to 2.14)). The strongest driver of serious adverse events was an abnormal vital sign (AOR 4.81 (95% CI 3.87 to 5.98)). CONCLUSION The occurrence of hospital admission and adverse events is rare in those discharged at scene, suggesting generally safe decision-making. However, increased attention to elderly, multimorbid patients or patients with infection and pain is recommended, as is further research examining the use of tools to aid paramedic recognition of potential for deterioration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Villani
- Research and Evaluation, Ambulance Victoria, Blackburn North, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emily Nehme
- Research and Evaluation, Ambulance Victoria, Blackburn North, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shelley Cox
- Research and Evaluation, Ambulance Victoria, Blackburn North, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Anderson
- Research and Evaluation, Ambulance Victoria, Blackburn North, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Intensive Care and Hyperbaric Medicine, Alfred Health, Prahran, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicola Reinders
- Research and Evaluation, Ambulance Victoria, Blackburn North, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ziad Nehme
- Research and Evaluation, Ambulance Victoria, Blackburn North, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Larsson G, Larsson S, Strand V, Magnusson C, Andersson Hagiwara M. Pediatric trauma patients in Swedish ambulance services -a retrospective observational study of assessments, interventions, and clinical outcomes. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2024; 32:51. [PMID: 38840226 PMCID: PMC11151517 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-024-01222-0] [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: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric trauma patients constitute a significant portion of the trauma population treated by Swedish Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and trauma remains a notable cause of death among Swedish children. Previous research has identified potential challenges in prehospital assessments and interventions for pediatric patients. In Sweden, there is limited information available regarding pediatric trauma patients in the EMS. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of pediatric trauma patients within the Swedish EMS and describe the prehospital assessments, interventions, and clinical outcomes. METHODS This retrospective observational study was conducted in a region of Southwestern Sweden. A random sample from ambulance and hospital records from the year 2019 was selected. Inclusion criteria were children aged 0-16 years who were involved in trauma and assessed by EMS clinicians. RESULTS A total of 440 children were included in the study, representing 8.4% of the overall trauma cases. The median age was 9 years (IQR 3-12), and 60.5% were male. The leading causes of injury were low (34.8%) and high energy falls (21%), followed by traffic accidents. The children were assessed as severely injured in 4.5% of cases. A quarter of the children remained at the scene after assessment. Complete vital signs were assessed in 29.3% of children, and 81.8% of children were assessed according to the ABCDE structure. The most common intervention performed by prehospital professionals was the administration of medication. The mortality rate was 0.2%. CONCLUSIONS Pediatric trauma cases accounted for 8.4% of the overall trauma population with a variations in injury mechanisms and types. Vital sign assessments were incomplete for a significant proportion of children. The adherence to the ABCDE structure, however, was higher. The children remained at the scene after assessment requires further investigation for patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn Larsson
- Centre for Prehospital Research, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, SE-501 90, Sweden
- Department of Prehospital Emergency Care, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- PICTA, Prehospital Innovation arena, Lindholmen Science Park, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sanna Larsson
- Centre for Prehospital Research, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, SE-501 90, Sweden
| | - Viktoria Strand
- Centre for Prehospital Research, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, SE-501 90, Sweden
| | - Carl Magnusson
- Centre for Prehospital Research, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, SE-501 90, Sweden
- Department of Prehospital Emergency Care, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Magnus Andersson Hagiwara
- Centre for Prehospital Research, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, SE-501 90, Sweden.
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Kuoppala A, Skaffari E, Iirola T, Nordquist H. The experiences of patients not conveyed after evaluation by emergency medical services in Southwest Finland - A qualitative survey study. Australas Emerg Care 2024:S2588-994X(24)00037-X. [PMID: 38789346 DOI: 10.1016/j.auec.2024.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The amount of non-critical Emergency Medical Services missions has been increasing. After examination and treatment, paramedics can decide, based on guidelines, not to convey the patient to a healthcare facility. This study aimed to investigate patients' experiences in non-conveyance situations in Southwest Finland. Our research questions were: 1) Which patient concerns were not addressed? 2) What key actions improved patient comfort? and 3) What possible enhancements could make the patient experience more positive? METHODS This was a qualitative survey study. In March 2023, all the patients who met the inclusion criteria (N = 1017) received a survey via mail. The data from three open-ended questions were analyzed using inductive content analysis. RESULTS The response rate was 22.2 % (n = 226). The unaddressed patient concerns were related to inadequate immediate care and guidance and non-clinical factors causing concern. Key actions for improved patient comfort were related to immediate treatment and guidance, as well as non-clinical factors that impact the patient experience. More thorough treatment processes and more attentive encounters would have enhanced the patient experience. CONCLUSIONS Predominantly, patients reported having received excellent services. Utilizing paramedics' soft skills and keeping the patient as the central focus is key to improving the non-conveyance process and experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Kuoppala
- Med Group Ensihoitopalvelu Oy, Emergency Medical Services, Southwest Finland, Teollisuuskuja 8, Lieto FI-21420, Finland
| | - Eetu Skaffari
- Centre for Prehospital Emergency Care, Emergency Medical Services, Wellbeing Services County of Pirkanmaa, Satakunnankatu 16, Tampere FI-33100, Finland
| | - Timo Iirola
- Emergency Medical Services, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, PO Box 52, Turku FI-20521, Finland
| | - Hilla Nordquist
- South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, Department of Healthcare and Emergency Care, Pääskysentie 1, Kotka FI-48220, Finland.
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Farhat H, Makhlouf A, Gangaram P, El Aifa K, Howland I, Babay Ep Rekik F, Abid C, Khenissi MC, Castle N, Al-Shaikh L, Khadhraoui M, Gargouri I, Laughton J, Alinier G. Predictive modelling of transport decisions and resources optimisation in pre-hospital setting using machine learning techniques. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301472. [PMID: 38701064 PMCID: PMC11068197 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301472] [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: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global evolution of pre-hospital care systems faces dynamic challenges, particularly in multinational settings. Machine learning (ML) techniques enable the exploration of deeply embedded data patterns for improved patient care and resource optimisation. This study's objective was to accurately predict cases that necessitated transportation versus those that did not, using ML techniques, thereby facilitating efficient resource allocation. METHODS ML algorithms were utilised to predict patient transport decisions in a Middle Eastern national pre-hospital emergency medical care provider. A comprehensive dataset comprising 93,712 emergency calls from the 999-call centre was analysed using R programming language. Demographic and clinical variables were incorporated to enhance predictive accuracy. Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost) algorithms were trained and validated. RESULTS All the trained algorithm models, particularly XGBoost (Accuracy = 83.1%), correctly predicted patients' transportation decisions. Further, they indicated statistically significant patterns that could be leveraged for targeted resource deployment. Moreover, the specificity rates were high; 97.96% in RF and 95.39% in XGBoost, minimising the incidence of incorrectly identified "Transported" cases (False Positive). CONCLUSION The study identified the transformative potential of ML algorithms in enhancing the quality of pre-hospital care in Qatar. The high predictive accuracy of the employed models suggested actionable avenues for day and time-specific resource planning and patient triaging, thereby having potential to contribute to pre-hospital quality, safety, and value improvement. These findings pave the way for more nuanced, data-driven quality improvement interventions with significant implications for future operational strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Farhat
- Ambulance Service, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine “Ibn El Jazzar”, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Ahmed Makhlouf
- Ambulance Service, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- College of Engineering, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Padarath Gangaram
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Ian Howland
- Ambulance Service, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Cyrine Abid
- Laboratory of Screening Cellular and Molecular Process, Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | | | | | - Loua Al-Shaikh
- Ambulance Service, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Moncef Khadhraoui
- Higher Institute of Biotechnology, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Imed Gargouri
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - James Laughton
- Ambulance Service, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Guillaume Alinier
- Ambulance Service, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
- Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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Noble AJ, Morris B, Dixon P, Mathieson A, Ridsdale L, Morgan M, Dickson J, Goodacre S, Jackson M, Hughes D, Marson A, Holmes E. Service users' preferences and feasibility - which alternative care pathway for adult ambulance users achieves the optimal balance? Workshops for the COLLABORATE project. Seizure 2024; 118:17-27. [PMID: 38613878 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2024.04.010] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adults presenting to the ambulance service for diagnosed epilepsy are often transported to emergency departments (EDs) despite no clinical need. An alternative care pathway (CP) could allow paramedics to divert them from ED and instigate ambulatory care improvements. To identify the most promising CP configuration for subsequent testing, the COLLABORATE project surveyed people with epilepsy and family/friends who had recently used the English ambulance service to elicit preferences for 288 CP configurations for different seizures. This allowed CPs to be ranked according to alignment with service users' preferences. However, as well as being acceptable to users, a CP must be feasible. We thus engaged with paramedics, epilepsy specialists and commissioners to identify the optimal configuration. METHODS Three Knowledge Exchange workshops completed. Participants considered COLLABORATE's evidence on service users' preferences for the different configurations. Nominal group techniques elicited views on the feasibility of users' preferences according to APEASE criteria. Workshop groups specified the configuration/s considered optimum. Qualitative data was analysed thematically. Utility to users of the specified CP configurations estimated using the COLLABORATE preference survey data. RESULTS Twenty-seven participants found service users' preferences broadly feasible and outlined delivery recommendations. They identified enough commonality in preferences for different seizures to propose a single CP. Its configuration comprised: 1) patients staying where they were; 2) paramedics having access to medical records; 3) care episodes lasting <6 h; 4) paramedics receiving specialist advice on the day; 5) patient's GP being notified; and 6) a follow-up appointment being arranged with an epilepsy specialist. Preference data indicated higher utility for this configuration compared to current care. DISCUSSION Stakeholders are of the view that the CP configuration favoured by service users could be NHS feasible. It should be developed and evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Noble
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Beth Morris
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Pete Dixon
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Amy Mathieson
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK; Centre for Primary Care and Health Services Research, University of Manchester, UK
| | - Leone Ridsdale
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Myfanwy Morgan
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, UK
| | - Jon Dickson
- Academic Unit of Primary Medical Care, University of Sheffield, UK
| | - Steve Goodacre
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, UK
| | - Mike Jackson
- North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Bolton, UK
| | - Dyfrig Hughes
- Centre for Health Economics & Medicines Evaluation, North Wales Medical School, Bangor University, UK; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Anthony Marson
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Emily Holmes
- Centre for Health Economics & Medicines Evaluation, North Wales Medical School, Bangor University, UK; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, UK
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Holmes E, Dixon P, Mathieson A, Ridsdale L, Morgan M, McKinlay A, Dickson J, Goodacre S, Jackson M, Foster D, Hardman K, Bell S, Marson A, Hughes D, Noble AJ. Developing an alternative care pathway for emergency ambulance responses for adults with epilepsy: A Discrete Choice Experiment to understand which configuration service users prefer. Part of the COLLABORATE project. Seizure 2024; 118:28-37. [PMID: 38615478 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2024.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To identify service users' preferences for an alternative care pathway for adults with epilepsy presenting to the ambulance service. METHODS Extensive formative work (qualitative, survey and knowledge exchange) informed the design of a stated preference discrete choice experiment (DCE). This hypothetical survey was hosted online and consisted of 12 binary choices of alternative care pathways described in terms of: the paramedic's access to medical records/ 'care plan', what happens next (described in terms of conveyance), time, availability of epilepsy specialists today, general practitioner (GP) notification and future contact with epilepsy specialists. DCE scenarios were described as: (i) typical seizure at home. (ii) typical seizure in public, (iii) atypical seizure. Respondents were recruited by a regional English ambulance service and by national public adverts. Participants were randomised to complete 2 of the 3 DCEs. RESULTS People with epilepsy (PWE; n = 427) and friends/family (n = 167) who completed the survey were representative of the target population. PWE preferred paramedics to have access to medical records, non-conveyance, to avoid lengthy episodes of care, availability of epilepsy specialists today, GP notification, and contact with epilepsy specialists within 2-3 weeks. Significant others (close family members or friends) preferred PWE experiencing an atypical seizure to be conveyed to an Urgent Treatment Centre and preferred shorter times. Optimal configuration of services from service users' perspective far out ranked current practice (rank 230/288 possible configurations). DISCUSSION Preferences differ to current practice but have minimal variation by seizure type or stakeholder. Further work on feasibility of these pathways in England, and potentially beyond, is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Holmes
- Centre for Health Economics & Medicines Evaluation, North Wales Medical School, Bangor University, UK; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Pete Dixon
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Amy Mathieson
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK; Centre for Primary Care and Health Services Research, University of Manchester, UK
| | - Leone Ridsdale
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Myfanwy Morgan
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, UK
| | - Alison McKinlay
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; Centre for Behaviour Change, Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, UK
| | - Jon Dickson
- Academic Unit of Primary Medical Care, University of Sheffield, UK
| | - Steve Goodacre
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, UK
| | - Mike Jackson
- North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Bolton, UK
| | | | | | - Steve Bell
- North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Bolton, UK
| | - Anthony Marson
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Dyfrig Hughes
- Centre for Health Economics & Medicines Evaluation, North Wales Medical School, Bangor University, UK; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Adam J Noble
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
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Granlund L, Brännström I, Lindström V. Factors influencing non-conveyance care encounters in the ambulance service, registered nurses experiences - a qualitative study. BMC Nurs 2024; 23:271. [PMID: 38658953 PMCID: PMC11044363 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-024-01899-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a notable variation in the percentage of non-conveyed patients within the ambulance service. Discharging patients at the scene includes a risk of adverse events, and both patients and ambulance clinicians experience the complexity of non-conveyance. Therefore, this study aimed to describe factors influencing the care encounter when care in the ambulance service concludes with non-conveyance. METHOD A qualitative study design employing the critical incident technique for data collection through individual interviews, and a qualitative analysis based on Fridlund et al. descriptions was utilized. The study conforms to the COREQ checklist for reporting qualitative research. RESULTS Fourteen Registered Nurses (RN) described 30 incidents and various factors were identified as influencing the care encounter. The factors included communication, sharing information, maintaining a secure and confident approach, organizational aspects, applying person-centered care in collaboration with the patient, relatives, and other caregivers, and an overall understanding of the patient's entire situation. These factors were integrated into the RNs' decision-making process for non-conveyance. CONCLUSION The decision-making process for non-conveyance by RNs is a multifaceted approach that incorporates several factors. Communication, sharing of information, maintaining a secure and confident approach, organizational aspects, applying person-centered care in collaboration with the patient, relatives, and other caregivers, and a comprehensive understanding of the patient's entire situation. These findings have the potential to contribute to the development of guidelines supporting the RNs working in the ambulance service in their decisions regarding non-conveyance. Further research is needed on the patient's and relatives' perspective on non-conveyance otherwise, patient participation and partnership in person-centered care are not possible to achieve.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Granlund
- Department of Ambulance Service, Region Västerbotten, Umeå, Sweden
| | - I Brännström
- Department of Ambulance Service, Region Västerbotten, Umeå, Sweden
| | - V Lindström
- Department of Nursing, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
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Strandås M, Vizcaya-Moreno MF, Ingstad K, Sepp J, Linnik L, Vaismoradi M. An Integrative Systematic Review of Promoting Patient Safety Within Prehospital Emergency Medical Services by Paramedics: A Role Theory Perspective. J Multidiscip Healthc 2024; 17:1385-1400. [PMID: 38560485 PMCID: PMC10981423 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s460194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Timely and effective prehospital care significantly impacts patient outcomes. Paramedics, as the frontline providers of emergency medical services, are entrusted with a range of critical responsibilities aimed at safeguarding the well-being of patients from the moment they initiate contact in the out-of-hospital environment to the time of handover at healthcare facilities. This study aimed to understand the multifaceted roles of paramedics in promoting patient safety within the context of prehospital emergency medical services. A systematic review with an integrative approach using the Whittemore and Knafl's framework was performed examining qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research, then conducting data assessment, quality appraisal, and narrative research synthesis. Literature search encompassed PubMed (including MEDLINE), Scopus, Cinahl, ProQuest, Web of Science, and EMBASE, with the aim of retrieving studies published in English in the last decade from 2013 to 2023. To conceptualize the roles of paramedics in ensuring patient safety, the review findings were reflected to and analyzed through the role theory. The preliminary exploration of the database yielded 2397 studies, ultimately narrowing down to a final selection of 16 studies for in-depth data analysis and research synthesis. The review findings explored facilitators and obstacles faced by paramedics in maintaining patient safety in terms of role ambiguity, role conflict, role overload, role identity, and role insufficiency in the dynamic nature of prehospital care. It also highlighted the diverse roles of paramedics in ensuring patient safety, which encompassed effective communication and decision making for the appropriate management of life-threatening emergencies. The effectiveness of paramedics in playing their roles in promoting patient safety relies on acknowledging the contributions of paramedics to the culture of patient safety; training and educational initiatives focused on enhancing their decision-making abilities and both their non-technical and technical competencies; developing relevant guidelines and protocols; improving collaboration between paramedics and other healthcare peers; optimizing environmental conditions and equipment; fostering a supportive work environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Strandås
- Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| | | | - Kari Ingstad
- Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Nord University, Levanger, Norway
| | - Jaana Sepp
- Tallinn Health Care College, Academic and International Affairs Office, Tallin, Estonia
| | - Ljudmila Linnik
- Tallinn Health Care College, Academic and International Affairs Office, Tallin, Estonia
| | - Mojtaba Vaismoradi
- Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
- Faculty of Science and Health, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW, Australia
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Delardes B, Nehme E, Bowles KA, Chakraborty S, Cox S, Smith K. Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients Referred to a General Practitioner by Victorian Paramedics. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38451214 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2024.2326601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Many patients who are attended by paramedics do not require conveyance to an emergency department (ED). Our study focuses on comparing the characteristics and outcomes of patients who were advised to follow up with a general practitioner (GP) by an attending paramedic with those of patients who were discharged at scene or transported to hospital. METHODS This was a retrospective data linkage cohort study of ambulance, ED, hospital admission, and death records for all adults attended by paramedics in Victoria, Australia between the 1st of January 2015 and 30th of June 2019. Patients were excluded if they presented in cardiac arrest, resided in a residential aged care facility, or were receiving palliative care services. Outcomes of interest included reattendance by ambulance, ED presentation; and, a high acuity outcome which we defined as a patient who (1) presented to ED and received an Australasian Triage Scale of category 1 (Resuscitation) or 2 (Emergency) AND was admitted to a ward OR (2) was admitted to an Intensive Care Unit, Coronary Care Unit or Catheter laboratory (regardless of triage category) OR (3) died. Outcomes of interest were considered within 48-h of initial EMS attendance. RESULTS A total of 1,777,950 cases were included in the study of which 3.1% were referred to a GP, 9.0% were discharged at scene without a follow-up recommendation, and 87.9% were transported to hospital. Patients referred to a GP were more likely than those discharged at scene to subsequently present to an ED within 48 h of their attendance (5.3% vs 3.8%). However, GP referral was not associated with any change to high acuity outcome (0.3% vs 0.2%) or ambulance reattendance (6.0% vs 6.0%) compared to discharge at scene. The only factors that were associated with ambulance reattendance, ED presentation, and a high acuity outcome were male gender and elevated temperature. CONCLUSIONS Despite increasing low and medium-acuity casework in this EMS system, paramedic referral to a GP is not common practice. Referring a patient to a GP did not reduce the likelihood of patients experiencing a high acuity outcome or recalling an ambulance within 48 h, suggesting opportunity exists to refine paramedic to GP referral practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda Delardes
- The Centre for Research and Evaluation, Ambulance Victoria, Doncaster, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paramedicine, Monash University, Frankston, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emily Nehme
- The Centre for Research and Evaluation, Ambulance Victoria, Doncaster, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kelly-Ann Bowles
- Department of Paramedicine, Monash University, Frankston, Victoria, Australia
| | - Samantha Chakraborty
- Department of General Practice, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shelley Cox
- The Centre for Research and Evaluation, Ambulance Victoria, Doncaster, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karen Smith
- Department of Paramedicine, Monash University, Frankston, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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Skaffari E, Iirola T, Nordquist H. Patient experience of non-conveyance in the EMS of Southwest Finland: a descriptive survey study. BMC Emerg Med 2024; 24:42. [PMID: 38475735 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-024-00961-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergency Medical Services are dispatched more frequently than before. However, many non-urgent patients do not need ambulance transportation to a healthcare facility after evaluation and treatment on scene. This study explored the experiences of non-conveyed patients. Our research questions were: (1) How have non-conveyed patients experienced the service received from EMS? (2) Does a patient's age, gender, or time of the emergency call impact the patient's experience? METHODS This descriptive survey study examined non-conveyed Emergency Medical Services patients in the Wellbeing Services County of Southwest Finland. The study period was from March 1, 2023, to March 31, 2023. The study population was 1017. They received a questionnaire that was sent by mail. The questionnaire was formed based on questions previously used in four different questionnaires. We received 247 answers (24.3% response rate). Percentages, medians with interquartile ranges, and non-parametric tests were used in the descriptive analyses. RESULTS Non-conveyed patients were very satisfied with the paramedics' expertise and behavior, their ability to meet their individual needs, the sense of safety provided by the paramedics, and the instructions given to the patients. Time to receive help (19% rated 3 or less on a scale from 1 to 5), how paramedics introduced themselves (16.5%), and satisfaction with non-conveyance decisions (14.6%) were more frequently rated lower than other areas. Further, pain management stood out in the less favorable evaluations. Still, patients' experiences of the service were positive. The age group, gender, or time of the emergency call were not associated with patient experience. CONCLUSIONS Patients were very satisfied with the paramedics' interpersonal skills. A more focused approach to pain management and developing EMS to ensure faster patient outreach and clearer explanations of non-conveyance decisions could further enhance the patient experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eetu Skaffari
- Centre for Prehospital Emergency Care, Emergency Medical Services, Wellbeing Services County of Pirkanmaa, Satakunnankatu 16, FI-33100, Tampere, Finland
| | - Timo Iirola
- Emergency Medical Services, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, FI-20521, Turku, PO Box 52, Finland
| | - Hilla Nordquist
- Department of Healthcare and Emergency Care, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, Pääskysentie 1, FI-48220, Kotka, Finland.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Older patients are often vulnerable and highly dependent on healthcare professionals' assessment in the event of acute illness. In the context of ambulance services, this poses challenges as the assessment is normally conducted with a focus on identifying life-threatening conditions. Such assessment is not fully satisfactory in a patient relationship that also aims to promote and protect patient autonomy. AIM To describe ambulance clinicians' understanding of older patients' self-determination when the patient's decision-making ability is impaired. RESEARCH DESIGN A qualitative design with an inductive approach, guided by descriptive phenomenology. PARTICIPANTS In total, 30 ambulance clinicians, comprised of 25 prehospital emergency nurses, 1 nurse and 4 emergency medical technicians participated in 15 dyadic interviews. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS The research was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, and permission was granted by the Swedish Ethical Review Authority. FINDINGS The findings are presented in two themes: (1) Movement between explicit and implicit will; and (2) Contradictions about the patient's best interests. The clinicians' interpretations are based on an understanding of the patient's situation using substitute decision-making in emergency situations and conversations that reveal the patient's explicit wishes. Sometimes the clinicians collaborate to validate the patient's implicit will, while they at other times subordinate themselves to others' opinions. The clinicians find themselves in conflict between personal values and organisational values as they try to protect the patient's self-determination. CONCLUSION The results indicate that older patients with an impaired decision-making ability risk losing the right to self-determination in the context of ambulance services. The clinicians face challenges that significantly affect their ability to handle the older patient's unique needs based on a holistic perspective and their ability to be autonomous.
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Mohd Hassan NZA, Bahari MS, Raman S, Aminuddin F, Mohd Nor Sham Kunusagaran MSJ, Zaimi NA, Wong MF, Mostapha M, Mohamad Nor AT, Shahari MR. Modelling cost-effectiveness of replacement strategies for ambulance services in the Ministry of Health Malaysia. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:168. [PMID: 38321452 PMCID: PMC10848625 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10557-4] [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: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergency Medical Service (EMS) is a very crucial aspect of the healthcare system in providing urgent management and transportation of patients during emergencies. The sustainability of the services is however greatly impacted by the quality and age of ambulances. While this has led to numerous replacement policy recommendations, the implementations are often limited due to a lack of evidence and financial constraints. This study thus aims to develop a cost-effectiveness model and testing the model by evaluating the cost-effectiveness of 10-year and 15-year compulsory ambulance replacement strategies in public healthcare for the Malaysian Ministry of Health (MOH). METHODS A Markov model was developed to estimate the cost and outcomes ambulance replacement strategies over a period of 20 years. The model was tested using two alternative strategies of 10-year and 15-year. Model inputs were derived from published literature and local study. Model development and economic analysis were accomplished using Microsoft Excel 2016. The outcomes generated were costs per year, the number of missed trips and the number of lives saved, in addition to the Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER). One-Way Deterministic Sensitivity Analysis (DSA) and Probabilistic Sensitivity Analysis (PSA) were conducted to identify the key drivers and to assess the robustness of the model. RESULTS Findings showed that the most expensive strategy, which is the implementation of 10 years replacement strategy was more cost-effective than 15 years ambulance replacement strategy, with an ICER of MYR 11,276.61 per life saved. While an additional MYR 13.0 million would be incurred by switching from a 15- to 10-year replacement strategy, this would result in 1,157 deaths averted or additional live saved per year. Sensitivity analysis showed that the utilization of ambulances and the mortality rate of cases unattended by ambulances were the key drivers for the cost-effectiveness of the replacement strategies. CONCLUSIONS The cost-effectiveness model developed suggests that an ambulance replacement strategy of every 10 years should be considered by the MOH in planning sustainable EMS. While this model may have its own limitation and may require some modifications to suit the local context, it can be used as a guide for future economic evaluations of ambulance replacement strategies and further exploration of alternative solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nor Zam Azihan Mohd Hassan
- Centre of Health Economics Research, Institute for Health Systems Research (IHSR), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ministry of Health Malaysia, Setia Alam, Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
| | - Mohd Shahri Bahari
- Centre of Health Economics Research, Institute for Health Systems Research (IHSR), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ministry of Health Malaysia, Setia Alam, Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Sivaraj Raman
- Centre of Health Economics Research, Institute for Health Systems Research (IHSR), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ministry of Health Malaysia, Setia Alam, Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Farhana Aminuddin
- Centre of Health Economics Research, Institute for Health Systems Research (IHSR), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ministry of Health Malaysia, Setia Alam, Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Shaiful Jefri Mohd Nor Sham Kunusagaran
- Centre of Health Economics Research, Institute for Health Systems Research (IHSR), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ministry of Health Malaysia, Setia Alam, Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Nur Amalina Zaimi
- Centre of Health Economics Research, Institute for Health Systems Research (IHSR), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ministry of Health Malaysia, Setia Alam, Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Min Fui Wong
- Centre of Health Economics Research, Institute for Health Systems Research (IHSR), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ministry of Health Malaysia, Setia Alam, Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Marhaini Mostapha
- Centre of Health Economics Research, Institute for Health Systems Research (IHSR), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ministry of Health Malaysia, Setia Alam, Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
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Noble AJ, Morris B, Bonnett LJ, Reuber M, Mason S, Wright J, Pilbery R, Bell F, Shillito T, Marson AG, Dickson JM. 'Knowledge exchange' workshops to optimise development of a risk prediction tool to assist conveyance decisions for suspected seizures - Part of the Risk of ADverse Outcomes after a Suspected Seizure (RADOSS) project. Epilepsy Behav 2024; 151:109611. [PMID: 38199055 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109611] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Suspected seizures present challenges for ambulance services, with paramedics reporting uncertainty over whether or not to convey individuals to emergency departments. The Risk of ADverse Outcomes after a Suspected Seizure (RADOSS) project aims to address this by developing a risk assessment tool utilizing structured patient care record and dispatch data. It proposes a tool that would provide estimates of an individual's likelihood of death and/or recontact with emergency care within 3 days if conveyed compared to not conveyed, and the likelihood of an 'avoidable attendance' occurring if conveyed. Knowledge Exchange workshops engaged stakeholders to resolve key design uncertainties before model derivation. METHOD Six workshops involved 26 service users and their significant others (epilepsy or nonepileptic attack disorder), and 25 urgent and emergency care clinicians from different English ambulance regions. Utilizing Nominal Group Techniques, participants shared views of the proposed tool, benefits and concerns, suggested predictors, critiqued outcome measures, and expressed functionality preferences. Data were analysed using Hamilton's Rapid Analysis. RESULTS Stakeholders supported tool development, proposing 10 structured variables for predictive testing. Emphasis was placed on the tool supporting, not dictating, care decisions. Participants highlighted some reasons why RADOSS might struggle to derive a predictive model based on structured data alone and suggested some non-structured variables for future testing. Feedback on prediction timeframes for service recontact was received, along with advice on amending the 'avoidable attendance' definition to prevent the tool's predictions being undermined by potential overuse of certain investigations in hospital. CONCLUSION Collaborative stakeholder engagement provided crucial insights that can guide RADOSS to develop a user-aligned, optimized tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Noble
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Beth Morris
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Laura J Bonnett
- Department of Health Data Science, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Markus Reuber
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Suzanne Mason
- Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research, School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | | | - Fiona Bell
- Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Wakefield, UK
| | | | - Anthony G Marson
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jon M Dickson
- Population Health, School of Medicine and Population Health, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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14
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Frank C, Rantala A, Svensson A, Sterner A, Green J, Bremer A, Holmberg B. Ethics rounds in the ambulance service: a qualitative evaluation. BMC Med Ethics 2024; 25:8. [PMID: 38238736 PMCID: PMC10795226 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-024-01002-6] [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: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is a common ethical challenge for ambulance clinicians to care for patients with impaired decision-making capacities while assessing and determining the degree of decision-making ability and considering ethical values. Ambulance clinicians' ethical competence seems to be increasingly important in coping with such varied ethical dilemmas. Ethics rounds is a model designed to promote the development of ethical competence among clinicians. While standard in other contexts, to the best of our knowledge, it has not been applied within the ambulance service context. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe ambulance clinicians' experiences of participating in ethics rounds. METHODS This was a qualitative descriptive study, evaluating an intervention. Data were collected through sixteen interviews with ambulance clinicians who had participated in an intervention involving ethics rounds. The analysis was performed by use of content analysis. RESULTS Two themes describe the participants' experiences: (1) Reflecting freely within a given framework, and (2) Being surprised by new insights. The following categories form the basis of the themes; 1a) Gentle guidance by the facilitator, 1b) A comprehensible structure, 2a) New awareness in the face of ethical problems, and 2b) Shared learning through dialogue. CONCLUSION Incorporating structured ethics rounds seems to create a continuous development in ethical competence that may improve the quality of care in the ambulance service. Structured guidance and facilitated group reflections offer ambulance clinicians opportunities for both personal and professional development. An important prerequisite for the development of ethical competence is a well-educated facilitator. Consequently, this type of ethics rounds may be considered a useful pedagogical model for the development of ethical competence in the ambulance service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catharina Frank
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden.
- Centre of Interprofessional Collaboration within Emergency care (CICE), Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden.
- Department of Health Sciences, Red Cross University College, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Växjö, SE-352 52, Sweden.
| | - Andreas Rantala
- Centre of Interprofessional Collaboration within Emergency care (CICE), Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Ambulance Service, Region Skåne, Helsingborg, Sweden
| | - Anders Svensson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden
- Centre of Interprofessional Collaboration within Emergency care (CICE), Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden
- Department of Ambulance Service, Region Kronoberg, Sweden
| | - Anders Sterner
- Centre of Interprofessional Collaboration within Emergency care (CICE), Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden
- Faculty of Caring Sciences, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
| | - Jessica Green
- Department of Ambulance Services, Region Kalmar County, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Anders Bremer
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden
- Centre of Interprofessional Collaboration within Emergency care (CICE), Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden
| | - Bodil Holmberg
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden
- Centre of Interprofessional Collaboration within Emergency care (CICE), Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden
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15
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Binks F, Hardy A, Wallis LA, Stassen W. The variables predictive of ambulance non-conveyance of patients in the Western Cape, South Africa. Afr J Emerg Med 2023; 13:293-299. [PMID: 37807978 PMCID: PMC10551619 DOI: 10.1016/j.afjem.2023.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Emergency medical service (EMS) resources are limited and should be reserved for incidents of appropriate acuity. Over-triage in dispatching of EMS resources is a global problem. Analysing patients that are not transported to hospital is valuable in contributing to decision-making models/algorithms to better inform dispatching of resources. The aim is to determine variables associated with patients receiving an emergency response but result in non-conveyance to hospital. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed on data for the period October 2018 to September 2019. EMS records were reviewed for instances where a patient received an emergency response but the patient was not transported to hospital. Data were subjected to univariate and multivariate regression analysis to determine variables predictive of non-transport to hospital. Results A total of 245 954 responses were analysed, 240 730 (97.88 %) were patients that were transported to hospital and 5 224 (2.12 %) were not transported. Of all patients that received an emergency response, 203 450 (82.72 %) patients did not receive any medical interventions. Notable variables predictive of non-transport were green (OR 4.33 (95 % CI: 3.55-5.28; p<0.01)) and yellow on-scene (OR 1.95 (95 % CI: 1.60-2.37; p<0.01).Incident types most predictive of non-transport were electrocutions (OR 4.55 (95 % CI: 1.36-15.23; p=0.014)), diabetes (OR 2.978 (95 % CI: 2.10-3.68; p<0.01)), motor vehicle accidents (OR 1.92 (95 % CI: 1.51-2.43; p<0.01)), and unresponsive patients (OR 1.98 (95 % CI: 1.54-2.55; p<0.01)). The highest treatment predictors for non-transport of patients were nebulisation (OR 1.45 (95 % CI: 1.21-1.74; p<0.01)) and the administration of glucose (OR 4.47 (95 % CI: 3.11-6.41; p<0.01)). Conclusion This study provided factors that predict ambulance non-conveyance to hospital. The prediction of patients not transported to hospital may aid in the development of dispatch algorithms that reduce over-triage of patients, on-scene discharge protocols, and treat and refer guidelines in EMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faisal Binks
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | | | - Lee A Wallis
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | - Willem Stassen
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
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16
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Farhat H, Aifa KE, Alinier G, Nashwan A, Gangaram P, Khadhraoui M, Al-Shaikh L, Gargouri I, Laughton J. Understanding patient non-transport decision theories in the pre-hospital setting: a narrative review. Int J Emerg Med 2023; 16:69. [PMID: 37821810 PMCID: PMC10566180 DOI: 10.1186/s12245-023-00528-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In pre-hospital emergency care, decisions regarding patient non-conveyance emerged as significant determinants of healthcare outcomes and resource utilization. These complex decisions became integral to the progress of emergency medical services, thus warranting an evolving exploration within the medical discourse. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS This narrative review aimed to synthesize and critically evaluate various theoretical stances on patient non-conveyance in the pre-hospital emergency. The focus on studies published between January 2012 and August 2022 was intentional to capture contemporary practices and insights. PubMed and Google Scholar served as the primary databases for the investigation, while the AL-Rayyan® software facilitated a thorough screening process. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Twenty-nine studies-encompassing articles, books, and theses-were discovered through our search, each presenting unique perspectives on patient non-transport, thus highlighting its criticality as a healthcare concern. Predominant factors influencing non-transport decisions were classified into patient-initiated refusals (PIR), clinician-initiated decisions (CID), and dispatcher-initiated decisions (DID). CONCLUSIONS The issue of patient non-conveyance to hospitals continues to pose a crucial challenge to the seamless operation of emergency healthcare systems, warranting increased attention from various healthcare entities. To comprehend and pinpoint potential areas of improvement, a comprehensive analysis of pre-hospital non-transport events is imperative. A well-informed, strategic approach could prevent resource waste while ensuring patients receive the required and definitive care. KEY MESSAGES Why is this topic important? Some studies have suggested that non-transport to hospitals following emergency calls is safe. However, it is a concerning issue for health systems. It is also considered a key performance metric for health systems. What does this review attempt to show? This review aimed to map the various factors discussed in the literature regarding the decisions not to transport patients following emergency calls in a pre-hospital setting. What are the key findings? The existing theories regarding non-transport to hospitals after the provision of emergency care in the pre-hospital setting were identified. Non-transport due to non-clinical decisions jeopardizes emergency care outcomes for paediatric and elderly patients in particular. Hence, further research is required to identify and control the factors governing these decisions. How is patient care impacted? The decisions regarding patient transport following emergency calls in a pre-hospital setting are crucial for patient outcomes. They could impact the pre-hospital emergency care outcomes as well as patient safety. They can also affect the emergency services resources' ability to respond to other critical emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Farhat
- Hamad Medical Corporation Ambulance Service, Doha, Qatar
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Sfax, 3000, Sfax, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Sousse "Ibn El Jazzar", University of Sousse, 4000, Sousse, Tunisia
| | | | - Guillaume Alinier
- Hamad Medical Corporation Ambulance Service, Doha, Qatar.
- School of Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK.
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar.
- Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
| | | | - Padarath Gangaram
- Hamad Medical Corporation Ambulance Service, Doha, Qatar
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Moncef Khadhraoui
- Higher Institute of Biotechnology, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Loua Al-Shaikh
- Hamad Medical Corporation Ambulance Service, Doha, Qatar
| | - Imed Gargouri
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - James Laughton
- Hamad Medical Corporation Ambulance Service, Doha, Qatar
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Ort BBA, Uit Het Broek LG, de Bruin H, Akkermans RP, Goosselink B, Vermeulen H, Ebben RHA, Vloet LCM, Berben SAA. Patient factors associated with conveyance decision-making by Emergency Medical Services professionals in patients with a syncope: a cross-sectional factorial survey design. BMC Emerg Med 2023; 23:118. [PMID: 37798716 PMCID: PMC10557231 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-023-00890-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The clinical decision-making of non-conveyance is perceived as complex and difficult by emergency medical services (EMS) professionals. Patients with a transient loss of consciousness (TLOC) based on syncope constitute a significant part of the non-conveyance population. Risk stratification is the basis of the clinical decision-making process by EMS professionals. This risk stratification is based on various patient factors. This study aimed to explore patient factors significantly associated with conveyance decision-making by EMS professionals in patients with a TLOC based on syncope. METHODS A cross-sectional vignette study with a factorial survey design was conducted. Patient factors were derived from the "National Protocol Ambulance Care", and all possible combinations of these factors and underlying categories were combined, resulting in 256 unique vignettes (2*4*4*4*2 = 256). Patient factors presented either low-risk or high-risk factors for adverse events. Data were collected through an online questionnaire, in which participants received a random sample of 15 vignettes. For each vignette, the respondent indicated whether the patient would need to be conveyed to the emergency department or not. A multilevel logistic regression analysis with stepwise backward elimination was performed to analyse factors significantly associated with conveyance decision-making. In the logistic model, we modelled the probability of non-conveyance. RESULTS 110 respondents were included, with 1646 vignettes being assessed. Mean age 45.5 (SD 9.3), male gender 63.6%, and years of experience 13.2 (SD 8.9). Multilevel analysis showed two patient factors contributing significantly to conveyance decision-making: 'red flags' and 'prehospital electrocardiogram (ECG)'. Of these patient factors, three underlying categories were significantly associated with non-conveyance: 'sudden cardiac death < 40 years of age in family history' (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.22-0.50; p < 0.001), 'cardiovascular abnormalities, pulmonary embolism or pulmonary hypertension in the medical history' (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.43-0.91; p = 0.01), and 'abnormal prehospital ECG' (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.41-0.72; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Sudden cardiac death < 40 years of age in family history, medical history, and abnormal ECG are significantly negatively associated with non-conveyance decision-making by EMS professionals in patients with a TLOC based on syncope. Low-risk factors do not play a significant role in conveyance decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Bastiaan A Ort
- School of Health Studies, Research Department of Emergency and Critical Care, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Lucia G Uit Het Broek
- School of Health Studies, Research Department of Emergency and Critical Care, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Harm de Bruin
- Emergency Medical Service, RAV Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Reinier P Akkermans
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare, Radboud University Medical Centre , Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ben Goosselink
- Emergency Medical Service, Ambulance IJsselland, Zwolle, The Netherlands
| | - Hester Vermeulen
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare, Radboud University Medical Centre , Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Remco H A Ebben
- School of Health Studies, Research Department of Emergency and Critical Care, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Emergency Medical Service, Public Health and Safety region Gelderland-Midden, Arnhem, The Netherlands
| | - Lilian C M Vloet
- School of Health Studies, Research Department of Emergency and Critical Care, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare, Radboud University Medical Centre , Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sivera A A Berben
- School of Health Studies, Research Department of Emergency and Critical Care, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare, Radboud University Medical Centre , Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Forsgärde ES, Rööst M, Svensson A, Fridlund B, Elmqvist C. Support in acute situations when a community health nurse is called: experiences of older patients, their significant others, and involved healthcare professionals- a qualitative interview study. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:608. [PMID: 37770856 PMCID: PMC10537128 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04331-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Care decisions for older patients in acute situations are challenging to make, and there is limited knowledge of support in home healthcare settings, where older patients receive ongoing health care from, for example, community health nurses. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the support for all involved in acute situations when a community health nurse was called, as experienced by older patients, their significant others and healthcare professionals involved. METHODS The study was conducted using a phenomenological reflective lifeworld research approach, in which meanings of the study phenomenon were analyzed. The included participants were those who had been involved in acute situations. Twelve participants from four acute situations were interviewed. The participant included three older patients, one significant other, four community health nurses, one registered nurse student, one specialist in general practice, and two ambulance personnel, with one being a registered nurse and the other a specialist ambulance nurse. RESULTS Support in decision-making was received from the knowledge of temporality, which provided a comprehensive understanding based on past and present knowledge of the older patient. The knowledge of temporality allowed for the early detection of new symptoms and facilitated care decisions tailored to the older patient. There was a dependency on pre-existing mutual interpersonal support, and confidence developed through relational, caring, and medical competence. CONCLUSIONS The advantages of temporality, confidence and mutual interpersonal support in acute situations highlight the importance of enhancing relational continuity in home healthcare settings and establishing a structural collaboration among community health nurses, specialists in general practice, and ambulance personnel. This collaboration aims to provide support for making decisions regarding tailored care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elin-Sofie Forsgärde
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, PO Box 451, Växjö, 351 95, Sweden.
- Center of Interprofessional Collaboration within Emergency Care (CICE), Linnaeus University, Växjö, 351 95, Sweden.
| | - Mattias Rööst
- Department for Research and Development, Region Kronoberg, PO Box 1223, Växjö, 351 12, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Family Medicine, Lund University, PO Box 50332, Malmö, 202 13, Sweden
| | - Anders Svensson
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, PO Box 451, Växjö, 351 95, Sweden
- Center of Interprofessional Collaboration within Emergency Care (CICE), Linnaeus University, Växjö, 351 95, Sweden
- Ambulance Service, Region Kronoberg, PO Box 1207, Växjö, 352 54, Sweden
| | - Bengt Fridlund
- Center of Interprofessional Collaboration within Emergency Care (CICE), Linnaeus University, Växjö, 351 95, Sweden
| | - Carina Elmqvist
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, PO Box 451, Växjö, 351 95, Sweden
- Center of Interprofessional Collaboration within Emergency Care (CICE), Linnaeus University, Växjö, 351 95, Sweden
- Department for Research and Development, Region Kronoberg, PO Box 1223, Växjö, 351 12, Sweden
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Wolthers SA, Blomberg SNF, Breindahl N, Anjum S, Hägi-Pedersen D, Ersbøll A, Andersen LB, Christensen HC. Association between using a prehospital assessment unit and hospital admission and mortality: a matched cohort study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e075592. [PMID: 37739475 PMCID: PMC10533654 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to compare hospital admission and 30-day mortality between patients assessed by the prehospital assessment unit (PAU) and patients not assessed by the PAU. DESIGN This was a matched cohort study. SETTING This study was conducted between November 2021 and October 2022 in Region Zealand, Denmark. PARTICIPANTS 989 patients aged >18, assessed by the PAU, were identified, and 9860 patients not assessed by the PAU were selected from the emergency calls using exposure density sampling. EXPOSURE Patients assessed by the PAU. The PAU is operated by paramedics with access to point-of-care test facilities. The PAU is an alternative response vehicle without the capability of transporting patients. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was hospital admission within 48 hours after the initial call. The key secondary outcomes were admission within 7 days, 30-day mortality and admission within 6 hours. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted, and logistic regression models were used to estimate adjusted OR (aOR) and 95% CI. RESULTS Among the PAU assessed, 44.1% were admitted within 48 hours, compared with 72.9% of the non-PAU assessed, p<0.001. The multivariable analysis showed a lower risk of admission within 48 hours and 7 days among the PAU patients, aOR 0.31 (95% CI 0.26 to 0.38) and aOR 0.50 (95% CI 0.38 to 0.64), respectively. The 30-day mortality rate was 3.8% in the PAU-assessed patients vs 5.5% in the non-PAU-assessed patients, p=0.03. In the multivariable analysis, no significant difference was found in mortality aOR 0.99 (95% CI 0.71 to 1.42). No deaths were observed in PAU-assessed patients without subsequent follow-up. CONCLUSION The recently introduced PAU aims for patient-centred emergency care. The PAU-assessed patients had reduced admissions within 48 hours and 7 days after the initial call. Study findings indicate that the PAU is safe since we identified no significant differences in 30-day mortality. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05654909.
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Affiliation(s)
- Signe Amalie Wolthers
- Prehospital Center, Region Zealand, Naestved, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Niklas Breindahl
- Prehospital Center, Region Zealand, Naestved, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sair Anjum
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Slagelse University Hospital, Slagelse, Denmark
| | | | - Annette Ersbøll
- University of Southern Denmark National Institute of Public Health, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Helle Collatz Christensen
- Prehospital Center, Region Zealand, Naestved, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Wilson C, Janes G, Lawton R, Benn J. Feedback for Emergency Ambulance Staff: A National Review of Current Practice Informed by Realist Evaluation Methodology. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2229. [PMID: 37628427 PMCID: PMC10454701 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11162229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Research suggests that feedback in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) positively affects quality of care and professional development. However, the mechanisms by which feedback achieves its effects still need to be better understood across healthcare settings. This study aimed to understand how United Kingdom (UK) ambulance services provide feedback for EMS professionals and develop a programme theory of how feedback works within EMS, using a mixed-methods, realist evaluation framework. A national cross-sectional survey was conducted to identify feedback initiatives in UK ambulance services, followed by four in-depth case studies involving qualitative interviews and documentary analysis. We used qualitative content analysis and descriptive statistics to analyse survey responses from 40 prehospital feedback initiatives, alongside retroductive analysis of 17 interviews and six documents from case study sites. Feedback initiatives mainly provided individual patient outcome feedback through "pull" initiatives triggered by staff requests. Challenges related to information governance were identified. Our programme theory of feedback to EMS professionals encompassed context (healthcare professional and organisational characteristics), mechanisms (feedback and implementation characteristics, psychological reasoning) and outcomes (implementation, staff and service outcomes). This study suggests that most UK ambulance services use a range of feedback initiatives and provides 24 empirically based testable hypotheses for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Wilson
- School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
- Research and Development Department, Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Wakefield WF2 0XQ, UK
- Yorkshire Quality and Safety Research Group, Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford BD9 6RJ, UK
| | - Gillian Janes
- Faculty of Health and Education, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M15 6BH, UK
| | - Rebecca Lawton
- School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
- Yorkshire Quality and Safety Research Group, Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford BD9 6RJ, UK
| | - Jonathan Benn
- School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
- Yorkshire Quality and Safety Research Group, Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford BD9 6RJ, UK
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21
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Al-Wathinani AM, Barten DG, Alsahli H, Alhamid A, Alghamdi W, Alqahtani W, Alghamdi R, Aljuaid M, Albaqami NA, Goniewicz K. The Right to Refuse: Understanding Healthcare Providers' Perspectives on Patient Autonomy in Emergency Care. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:1756. [PMID: 37372874 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11121756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Healthcare providers in prehospital care and emergency departments are often at the frontline of medical crises, facing a range of ethical dilemmas, particularly when it comes to patients refusing treatment. This study aimed to delve into the attitudes of these providers toward treatment refusal, unearthing the strategies they employ in navigating such challenging situations while actively working in prehospital emergency health services. Our findings showed that, as the participants' age and experience increased, so did their inclination to respect patient autonomy and avoid persuading them to change their decision about treatment. It was noted that doctors, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians demonstrated a deeper understanding of patients' rights than other medical specialists. However, even with this understanding, the prioritization of patients' rights tended to diminish in life-threatening situations, giving rise to ethical dilemmas. This underlines the complexity of balancing the healthcare professionals' responsibilities and the patients' autonomy, which can generate ethically challenging scenarios for those working in emergency healthcare. By investigating these attitudes and experiences, this study seeks to foster a more profound understanding of the ethical quandaries faced by emergency healthcare providers. Our ultimate aim is to contribute to the development of effective strategies that support both patients and professionals in managing these tough circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Al-Wathinani
- Department of Emergency Medical Services, Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz College for Emergency Medical Services, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dennis G Barten
- Department of Emergency Medicine, VieCuri Medical Center, 5912 BL Venlo, The Netherlands
| | - Hind Alsahli
- Pharmaceutical Care Division, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anfal Alhamid
- Primary Care Clinic and Emergency Department, Dental University Hospital-KSUMC, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waad Alghamdi
- Department of Respiratory Services, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard, Riyadh 1154, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wadha Alqahtani
- Department of Respiratory Services, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard, Riyadh 1154, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raghad Alghamdi
- Department of Respiratory Services, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard, Riyadh 1154, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Aljuaid
- Department of Health Administration, College of Business Administration, King Saud University, Riyadh 11541, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nawaf A Albaqami
- Department of Emergency Medical Services, Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz College for Emergency Medical Services, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Krzysztof Goniewicz
- Department of Security Studies, Polish Air Force University, 08-521 Dęblin, Poland
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22
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Karmelić E, Lindlöf H, Luckhaus JL, Castillo MM, Vicente V, Härenstam KP, Savage C. Decision-making on the fly: a qualitative study of physicians in out-of-hospital emergency medical services. BMC Emerg Med 2023; 23:65. [PMID: 37286931 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-023-00830-w] [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: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Out-of-hospital Emergency Medical Services (OHEMS) require fast and accurate assessment of patients and efficient clinical judgment in the face of uncertainty and ambiguity. Guidelines and protocols can support staff in these situations, but there is significant variability in their use. Therefore, the aim of this study was to increase our understanding of physician decision-making in OHEMS, in particular, to characterize the types of decisions made and to explore potential facilitating and hindering factors. METHODS Qualitative interview study of 21 physicians in a large, publicly-owned and operated OHEMS in Croatia. Data was subjected to an inductive content analysis. RESULTS Physicians (mostly young, female, and early in their career), made three decisions (transport, treat, and if yes on either, how) after an initial patient assessment. Decisions were influenced by patient needs, but to a greater extent by factors related to themselves and patients (microsystem), their organization (mesosystem), and the larger health system (macrosystem). This generated a high variability in quality and outcomes. Participants desired support through further training, improved guidelines, formalized feedback, supportive management, and health system process redesign to better coordinate and align care across organizational boundaries. CONCLUSIONS The three decisions were made complex by contextual factors that largely lay outside physician control at the mesosystem level. However, physicians still took personal responsibility for concerns more suitably addressed at the organizational level. This negatively impacted care quality and staff well-being. If managers instead adopt a learning orientation, the path from novice to expert physician could be more ably supported through organizational demands and practices aligned with real-world practice. Questions remain on how managers can better support the learning needed to improve quality, safety, and physicians' journey from novice to expert.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ema Karmelić
- Medical Management Centre, Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institutet, Tomtebodavägen, Stockholm, 18A 171 77, Sweden
| | - Henrik Lindlöf
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institutet, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
- The ambulance medical service of Region Västmanland, Västerås, Sweden
| | - Jamie Linnea Luckhaus
- Medical Management Centre, Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institutet, Tomtebodavägen, Stockholm, 18A 171 77, Sweden
| | - Moa Malmqvist Castillo
- Medical Management Centre, Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institutet, Tomtebodavägen, Stockholm, 18A 171 77, Sweden
| | - Veronica Vicente
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institutet, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
- The ambulance medical service in Stockholm (AISAB), Stockholm, Sweden
- Academic EMS, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karin Pukk Härenstam
- Medical Management Centre, Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institutet, Tomtebodavägen, Stockholm, 18A 171 77, Sweden
- Department of Womens and Childrens Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carl Savage
- Medical Management Centre, Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institutet, Tomtebodavägen, Stockholm, 18A 171 77, Sweden.
- School of Health and Welfare, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden.
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23
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Nielsen VML, Lindskou TA, Weinreich UM, Jespersen MS, Christensen EF, Bøggild H. Decision on non-conveyance of patients suspected of COVID-19 in a novel arrangement with assessment visits by paramedics at home. BMC Emerg Med 2023; 23:56. [PMID: 37237344 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-023-00826-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the first weeks of the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the North Denmark emergency medical services authorised paramedics to assess patients suspected of COVID-19 at home, and then decide if conveyance to a hospital was required. The aim of this study was to describe the cohort of patients who were assessed at home and their outcomes in terms of subsequent hospital visits and short-term mortality. METHODS This was a historical cohort study in the North Denmark Region with consecutive inclusion of patients suspected of COVID-19 who were referred to a paramedic's assessment visit by their general practitioner or an out-of-hours general practitioner. The study was conducted from 16 March to 20 May 2020. The outcomes were the proportion of non-conveyed patients who subsequently visited a hospital within 72 hours of the paramedic's assessment visit and mortality at 3, 7 and 30 days. Mortality was estimated using a Poisson regression model with robust variance estimation. RESULTS During the study period, 587 patients with a median age of 75 (IQR 59-84) years were referred to a paramedic's assessment visit. Three of four patients (76.5%, 95% CI 72.8;79.9) were non-conveyed, and 13.1% (95% CI 10.2;16.6) of the non-conveyed patients were subsequently referred to a hospital within 72 hours of the paramedic's assessment visit. Within 30 days from the paramedic's assessment visit, mortality was 11.1% [95% CI 6.9;17.9] among patients directly conveyed to a hospital and 5.8% [95% CI 4.0;8.5] among non-conveyed patients. Medical record review revealed that deaths in the non-conveyed group had happened among patients with 'do-not-resuscitate' orders, palliative care plans, severe comorbidities, age ≥ 90 years or nursing home residents. CONCLUSIONS The majority (87%) of the non-conveyed patients did not visit a hospital for the following three days after a paramedic's assessment visit. The study implies that this newly established prehospital arrangement served as a kind of gatekeeper for the region's hospitals in regard to patients suspected of COVID-19. The study also demonstrates that implementation of non-conveyance protocols should be accompanied by careful and regular evaluation to ensure patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vibe Maria Laden Nielsen
- Centre for Prehospital and Emergency Research, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.
| | - Tim Alex Lindskou
- Centre for Prehospital and Emergency Research, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Ulla Møller Weinreich
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | | | - Erika Frischknecht Christensen
- Centre for Prehospital and Emergency Research, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Prehospital Emergency Services, North Denmark Region, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Henrik Bøggild
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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Bosson N, Toy J, Chang A, Haase D, Kipust A, Korotzer L, Warren J, Kim YS, Kazan C, Gausche-Hill M. Short-Term Outcomes and Patient Perceptions after Paramedic Non-Transport during the COVID-19 Pandemic. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2023; 28:418-424. [PMID: 37078829 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2023.2205512] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND EMS frequently encounter patients who decline transport, yet there are little data to inform the safety of patient and/or paramedic-initiated assess, treat, and refer (ATR) protocols. We determined patient decision-making and short-term outcomes after non-transport by EMS during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS This was a prospective, observational study of a random sample of patients evaluated and not transported by EMS from August 2020 to March 2021. From the EMS database, we randomly selected a daily sample of adult patients with disposition of ATR. We excluded patients dispositioned against medical advice (AMA) and those in police custody. Investigators contacted patients by phone to administer a standardized survey regarding decision-making, symptom progression, follow-up care, and satisfaction with non-transport decision. We also determined the proportion of patients who re-contacted 9-1-1 within 72 h, and unexpected deaths within 72 h using coroner data. Descriptive statistics were calculated. RESULTS Of 4613 non-transported patients, 3330 (72%) patients for whom the disposition was ATR were included. Patients were 46% male with a median age of 49 (inter-quartile range (IQR) 31-67). Median vital signs measurements fell within the normal range. Investigators successfully contacted 584/3330 patients (18%). The most common reason for failure was lack of accurate phone number. The most common reasons patients reported for not going to the ED on initial encounter were: felt reassured after the paramedic assessment (151/584, 26%), medical complaint resolved (113/584, 19%), paramedic suggested transport was not required (73/584, 13%), concern for COVID-19 exposure (57/584, 10%), and initial concern was not medical (46/584, 8%). Ninety-five percent (552/584) were satisfied with the non-transport decision and 49% (284/584) had sought follow-up care. The majority (501/584, 86%) reported equal, improved, or resolved symptoms, while 80 patients (13%) reported worse symptoms, of whom (64/80, 80%) remained satisfied with the non-transport decision. Overall, there were 154 of 3330 (4.6%) 9-1-1 recontacts within 72 h. Based on coroner data, three unexpected deaths (0.09%) occurred within 72 h of the initial EMS calls. CONCLUSION Paramedic disposition by ATR protocols resulted in a low rate of 9-1-1 recontact. Unexpected deaths were extremely rare. Patient satisfaction with the non-transport decision was high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nichole Bosson
- Los Angeles County EMS Agency, Santa Fe Springs, California
- Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Department of Emergency Medicine and the Lundquist Institute for Research, Torrance, California
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jake Toy
- Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Department of Emergency Medicine and the Lundquist Institute for Research, Torrance, California
| | - Allen Chang
- Los Angeles County EMS Agency, Santa Fe Springs, California
- Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Department of Emergency Medicine and the Lundquist Institute for Research, Torrance, California
| | - David Haase
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Adam Kipust
- University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - Jonathan Warren
- Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Department of Emergency Medicine and the Lundquist Institute for Research, Torrance, California
| | - Yun Son Kim
- Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles, California
| | - Clayton Kazan
- Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles, California
| | - Marianne Gausche-Hill
- Los Angeles County EMS Agency, Santa Fe Springs, California
- Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Department of Emergency Medicine and the Lundquist Institute for Research, Torrance, California
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
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25
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Breuer F, Beckers SK, Dahmen J, Gnirke A, Pommerenke C, Poloczek S. [Pre-emptive emergency service-Preventive missions and promotion of health literacy at the intersections with emergency medical services]. DIE ANAESTHESIOLOGIE 2023; 72:358-368. [PMID: 36912990 PMCID: PMC10010211 DOI: 10.1007/s00101-023-01272-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
In the Emergency Medical Service Acts of the Federal States, the statements in these Acts have so far essentially been limited to the implementation of measures to maintain the health of emergency patients and to transport them to a suitable hospital. Preventive fire protection, on the other hand, is regulated in the Fire Brigade Acts or by statutory ordinances. Increasing numbers of emergency service missions and a lack of facilities for alternative care justify the need for a preventive emergency service. This includes all measures that take place before an event occurs in order to prevent emergencies from occurring. As a result, the risk of an emergency event leading to the emergency call 112 should be reduced or delayed. The preventive rescue service should also help to improve the outcome of medical care for patients. Furthermore, it should be made possible to provide those seeking help with a suitable form of care at an early stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Breuer
- Einsatzvorbereitung Rettungsdienst, Berliner Feuerwehr, Berlin, Deutschland.
- Ärztliche Leitung Rettungsdienst, Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis, Amt für Feuerschutz und Rettungswesen, Am Rübezahlwald 7, 51469, Bergisch Gladbach, Deutschland.
| | - Stefan K Beckers
- Ärztliche Leitung Rettungsdienst Stadt Aachen, Fachbereich Feuerwehr und Rettungsdienst Stadt Aachen, Aachen, Deutschland
| | - Janosch Dahmen
- Einsatzvorbereitung Rettungsdienst, Berliner Feuerwehr, Berlin, Deutschland
- Ärztliche Leitung Rettungsdienst, Berliner Feuerwehr, Berlin, Deutschland
- Fakultät für Gesundheit, Department Humanmedizin, Universität Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Deutschland
| | - Andre Gnirke
- Ärztliche Leitung Rettungsdienst, Rettungsdienst-Kooperation in Schleswig-Holstein, Pinneberg, Deutschland
| | | | - Stefan Poloczek
- Einsatzvorbereitung Rettungsdienst, Berliner Feuerwehr, Berlin, Deutschland
- Ärztliche Leitung Rettungsdienst, Berliner Feuerwehr, Berlin, Deutschland
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Venesoja A, Tella S, Castrén M, Lindström V. Finnish emergency medical services managers' and medical directors' perceptions of collaborating with patients concerning patient safety issues: a qualitative study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e067754. [PMID: 37037618 PMCID: PMC10111928 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-067754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to describe emergency medical services (EMS) managers' and medical directors' perceptions of collaborating with patients concerning patient safety issues in the EMS. DESIGN The study used a descriptive qualitative approach. Five focus groups and two individuals were interviewed using a semi-structured guide with open-ended questions. The data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Consolidated criteria for Reporting Qualitative research was used to guide the reporting of this study. SETTING EMS organisations from Finland's five healthcare districts. PARTICIPANTS EMS medical directors (n=5) and EMS managers (n=14). Purposive sampling was used. RESULTS Two main themes, 'Patient safety considered an organisational responsibility' and 'EMS patients' opportunities and obstacles to speaking up', were generated from the data. Under the main theme, 'Patient safety considered an organisational responsibility', were three subthemes: patient safety considered part of the quality in EMS, system-level models for handling and observing patient safety in EMS, and management's ability to find a balance when using patients' feedback for patient safety development. Under the other main theme were four subthemes: 'social and feedback skills of EMS personnel and management', 'managements' assumptions of patients' reasons for not speaking up', 'EMS organisations' different but unsystematic ways of collecting feedback' and 'management's openness to develop patient participation'. CONCLUSIONS The nature of the EMS organisations and EMS assignments could affect a patient's participation in developing patient safety in EMS. However, EMS managers and medical directors are receptive to collaborating with patients concerning patient safety issues if they have sufficient resources and a coherent way to collect patient safety concerns. The management is open to collaborating with patients, but there is a need to develop a systematic method with enough resources to facilitate the management's collaborating with patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anu Venesoja
- Department of Emergency Care Services, South Karelia Social and Health Care District, Lappeenranta, Finland
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Services, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Health & Wellbeing, LAB University of Applied Sciences - Lappeenrannan Kampus, Lappeenranta, Finland
| | - Susanna Tella
- Health & Wellbeing, LAB University of Applied Sciences - Lappeenrannan Kampus, Lappeenranta, Finland
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Eastern Finland, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Maaret Castrén
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Services, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Veronica Lindström
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society Division of Nursing, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Samariten Ambulance, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Nursing, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Health Promotion Science, Sophiahemmet University, Stockholm, Sweden
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27
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Lederman J, Löfvenmark C, Djärv T, Lindström V, Elmqvist C. A phenomenological interview study with patients being non-conveyed in the ambulance service. BMC Emerg Med 2023; 23:30. [PMID: 36927353 PMCID: PMC10021955 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-023-00797-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-conveyed patients (i.e. patients who are not transported to a hospital after being assessed by ambulance clinicians) represent a significantly increasing proportion of all patients seeking ambulance care. Scientific knowledge about patients' non-conveyance experiences is sparse. This study describes the lived experiences of non-conveyed patients in an ambulance care context. METHODS A reflective lifeworld research (RLR) approach founded on phenomenology is used. Data is derived from nine in-depth interviews with patients not conveyed by the ambulance service in a major Swedish region. RESULTS Patients' lived experiences of becoming acutely ill or injured and not conveyed by ambulance to a hospital are characterised by several dynamic movements: losing and regaining situational and bodily control, dependence and autonomy, external competence and inner knowledge, handing over and regaining responsibility, and fear and security. CONCLUSIONS Patients' lived experiences of non-conveyance are complex and versatile. Although non-conveyed patients initially experience strong fear and the loss of situational and bodily control, they gradually feel more secure when experiencing confirmation and trust, which evolves into insecurity and uncertainty. The non-conveyance situation's complexity from a patient's perspective implies the need for ambulance organisations to take measures to prevent further suffering. Non-conveyed patients must be taken seriously in their unique situations, requiring ambulance clinicians to reflect and act with a conscious ethical perspective before, during and after their visit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Lederman
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Academic Emergency Medical Services/AISAB Ambulance care in Greater Stockholm Ltd, Region Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Caroline Löfvenmark
- Department of Health promoting science, Sophiahemmet University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Therese Djärv
- Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Veronica Lindström
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, section of nursing, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Samariten Ambulance, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carina Elmqvist
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden
- Centre of Interprofessional Cooperation within Emergency care (CICE), Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden
- Department of Research and Development, Region Kronoberg, Växjö, Sweden
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Differences between the dispatch priority assessments of emergency medical dispatchers and emergency medical services: a prospective register-based study in Finland. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2023; 31:8. [PMID: 36797760 PMCID: PMC9936687 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-023-01072-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Responsive and efficient emergency medical services (EMS) require accurate telephone triage. In Finland, such services are provided by Emergency Response Centre Agency (ERC Agency). In 2018, a new Finnish computer-assisted emergency dispatch system was introduced: the Emergency Response Integrated Common Authorities (ERICA). After the introduction of ERICA, the appropriateness of EMS dispatch has not been investigated yet. The study´s objective is to determine the consistency between the priority triage of the emergency medical dispatcher (EMD) and the on-scene priority assessment of the EMS, and whether the priority assessment consistency varied among the dispatch categories. METHODS This was a prospective register-based study. All EMS dispatches registered in the Tampere University Hospital area from 1 August 2021 to 31 August 2021 were analysed. The EMD's mission priority triaged during the emergency call was compared with the on-scene EMS's assessment of the priority, derived from the pre-set criteria. The test performance levels were measured from the crosstabulation of true or false positive and negative values of the priority assessment. Statistical significance was analysed using the chi-square test and the Kruskal-Wallis H test, and p-values < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS Of the 6416 EMS dispatches analysed in this study, 36% (2341) were urgent according to the EMD's dispatch priority, and of these, only 29% (688) were urgent according to the EMS criteria. On the other hand, 64% (4075) of the dispatches were non-urgent according to the EMD's dispatch priority, of which 97% (3949) were non-urgent according to the EMS criteria. Moreover, there were differences between the EMD and EMS priority assessments among the dispatch categories (p < 0.001). The overall efficiency was 72%, sensitivity 85%, specificity 71%, positive predictive value 29%, and negative predictive value 97%. CONCLUSION While the EMD recognised the non-urgent dispatches with high consistency with the EMS criteria, most of the EMD's urgent dispatches were not urgent according to the same criteria. This may diminish the availability of the EMS for more urgent missions. Thus, measures are needed to ensure more accurate and therefore, more efficient use of EMS resources in the future.
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Burton E, Hill KD, Davey P, Ng YL, Williams SA. The Biomechanics of Healthy Older Adults Rising from the Floor Independently. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3507. [PMID: 36834201 PMCID: PMC9958992 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
A third of older adults will fall each year and many will not be injured. Getting up from the floor in a timely manner is important, however it is unclear what technique older adults use to get themselves up off the ground unassisted, whether there are differences between men and women in getting up and what functional joint kinematics are used to rise from the floor. This study included a convenience sample of 20 older adults (65+ years) to answer these questions. Participants completed a series of movement tasks (i.e., rising from the floor using their own technique, a specified technique, walking 10 m and five repeated sit-to-stands), with temporospatial and joint kinematic data captured using an 18-camera 3D Vicon motion analysis system. Results found three techniques preferred by participants; the sit-up (n = 12), side-sit (n = 4) and the roll over (n = 4), with no differences found between sexes. The sit-up technique requires a higher degree of hip and knee flexion to complete compared to the side-sit and roll over. It may be beneficial for health professionals to work with older adults to identify their preferred technique for rising from the floor and encourage regular practice of this skill.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elissa Burton
- Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
- enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Keith D. Hill
- Rehabilitation Ageing and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre, Monash University, Frankston, VIC 3800, Australia
- National Centre for Healthy Ageing, Monash University and Peninsula Health, Frankston, VIC 3199, Australia
| | - Paul Davey
- Curtin School of Nursing, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Yoke Leng Ng
- Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
- Health and Social Sciences Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore 138683, Singapore
| | - Sîan A. Williams
- Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
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Carnicelli A, Edwards DG, Williams AM. Paramedic Education to Support the Use of Low-Acuity Care Pathways: A Scoping Review Protocol. NURSING REPORTS 2023; 13:265-272. [PMID: 36810276 PMCID: PMC9944786 DOI: 10.3390/nursrep13010025] [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: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Ambulance services worldwide have transformed over time into health care services that not only attend to life-threatening emergencies, but are also increasingly being utilised for patients with low-acuity or non-urgent illness and injury. As a result, there has been a need to adapt and include mechanisms to assist paramedics in the assessment and management of such patients, including alternative pathways of care. However, it has been identified that education and training for paramedics in the care of low-acuity patients is limited. This study aims to identify potential gaps in the literature and inform further research, paramedic education and training, patient care guidelines, and policy. A scoping review will be conducted utilising the Joanna Briggs Institutes methodology. A range of relevant electronic databases will be searched along with the grey literature, using search terms related to paramedic education for low-acuity patient care pathways. The search results will be screened by two authors and presented in the PRISMA-ScR format, with articles presented in tabular format and analysed thematically. The results of this scoping review will inform further research exploring paramedic education, clinical guidelines, policy and experiences in the management of low-acuity patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Carnicelli
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Dale G. Edwards
- School of Paramedicine, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
| | - Anne-Marie Williams
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
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Kontunen PJ, Holstein RM, Torkki PM, Lang ES, Castrén MK. Acute outreach service to nursing homes: A systematic review with GRADE and triple aim approach. Scand J Caring Sci 2023; 37:582-594. [PMID: 36718539 DOI: 10.1111/scs.13148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People living in nursing homes face the risk of visiting the emergency department (ED). Outreach services are developing to prevent unnecessary transfers to ED. AIMS We aim to assess the performance of acute care services provided to people living in nursing homes or long-term homecare, focusing on ED transfer prevention, safety, cost-effectiveness and experiences. MATERIALS & METHODS This review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Studies were eligible for inclusion if they were peer-reviewed and examined acute outreach services dedicated to delivering care to people in nursing homes or long-term homecare. The service models could also have preventive components. The databases searched were Scopus and CINAHL. In addition, Robins-I and SIGN checklists were used. The primary outcomes of prevented ED transfers or hospitalisations and the composite outcome of adverse events (mortality/Emergency Medical Service or ED visit after outreach service contact related to the same clinical condition) were graded with GRADE. RESULTS Fifteen relevant original studies were found-all were observational and focused on nursing homes. The certainty of evidence for acute outreach services with preventive components to prevent ED transfers or hospitalisations was low. Stakeholders were satisfied with these services. The certainty of evidence for solely acute outreach services to prevent ED transfers or hospitalisations was very low and inconclusive. Reporting of adverse events was inconsistent, certainty of evidence for adverse events was low. CONCLUSION Published data might support adopting acute outreach services with preventive components for people living in nursing homes to reduce ED transfers, hospitalisations and possibly costs. If an outreach service is started, it is recommended that a cluster-randomised or quasi-experimental research design be incorporated to assess the effectiveness and safety of the service. More evidence is also needed on cost-effectiveness and stakeholders' satisfaction. Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO CRD42020211048, date of registration: 25.09.2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perttu J Kontunen
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Services, Helsinki University and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ria M Holstein
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Services, Helsinki University and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Paulus M Torkki
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
| | - Eddy S Lang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Cumming School of Medicin, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Alberta Health Service, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Maaret K Castrén
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Services, Helsinki University and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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Corcoran G, Bernard P, Kenna L, Malone A, Horgan F, O'Brien C, Ward P, Howard W, Hogan L, Mooney R, Masterson S. "Older People Want to Be in Their Own Homes": A Service Evaluation of Patient and Carer Feedback after Pathfinder Responded to Their Emergency Calls. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2023; 27:866-874. [PMID: 36633524 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2023.2168094] [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: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Older people experience high rates of adverse outcomes following emergency department (ED) presentation. There is growing evidence to support alternative care pathways for certain types of emergency medical services (EMS) calls. Pathfinder is one such service and targets patients aged 65 years and over, whose presenting issues can be safely managed at home by immediate paramedic, occupational therapy, and/or physiotherapy interventions. The aim of this service evaluation was to understand how older people feel about being treated at home as a result of EMS calls and to understand their experiences of the Pathfinder service. METHODS This was a thematic analysis of open-ended responses recorded from telephone interviews during routine service evaluation with service users (patients or their next-of-kin). RESULTS Of 573 service users, telephone interviews were conducted with 429 (75%). Five primary themes were identified: (1) professionalism of the multidisciplinary clinical team; (2) "the right service, in the right place, at the right time"; (3) role of Pathfinder in "getting the ball rolling"; (4) lasting effects of the experience on the patient and his or her next-of-kin; (5) value of skilled communication with the older person. CONCLUSION Older people and their next-of-kin voiced a clear preference for hospital avoidance, and strongly valued the opportunity to be treated in their homes at the time of an EMS call rather than default conveyance to the ED. They appreciated the importance of a skilled multidisciplinary team with a follow-up service that effectively positions itself between the acute hospital and community services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Corcoran
- Physiotherapy Department, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paul Bernard
- Occupational Therapy Department, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lawrence Kenna
- National Ambulance Service, Health Service Executive, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ailish Malone
- School of Physiotherapy, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Frances Horgan
- School of Physiotherapy, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Claire O'Brien
- Occupational Therapy Department, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Peter Ward
- Physiotherapy Department, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Willie Howard
- National Ambulance Service, Health Service Executive, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Laura Hogan
- National Ambulance Service, Health Service Executive, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rebecca Mooney
- National Ambulance Service, Health Service Executive, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Siobhan Masterson
- National Ambulance Service, Health Service Executive, Dublin, Ireland
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Nehme E, Nehme Z, Cox S, Smith K. Outcomes of paediatric patients who are not transported to hospital by Emergency Medical Services: a data linkage study. J Accid Emerg Med 2023; 40:12-19. [PMID: 36202623 DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2022-212350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data on the safety of non-transport decisions for paediatric patients attended by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are lacking. We describe the characteristics and outcomes of paediatric non-transported patients in Victoria, Australia. METHODS A retrospective data linkage study of consecutive paediatric (aged <18 years) non-transported patients between January 2015 and June 2019. Patients were linked to ED, hospital admission and death records. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with EMS recontact, ED presentation, hospital admission and an adverse event (death/cardiac arrest, intensive care unit admission or highest ED triage category) within 48 hours of the initial emergency call. RESULTS In total, 62 975 non-transported patients were included. The mean age was 7.1 (SD 6.0) years and 48.9% were male. Overall, 2.2% recontacted the EMS within 48 hours, 13.7% self-presented to a public ED, 2.4% were admitted to hospital and 0.1% had an adverse event, including two deaths. Among patients with paramedic-initiated non-transport (excluding transport refusals and transport via other means), 5.6% presented to a public ED, 1.1% were admitted to hospital and 0.05% had an adverse event. In the overall population, an abnormal vital sign on initial assessment increased the odds of hospital admission and an adverse event. Among paramedic-initiated non-transports, cases occurring in the early hours of the morning (04:00-08:00 hours) were associated with increased odds of subsequent hospital admission, while the odds of ED presentation and hospital admission also increased with increasing prior exposure to non-transported cases. CONCLUSION Adverse events were rare among paramedic-initiated non-transport cases. Vital sign derangements and attendance by paramedics with higher prior exposure to non-transports were associated with poorer outcomes and may be used to improve safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Nehme
- Centre for Research and Evaluation, Ambulance Victoria, Doncaster, Victoria, Australia .,Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ziad Nehme
- Centre for Research and Evaluation, Ambulance Victoria, Doncaster, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paramedicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shelley Cox
- Centre for Research and Evaluation, Ambulance Victoria, Doncaster, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karen Smith
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paramedicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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van Vliet R, Deddens GJ, Evenhuis R, Moors XR. A survey of the current nurse practitioner and physician assistant workforce in Dutch ambulance care. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NURSING STUDIES ADVANCES 2022; 4:100099. [PMID: 38745615 PMCID: PMC11080485 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnsa.2022.100099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dutch ambulance service faces future challenges due to acute care development, patient changes, demographics, increased ambulance runs and regional differences. Ambulance Care Netherlands published a framework titled "Pilot physician assistant and nurse practitioner ambulance care". Within this framework, a role is proposed so that their qualifications can provide solutions to future challenges. Despite the introduction of nurse practitioners and physician assistants into Dutch ambulance care, little is known about the effects of this introduction or the tasks these professionals perform. Nevertheless, they are being called upon, even though it is not known whether their potential contribution to the desired outcome described in the framework. Objective This study aims to provide an overview of all nurse practitioners and physician assistants working in Dutch ambulance care and the tasks they perform. Design We used a cross-sectional exploratory study design. The nurse practitioners and physician assistants participated in a structured telephone survey. Setting Emergency ambulance services in the Netherlands. Participants A total of 56 respondents participated in a telephone survey. Results We found 53 nurse practitioners and 20 physician assistants working in Dutch ambulance care, 56 participated in the survey. Their performance of both direct care and indirect care tasks differed considerably. While some nurse practitioners and physician assistants were fully autonomous in-patient care, others were bound by regulations and restrictions. Conclusions We found large variations between respondents in direct and indirect care task, number of working hours, and the different positions within the different Emergency ambulance services in the Netherlands. As a result, the established framework cannot presently function but can provide sound guidance to different ambulance services in positioning their nurse practitioners or physician assistants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Risco van Vliet
- Regional Emergency Medical Services, RAV Brabant MWN, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Menzel 37-A, Nistelrode, 5388SX, the Netherlands
| | - Geert-Jan Deddens
- Regional Emergency Medical Services, RAV Brabant MWN, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Menzel 37-A, Nistelrode, 5388SX, the Netherlands
| | - Rogier Evenhuis
- Regional Emergency Medical Services, RAV Brabant MWN, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Menzel 37-A, Nistelrode, 5388SX, the Netherlands
| | - Xavier R.J. Moors
- Regional Emergency Medical Services, RAV Brabant MWN, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Menzel 37-A, Nistelrode, 5388SX, the Netherlands
- Department of Anesthesiology, Erasmus University Medical Center—Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Noble AJ, Mason SM, Bonnett LJ, Reuber M, Wright J, Pilbery R, Jacques RM, Simpson RM, Campbell R, Fuller A, Marson AG, Dickson JM. Supporting the ambulance service to safely convey fewer patients to hospital by developing a risk prediction tool: Risk of Adverse Outcomes after a Suspected Seizure (RADOSS)-protocol for the mixed-methods observational RADOSS project. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e069156. [PMID: 36375988 PMCID: PMC9668054 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ambulances services are asked to further reduce avoidable conveyances to emergency departments (EDs). Risk of Adverse Outcomes after a Suspected Seizure seeks to support this by: (1) clarifying the risks of conveyance and non-conveyance, and (2) developing a risk prediction tool for clinicians to use 'on scene' to estimate the benefits an individual would receive if conveyed to ED and risks if not. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Mixed-methods, multi-work package (WP) project. For WP1 and WP2 we shall use an existing linked data set that tracks urgent and emergency care (UEC) use of persons served by one English regional ambulance service. Risk tools are specific to clinical scenarios. We shall use suspected seizures in adults as an exemplar.WP1: Form a cohort of patients cared for a seizure by the service during 2019/2020. It, and nested Knowledge Exchange workshops with clinicians and service users, will allow us to: determine the proportions following conveyance and non-conveyance that die and/or recontact UEC system within 3 (/30) days; quantify the proportion of conveyed incidents resulting in 'avoidable ED attendances' (AA); optimise risk tool development; and develop statistical models that, using information available 'on scene', predict the risk of death/recontact with the UEC system within 3 (/30) days and the likelihood of an attendance at ED resulting in an AA.WP2: Form a cohort of patients cared for a seizure during 2021/2022 to 'temporally' validate the WP1 predictive models.WP3: Complete the 'next steps' workshops with stakeholders. Using nominal group techniques, finalise plans to develop the risk tool for clinical use and its evaluation. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION WP1a and WP2 will be conducted under database ethical approval (IRAS 307353) and Confidentiality Advisory Group (22/CAG/0019) approval. WP1b and WP3 have approval from the University of Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee (11450). We shall engage in proactive dissemination and knowledge mobilisation to share findings with stakeholders and maximise evidence usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Noble
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Suzanne M Mason
- School of Health and Related Research, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Laura J Bonnett
- Department of Health Data Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Markus Reuber
- Academic Neurology Unit, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Richard Pilbery
- Research and Development Department, Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Wakefield, UK
| | - Richard M Jacques
- School of Health and Related Research, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Rebecca M Simpson
- School of Health and Related Research, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Richard Campbell
- School of Health and Related Research, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Anthony Guy Marson
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jon Mark Dickson
- Academic Unit of Primary Medical Care, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Dax F, Trentzsch H, Lazarovici M, Hegenberg K, Kneißl K, Hoffmann F, Prückner S. Unterschiede zwischen Rettungsdiensteinsätzen mit und ohne Patiententransport. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2022; 65:996-1006. [PMID: 36112195 PMCID: PMC9522751 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-022-03590-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Hintergrund Die Inanspruchnahme des Rettungsdienstes in Bayern steigt seit Jahren an. Wir haben die Hypothese aufgestellt, dass Notfalleinsätze ohne Patiententransport (RoT) häufig Ausdruck einer unzureichenden Alarmierungsplanung sind. Das Ziel der Studie war es, für solche Einsätze die Unterschiede zwischen den Integrierten Leitstellen (ILS) in Bezug auf die Merkmale Transportquoten und Spannweiten nach Einsatzgrund sowie Uhrzeiten und Wochentage zu beschreiben. Methode Retrospektive Querschnittstudie der Daten aller 26 ILS des Freistaats Bayern im Jahr 2018. Transportquoten für wesentliche Einsatzgründe bei Notfalleinsätzen ohne Notarztbeteiligung wurden in Abhängigkeit von Leitstellenbereich, Tageszeit und Wochentag vergleichend analysiert. Einsätze wurden kategorisiert als RoT oder TP (Rettungswageneinsatz mit Transport). Ergebnisse Von 510.145 Einsätzen waren 147.621 (28,9 %) RoT und 362.524 (71,1 %) TP. Für alle untersuchten Einsatzgründe zeigten sich deutliche regionale Unterschiede in der Transportquote. Die höchste Spannweite unter den ILS ergab sich für die Einsatzgründe „Brandmeldeanlage“ (16,8 Prozentpunkte), „Hausnotruf aktiver Alarm“ (16,1) sowie „Herz/Kreislauf“ (14,6). In den Morgenstunden sinkt das Einsatzaufkommen bei steigenden TP. Die wenigsten RoT fanden zwischen 8 und 10 Uhr statt. Die Analyse der Wochentage ergab kleine Unterschiede in der Häufigkeit von RoT an Montagen sowie an Wochenenden ohne planerische Relevanz. Schlussfolgerung Wir haben deutliche Unterschiede in den Spannweiten festgestellt. Dies könnte auf örtlich unterschiedliche Alarmierungsplanungsvorgaben oder Dispositionsentscheidungen der ILS hindeuten. Die Leitstellen weisen hier wahrscheinlich ein erhebliches Potenzial zur Steuerung und Verbesserung der Ressourcenallokation auf. Zusatzmaterial online Zusätzliche Informationen sind in der Online-Version dieses Artikels (10.1007/s00103-022-03590-3) enthalten.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Dax
- Institut für Notfallmedizin und Medizinmanagement (INM), Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Schillerstr. 53, 80336, München, Deutschland
- Landesgeschäftsstelle, Bayerisches Rotes Kreuz (BRK), München, Deutschland
| | - Heiko Trentzsch
- Institut für Notfallmedizin und Medizinmanagement (INM), Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Schillerstr. 53, 80336, München, Deutschland
| | - Marc Lazarovici
- Institut für Notfallmedizin und Medizinmanagement (INM), Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Schillerstr. 53, 80336, München, Deutschland
| | - Kathrin Hegenberg
- Institut für Notfallmedizin und Medizinmanagement (INM), Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Schillerstr. 53, 80336, München, Deutschland
| | - Katharina Kneißl
- Institut für Notfallmedizin und Medizinmanagement (INM), Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Schillerstr. 53, 80336, München, Deutschland
| | - Florian Hoffmann
- Dr. von Haunersches Kinderspital, Kinderklinik und Kinderpoliklinik, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, München, Deutschland
| | - Stephan Prückner
- Institut für Notfallmedizin und Medizinmanagement (INM), Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Schillerstr. 53, 80336, München, Deutschland.
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Ward CE, Singletary J, Hatcliffe RE, Colson CD, Simpson JN, Brown KM, Chamberlain JM. Emergency Medical Services Clinicians' Perspectives on Pediatric Non-Transport. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2022; 27:993-1003. [PMID: 35913148 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2022.2108180] [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: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Emergency medical services clinicians do not transport one-third of all children assessed, even without official pediatric non-transport protocols. Little is known about how EMS clinicians and caregivers decide not to transport a child. Our objectives were to describe how EMS clinicians currently decide whether or not to transport a child and identify barriers to and enablers of successfully implementing an EMS clinician-initiated pediatric non-transport protocol. METHODS We conducted six virtual focus groups with EMS clinicians from the mid-Atlantic. A PhD trained facilitator moderated all groups using a semi-structured moderator guide. Multiple investigators independently coded a deidentified sample transcript. One team member then completed axial coding of the remaining transcripts. Thematic saturation was achieved. Clusters of similar codes were grouped into themes by consensus. RESULTS We recruited 50 participants, of whom 70% were paramedics and 28% emergency medical technicians. There was agreement that caregivers often use 9-1-1 for low acuity complaints. Participants stated that non-transport usually occurs after shared decision-making between EMS clinicians and caregivers; EMS clinicians advise whether transport is necessary, but caregivers are responsible for making the final decision and signing refusal documentation. Subthemes for how non-transport decisions were made included the presence of agency protocols, caregiver preferences, absence of a guardian on the scene, EMS clinician variability, and distance to the nearest ED. Participants identified the following features that would enable successful implementation of an EMS clinician-initiated non-transport process: a user-friendly interface, clear protocol endpoints, the inclusion of vital sign parameters, resources to leave with caregivers, and optional direct medical oversight. CONCLUSIONS EMS clinicians in our study agreed that non-transport is currently a caregiver decision, but noted a collaborative process of shared decision-making where EMS clinicians advise caregivers whether transport is indicated. Further research is needed to understand the safety of this practice. This study suggests there may be a need for EMS-initiated alternative disposition/non-transport protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleb E Ward
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Judith Singletary
- Department of Sociology and Criminology, Howard University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Rachel E Hatcliffe
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Cindy D Colson
- Division of Trauma & Burn Surgery, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Joelle N Simpson
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Kathleen M Brown
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - James M Chamberlain
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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Todd VF, Moylan M, Howie G, Swain A, Brett A, Smith T, Dicker B. Predictive value of the New Zealand Early Warning Score for early mortality in low-acuity patients discharged at scene by paramedics: an observational study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e058462. [PMID: 35835524 PMCID: PMC9289032 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-058462] [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] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The utility of New Zealand Early Warning Score (NZEWS) for prediction of adversity in low-acuity patients discharged at scene by paramedics has not been investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between the NZEWS risk-assessment tool and adverse outcomes of early mortality or ambulance reattendance within 48 hours in low-acuity, prehospital patients not transported by ambulance. DESIGN A retrospective cohort study. SETTING Prehospital emergency medical service provided by St John New Zealand over a 2-year period (1 July 2016 through 30 June 2018). PARTICIPANTS 83 171 low-acuity, adult patients who were attended by an ambulance and discharged at scene. Of these, 41 406 had sufficient recorded data to calculate an NZEWS. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Binary logistic regression modelling was used to investigate the association between the NZEWS and adverse outcomes of reattendance within 48 hours, mortality within 2 days, mortality within 7 days and mortality within 30 days. RESULTS An NZEWS greater than 0 was significantly associated with all adverse outcomes studied (p<0.01), compared with the reference group (NZEWS=0). There was a startling correlation between 2-day, 7-day and 30-day mortality and higher early warning scores; the odds of 2-day mortality in patients with an early warning score>10 was 70 times that of those scoring 0 (adjusted OR 70.64, 95% CI: 30.73 to 162.36). The best predictability for adverse outcome was observed for 2-day and 7-day mortality, with moderate area under the receiver operating characteristic curve scores of 0.78 (95% CI: 0.73 to 0.82) and 0.74 (95% CI: 0.71 to 0.77), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Adverse outcomes in low-acuity non-transported patients show a significant association with risk prediction by the NZEWS. There was a very high association between large early warning scores and 2-day mortality in this patient group. These findings suggest that NZEWS has significant utility for decision support and improving safety when determining the appropriateness of discharging low-acuity patients at the scene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verity Frances Todd
- St John New Zealand (Hato Hone Aotearoa), Auckland, New Zealand
- Paramedicine Research Unit, Paramedicine Department, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Melanie Moylan
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Graham Howie
- St John New Zealand (Hato Hone Aotearoa), Auckland, New Zealand
- Paramedicine Research Unit, Paramedicine Department, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Andy Swain
- Paramedicine Research Unit, Paramedicine Department, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
- Wellington Free Ambulance, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Aroha Brett
- St John New Zealand (Hato Hone Aotearoa), Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Tony Smith
- St John New Zealand (Hato Hone Aotearoa), Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Bridget Dicker
- St John New Zealand (Hato Hone Aotearoa), Auckland, New Zealand
- Paramedicine Research Unit, Paramedicine Department, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
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Andersen JB, Licht AE, Lindskou TA, Christensen EF, Milling L, Mikkelsen S. Prehospital Release of Patients After Treatment in an Anesthesiologist-Staffed Mobile Emergency Care Unit. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2222390. [PMID: 35857324 PMCID: PMC9301518 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.22390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Prehospital treatment and release of patients may reduce unnecessary transports to the hospital and may improve patient satisfaction. However, the safety of patients should be paramount. OBJECTIVE To determine the extent of unplanned emergency department (ED) contacts, short-term mortality, and diagnostic patterns in patients treated and released by a prehospital anesthesiologist supervising a mobile emergency care unit (MECU). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This retrospective cohort study used a manual review of prehospital and in-hospital medical records to investigate all living patients who were treated and released by an MECU in Odense, Denmark, between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2020. Patients were followed up for 30 days after initial contact with the prehospital service. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Primary outcome measures included unplanned contacts with the emergency department less than 48 hours after prehospital treatment and prehospital assigned diagnosis. Secondary outcomes consisted of mortality at 48 hours and 7 and 30 days. RESULTS A total of 3141 patients were identified; 384 were excluded and 2757 were included in the analysis. The median patient age was 40 (IQR, 14-66) years; 1296 (47.0%) were female and 1461 (53.0%) were male. Two hundred thirty-nine patients (8.7% [95% CI, 7.6%-9.8%]) had unplanned contact with the ED within 48 hours; this rate was doubled for patients with respiratory diseases (37 of 248 [14.9% (95% CI, 10.7%-20.0%)]). Fifty-nine of 60 patients who died within 48 hours of release had terminal illness. Excluding these patients, the mortality rates were 0.04% at 48 hours, 0.8% at 7 days, and 2.4% at 30 days. Two thousand sixty-one patients (74.8%) had primarily nondefinitive observational diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The findings of this cohort study suggest that prehospital treatment and subsequent release at the scene is safe. One patient in 12 attended the ED within the ensuing 48 hours. However, for patients with respiratory diseases, this rate was doubled. Hospital admission could be avoided for some patients in the end stage of a terminal illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Bladt Andersen
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- The Prehospital Research Unit, Region of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - August Emil Licht
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- The Prehospital Research Unit, Region of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Tim Alex Lindskou
- The Prehospital Research Unit, Region of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Centre for Prehospital and Emergency Research, Aalborg University and Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | | | - Louise Milling
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- The Prehospital Research Unit, Region of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Søren Mikkelsen
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- The Prehospital Research Unit, Region of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
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Paulin J, Reunamo A, Kurola J, Moen H, Salanterä S, Riihimäki H, Vesanen T, Koivisto M, Iirola T. Using machine learning to predict subsequent events after EMS non-conveyance decisions. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2022; 22:166. [PMID: 35739501 PMCID: PMC9229877 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-022-01901-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Predictors of subsequent events after Emergency Medical Services (EMS) non-conveyance decisions are still unclear, though patient safety is the priority in prehospital emergency care. The aim of this study was to find out whether machine learning can be used in this context and to identify the predictors of subsequent events based on narrative texts of electronic patient care records (ePCR). Methods This was a prospective cohort study of EMS patients in Finland. The data was collected from three different regions between June 1 and November 30, 2018. Machine learning, in form of text classification, and manual evaluation were used to predict subsequent events from the clinical notes after a non-conveyance mission. Results FastText-model (AUC 0.654) performed best in prediction of subsequent events after EMS non-conveyance missions (n = 11,846). The model and manual analyses showed that many of the subsequent events were planned before, EMS guided the patients to visit primary health care facilities or ED next or following days after non-conveyance. The most frequent signs and symptoms as subsequent event predictors were musculoskeletal-, infection-related and non-specific complaints. 1 in 5 the EMS documentation was inadequate and many of these led to a subsequent event. Conclusion Machine learning can be used to predict subsequent events after EMS non-conveyance missions. From the patient safety perspective, it is notable that subsequent event does not necessarily mean that patient safety is compromised. There were a number of subsequent visits to primary health care or EDs, which were planned before by EMS. This demonstrates the appropriate use of limited resources to avoid unnecessary conveyance to the ED. However, further studies are needed without planned subsequent events to find out the harmful subsequent events, where EMS non-conveyance puts patient safety at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jani Paulin
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku and Turku University of Applied Sciences, Turku, Finland.
| | - Akseli Reunamo
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jouni Kurola
- Centre for Prehospital Emergency Care, Kuopio University Hospital and University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Hans Moen
- Department of Computing, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Sanna Salanterä
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Heikki Riihimäki
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Tero Vesanen
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Mari Koivisto
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Timo Iirola
- Emergency Medical Services, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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Outcomes in patients not conveyed by emergency medical services (EMS): a one-year prospective study. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2022; 30:40. [PMID: 35698086 PMCID: PMC9195370 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-022-01023-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The decision to not convey patients has become common in emergency medical services worldwide. A substantial proportion (12–51%) of the patients seen by emergency medical services are not conveyed by those services. The practice of non-conveyance is a result of the increasing and changing demands on the acute care system. Research focusing on the outcomes of the decision by emergency medical services to not convey patients is needed. Aim The aim was to describe outcomes (emergency department visits, admission to in-hospital intensive care units and mortality, all within seven days) and their association with the variables (sex, age, day of week, time of day, emergency signs and symptoms codes, triage level colour, and destination) for non-conveyed patients. Methods This was a prospective analytical study with consecutive inclusion of all patients not conveyed by emergency medical services. Patients were included between February 2016 and January 2017. The study was conducted in Region Örebro county, Sweden. The region consists of both rural and urban areas and has a population of approximately 295,000. The region had three ambulance departments that received approximately 30,000 assignments per year. Results The result showed that no patient received intensive care, and 18 (0.7%) patients died within seven days after the non-conveyance decision. Older age was associated with a higher risk of hospitalisation and death within seven days after a non-conveyance decision. Conclusions Based on the results of this one-year follow-up study, few patients compared to previous studies were admitted to the hospital, received intensive care or died within seven days. This study contributes insights that can be used to improve non-conveyance guidelines and minimise the risk of patient harm. Supplementary information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13049-022-01023-3.
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Heppenstall E, McClelland G, Price C, Wilkinson C. Documentation of atrial fibrillation among non-conveyed ambulance patients: a new primary prevention opportunity? Br Paramed J 2022; 7:51-57. [DOI: 10.29045/14784726.2022.06.7.1.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and is a significant risk factor for stroke. Prescription of oral anticoagulant (OAC) medication reduces the risk of AF-related stroke by 64% ‐ yet over 400,000 people in England have
undiagnosed (and therefore untreated) AF.Emergency medical services (EMS) encounter a wide range of patients, some of whom may not engage with other healthcare services. AF may be detected by EMS in connection with the cause of the call, or as an incidental finding. While EMS are not traditionally
utilised for public health screening, they may offer an opportunity to identify patients with undiagnosed or untreated AF and refer onward.This study aimed to explore what proportion of patients seen by EMS who were not transported to hospital had AF and to estimate how many would potentially
benefit from OAC.Methods: A retrospective service evaluation was conducted using routinely collected data from a large UK regional ambulance service. The sample included adults attended by EMS on the 15th of each month in 2019, who were not transported to hospital and where an electrocardiogram
was recorded. Of those with AF, we calculated the proportion in whom this was possibly new and report whether OAC was prescribed.Results: There were 859 patients who met the inclusion criteria, of whom 91 (11%) had AF documented. Of the 91 patients with AF, 23 (25%) had no documented
history of AF or OAC prescription, so were potentially new diagnoses of AF, who would benefit from consideration of OAC therapy.Conclusion: The EMS assessment offers an opportunity for AF to be identified in patients who were not transported to hospital. EMS may have a role in primary
prevention of harm, including stroke, by identifying and referring patients with AF for consideration of OAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Heppenstall
- Newcastle University ORCID iD:, URL: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2423-6221
| | - Graham McClelland
- Newcastle University; North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust ORCID iD:, URL: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4502-5821
| | - Chris Price
- Newcastle University ORCID iD:, URL: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3566-3157
| | - Chris Wilkinson
- Newcastle University ORCID iD:, URL: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0748-0150
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Couturier K, Nelson AR, Burns K, Cone DC, Rollins M, Venkatesh AK, Ulrich A, Shapiro M, Joseph D. EMS Non-Transport of Low-Risk COVID-19 Patients. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2022; 27:310-314. [PMID: 35639643 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2022.2083278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES COVID-19 infections in the community have the potential to overwhelm both prehospital and in-hospital resources. Transport of well-appearing patients, in the absence of available emergency department treatment capacity, increases strain on the hospital and EMS system. In May of 2020, the Connecticut Office of EMS issued a voluntary, EMS-initiated, non-transport protocol for selected low-risk patients with symptoms consistent with COVID-19. We evaluated the implementation of this non-transport protocol in a mixed urban/suburban EMS system. METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of contemporaneously recorded quality improvement documentation for uses of the Connecticut COVID-19 non-transport protocol by EMS clinicians within our EMS system during two implementations: from 12/14/2020 to 5/1/21, and again from 1/3/22 to 2/18/22, which coincided with large COVID-19 case surges in our region. RESULTS The vast majority of patients treated under the non-transport protocol were not re-evaluated by EMS or in our emergency departments in the subsequent 24 hours. There was reasonable adherence to the protocol, with 83% of cases appropriate for the non-transport protocol. The most common reasons for protocol violations were age outside of protocol scope (pediatric patients), failure of documentation, or vital signs outside of the established protocol parameters. We did not find an increased 24-hour ED visit rate in patients who were inappropriately triaged to the protocol. Of patients who had ED visits within 24 hours, only two were admitted, none to higher levels of care. CONCLUSION Within this small study, EMS clinicians in our system were able to safely and accurately apply a non-transport protocol for patients presenting with symptoms consistent with COVID-19. This is consistent with previous literature suggesting that EMS-initiated non-transport is a viable strategy to reduce the burden on health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Couturier
- From the Section of EMS, Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Alexander R Nelson
- From the Section of EMS, Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kevin Burns
- From the Section of EMS, Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - David C Cone
- From the Section of EMS, Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mark Rollins
- From the Section of EMS, Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Arjun K Venkatesh
- From the Section of EMS, Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Andrew Ulrich
- From the Section of EMS, Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Matthew Shapiro
- From the Section of EMS, Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Daniel Joseph
- From the Section of EMS, Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Magnusson C, Hagiwara MA, Norberg-Boysen G, Kauppi W, Herlitz J, Axelsson C, Packendorff N, Larsson G, Wibring K. Suboptimal prehospital decision- making for referral to alternative levels of care - frequency, measurement, acceptance rate and room for improvement. BMC Emerg Med 2022; 22:89. [PMID: 35606694 PMCID: PMC9125920 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-022-00643-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The emergency medical services (EMS) have undergone dramatic changes during the past few decades. Increased utilisation, changes in care-seeking behaviour and competence among EMS clinicians have given rise to a shift in EMS strategies in many countries. From transport to the emergency department to at the scene deciding on the most appropriate level of care and mode of transport. Among the non-conveyed patients some may suffer from “time-sensitive conditions” delaying diagnosis and treatment. Thus, four questions arise:How often are time-sensitive cases referred to primary care or self-care advice? How can we measure and define the level of inappropriate clinical decision-making? What is acceptable? How to increase patient safety?
Main text To what extent time-sensitive cases are non-conveyed varies. About 5–25% of referred patients visit the emergency department within 72 hours, 5% are hospitalised, 1–3% are reported to have a time-sensitive condition and seven-day mortality rates range from 0.3 to 6%. The level of inappropriate clinical decision-making can be measured using surrogate measures such as emergency department attendances, hospitalisation and short-term mortality. These measures do not reveal time-sensitive conditions. Defining a scoring system may be one alternative, where misclassifications of time-sensitive cases are rated based on how severely they affected patient outcome. In terms of what is acceptable there is no general agreement. Although a zero-vision approach does not seem to be realistic unless under-triage is split into different levels of severity with zero-vision in the most severe categories. There are several ways to reduce the risk of misclassifications. Implementation of support systems for decision-making using machine learning to improve the initial assessment is one approach. Using a trigger tool to identify adverse events is another. Conclusion A substantial number of patients are non-conveyed, including a small portion with time-sensitive conditions. This poses a threat to patient safety. No general agreement on how to define and measure the extent of such EMS referrals and no agreement of what is acceptable exists, but we conclude an overall zero-vision is not realistic. Developing specific tools supporting decision making regarding EMS referral may be one way to reduce misclassification rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Magnusson
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden. .,Department of Prehospital Emergency Care , Sahlgrenska University Hospital, SE-411 04, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Magnus Andersson Hagiwara
- Prehospen-Centre for Prehospital Research, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, SE-501 90, Borås, Sweden
| | - Gabriella Norberg-Boysen
- Prehospen-Centre for Prehospital Research, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, SE-501 90, Borås, Sweden
| | - Wivica Kauppi
- Prehospen-Centre for Prehospital Research, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, SE-501 90, Borås, Sweden
| | - Johan Herlitz
- Prehospen-Centre for Prehospital Research, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, SE-501 90, Borås, Sweden
| | - Christer Axelsson
- Department of Prehospital Emergency Care , Sahlgrenska University Hospital, SE-411 04, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Prehospen-Centre for Prehospital Research, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, SE-501 90, Borås, Sweden
| | - Niclas Packendorff
- Prehospen-Centre for Prehospital Research, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, SE-501 90, Borås, Sweden
| | - Glenn Larsson
- Prehospen-Centre for Prehospital Research, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, SE-501 90, Borås, Sweden
| | - Kristoffer Wibring
- Department of Ambulance and Prehospital Care, Region Halland, SE-302 49, Halmstad, Sweden
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Johansson H, Lundgren K, Hagiwara MA. Reasons for bias in ambulance clinicians' assessments of non-conveyed patients: a mixed-methods study. BMC Emerg Med 2022; 22:79. [PMID: 35524195 PMCID: PMC9074185 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-022-00630-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The number of ambulance assignments and the influx of patients to the emergency departments (EDs) in Sweden have increased in recent years. This is one reason the protocol for prehospital emergency care was developed around referring patients for non-conveyance, either through the see-and-convey elsewhere approach or through the see-and-treat approach. However, this protocol has led to challenges in patient assessments. This study aimed to investigate the underlying causes of patient harm among those referred for the see-and-treat approach by the emergency medical services. Methods This three-phase study involved a mixed-methods design. Cases of injuries, internal investigations and incident analyses of referrals for the see-and-treat approach in two regions in south eastern Sweden from 2015 to 2020 were examined using qualitative content analysis. This qualitative analysis was the basis for the quantitative analysis of the ambulance records. After the qualitative analysis was completed, a review protocol was developed; 34 variables were used to review 240 randomly selected ambulance records logged in 2020, wherein patients were referred for the see-and-treat approach. Finally, the review results were synthesised. Results The qualitative analysis revealed three common themes: ‘assessment of patients’, ‘guidelines’ and ‘environment and organisation’. These results were confirmed by a medical journal review. Shortcomings were found in the anamnesis and in the number of targeted examinations performed. The checklist for referring patients for the see-and-treat approach and the information sheet to be provided to the patients were not used. In 34% of the ambulance records examined, the EMS clinicians deviated from the current guidelines for a see-and-treat referral. Conclusions The results indicated that the low adherence to guidelines and the patient assessment deviating from the protocol put patients at risk of being harmed during a see-and-treat referral. Measures are needed to guarantee a safe assessment of an increasing number of patients who are referred for the see-and-treat approach, especially the multi-sick elderly patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12873-022-00630-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Johansson
- Falck Ambulans Östergötland, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, SE-501 90, Borås, Sweden
| | - Kristin Lundgren
- Ambulanssjukvården Region Jönköpings län, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, SE-501 90, Borås, Sweden
| | - Magnus Andersson Hagiwara
- Centre for Prehospital Research, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, SE-501 90, Borås, Sweden.
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Heinonen K, Puolakka T, Salmi H, Boyd J, Laiho M, Porthan K, Harve‐Rytsälä H, Kuisma M. Ambulance crew-initiated non-conveyance in the Helsinki EMS system-A retrospective cohort study. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 2022; 66:625-633. [PMID: 35170028 PMCID: PMC9544076 DOI: 10.1111/aas.14049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Ambulance patients are usually transported to the hospital in the emergency medical service (EMS) system. The aim of this study was to describe the non‐conveyance practice in the Helsinki EMS system and to report mortality following non‐conveyance decisions. Methods All prehospital patients ≥16 years attended by the EMS but not transported to a hospital during 2013–2017 were included in the study. EMS mission‐ and patient‐related factors were collected and examined in relation to patient death within 30 days of the EMS non‐conveyance decision. Results The EMS performed 324,207 missions with a patient during the study period. The patient was not transported in 95,909 (29.6%) missions; 72,233 missions met the study criteria. The patient mean age (standard deviation) was 59.5 (22.5) years; 55.5% of patients were female. The most common dispatch codes were malaise (15.0%), suspected decline in vital signs (14.0%), and falling over (12.9%). A total of 960 (1.3%) patients died within 30 days after the non‐conveyance decision. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that mortality was associated with the patient's inability to walk (odds ratio 3.19, 95% confidence interval 2.67–3.80), ambulance dispatch due to shortness of breath (2.73, 2.27–3.27), decreased level of consciousness (2.72, 1.75–4.10), decreased blood oxygen saturation (2.64, 2.27–3.06), and abnormal systolic blood pressure (2.48, 1.79–3.37). Conclusion One‐third of EMS missions did not result in patient transport to the hospital. Thirty‐day mortality was 1.3%. Abnormalities in multiple respiratory‐related vital signs were associated with an increased likelihood of death within 30 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari Heinonen
- Department of Emergency Medicine & Services Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
- Department of Anesthesiology & Intensive Care Medicine Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
| | - Tuukka Puolakka
- Department of Emergency Medicine & Services Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
- Department of Anesthesiology & Intensive Care Medicine Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
| | - Heli Salmi
- Department of Anesthesiology & Intensive Care Medicine Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
| | - James Boyd
- Department of Emergency Medicine & Services Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
| | - Mia Laiho
- Parliament of Finland Helsinki Finland
| | - Kari Porthan
- Helsinki City Rescue Department Helsinki Finland
| | - Heini Harve‐Rytsälä
- Department of Emergency Medicine & Services Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
| | - Markku Kuisma
- Department of Emergency Medicine & Services Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
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Wilson C, Howell AM, Janes G, Benn J. The role of feedback in emergency ambulance services: a qualitative interview study. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:296. [PMID: 35241068 PMCID: PMC8896262 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07676-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several international studies suggest that the feedback that emergency ambulance service (EMS) personnel receive on the care they have delivered lacks structure, relevance, credibility and routine implementation. Feedback in this context can relate to performance or patient outcomes, can come from a variety of sources and can be sought or imposed. Evidence from health services research and implementation science, suggests that feedback can change professional behavior, improve clinical outcomes and positively influence staff mental health. The current study aimed to explore the experience of EMS professionals regarding current feedback provision and their views on how feedback impacts on patient care, patient safety and staff wellbeing. METHODS This qualitative study was conducted as part of a wider study of work-related wellbeing in EMS professionals. We used purposive sampling to select 24 frontline EMS professionals from one ambulance service in the United Kingdom and conducted semi-structured interviews. The data was analyzed in iterative cycles of inductive and deductive reasoning using Abductive Thematic Network Analysis. The analysis was informed by psychological theory, as well as models from the wider feedback effectiveness and feedback-seeking behavior literature. RESULTS Participants viewed current feedback provision as inadequate and consistently expressed a desire for increased feedback. Reported types of prehospital feedback included patient outcome feedback, patient-experience feedback, peer-to-peer feedback, performance feedback, feedforward: on-scene advice, debriefing and investigations and coroners' reports. Participants raised concerns that inadequate feedback could negatively impact on patient safety by preventing learning from mistakes. Enhancing feedback provision was thought to improve patient care and staff wellbeing by supporting personal and professional development. CONCLUSIONS In line with previous research in this area, this study highlights EMS professionals' strong desire for feedback. The study advances the literature by suggesting a typology of prehospital feedback and presenting a unique insight into the motives for feedback-seeking using psychological theory. A logic model for prehospital feedback interventions was developed to inform future research and development into prehospital feedback.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Wilson
- School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom. .,North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Bolton, United Kingdom.
| | | | - Gillian Janes
- Faculty of Health, Psychology and Social Care, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Benn
- School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom.,Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, United Kingdom
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Shepard K, Spencer S, Kelly C, Wankhade P. Staff perceptions of patient safety in the NHS ambulance services: an exploratory qualitative study. Br Paramed J 2022; 6:18-25. [PMID: 35340577 PMCID: PMC8892446 DOI: 10.29045/14784726.2022.03.6.4.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Most research investigating staff perceptions of patient safety has been based in primary care or hospitals, with little research on emergency services. Therefore, this study aimed to explore staff perceptions of patient safety in the NHS ambulance services. Design A stratified qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. Setting Three urban or rural ambulance service NHS trusts in England. Participants A total of 44 participants from three organisational levels, including executives, managers and operational staff. Methods The semi-structured interviews explored the interpretation and definition of patient safety, perceived risks, incident reporting, communication and organisational culture. The framework method of qualitative data analysis was used to analyse the interviews and NVivo software was used to manage and organise the data. Results We identified five dominant themes: varied interpretation of patient safety; significant patient safety risks; reporting culture shift; communication; and organisational culture. The findings demonstrated that staff perceptions of patient safety ranged widely across the three organisational levels, while they remained consistent within those levels across the participating ambulance service NHS trusts in England. Conclusions The findings suggest that participants from all organisational levels perceive that the NHS ambulance services have become much safer for patients over recent years, which signifies an awareness of the historical issues and how they have been addressed. The inclusion of three distinct ambulance service NHS trusts and organisational levels provides deepened insight into the perceptions of patient safety by staff. As the responses of participants were consistent across the three NHS trusts, the identified issues may be generic and have application in other ambulance and emergency service settings, with implications for health policy on a national basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keegan Shepard
- University of Oxford ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3867-9752
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Zhou Q, Tian W, Wu R, Qin C, Zhang H, Zhang H, Zhou S, Li S, Jin Y, Zheng ZJ. Quantity and Quality of Healthcare Professionals, Transfer Delay and In-hospital Mortality Among ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Mixed-Method Cross-Sectional Study of 89 Emergency Medical Stations in China. Front Public Health 2022; 9:812355. [PMID: 35141193 PMCID: PMC8818716 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.812355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundTransfer delay provokes prolongation of prehospital time, which contributes to treatment delay that endangers patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). A key constraint in reducing transfer delay is the shortage of emergency healthcare workers. This study was to explore the influence of the quality and quantity of healthcare professionals at emergency medical stations on transfer delay and in-hospital mortality among STEMI patients.MethodsA cross-sectional study using mixed methods was conducted at 89 emergency stations in 9 districts in China's Shenzhen province. Based on a sample of 31 hospitals, 1,255 healthcare professionals, and 3,131 patients with STEMI, a generalized linear model was used to explore the associations between the quality and quantity of healthcare professionals and transfer delay and in-hospital mortality among STEMI patients. Qualitative data were collected and analyzed to explore the reasons for the lack of qualified healthcare professionals at emergency medical stations.ResultsThe analysis of the quantity of healthcare professionals showed that an increase of one physician per 100,000 individuals was associated with decreased transfer delay for patients with STEMI by 5.087 min (95% CI −6.722, −3.452; P < 0.001). An increase of one nurse per 100,000 individuals was associated with decreased transfer delay by 1.471 min (95% CI −2.943, 0.002; P=0.050). Analysis of the quality of healthcare professionals showed that an increase of one physician with an undergraduate degree per 100,000 individuals was associated with decreased transfer delay for patients with STEMI by 8.508 min (95% CI −10.457, −6.558; P < 0.001). An increase of one nurse with an undergraduate degree per 100,000 individuals was associated with decreased transfer delay by 6.645 min (95% CI −8.218, −5.072; P < 0.001). Qualitative analysis illustrated that the main reasons for low satisfaction of healthcare professionals at emergency medical stations included low income, limited promotion opportunities, and poor working environment.ConclusionsThe quantity and quality of emergency healthcare professionals are key factors influencing transfer delay in STEMI patients. The government should increase the quantity of healthcare professionals at emergency medical stations, strengthen the training, and improve their performance by linking with clinical pathways to enhance job enthusiasm among emergency healthcare professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Zhou
- Shenzhen Center for Prehospital Care, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wenya Tian
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Rengyu Wu
- Shenzhen Center for Prehospital Care, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chongzhen Qin
- Shenzhen Center for Prehospital Care, Shenzhen, China
| | | | - Haiyan Zhang
- Shenzhen Center for Prehospital Care, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shuduo Zhou
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Institute for Global Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Siwen Li
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Institute for Global Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yinzi Jin
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Institute for Global Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yinzi Jin
| | - Zhi-Jie Zheng
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Institute for Global Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Mikolaizak AS, Harvey L, Toson B, Lord SR, Tiedemann A, Howard K, Close JCT. Linking health service utilisation and mortality data-unravelling what happens after fall-related paramedic care. Age Ageing 2022; 51:6514234. [PMID: 35077557 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afab254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A randomised controlled trial implemented and evaluated a new model of care for non-transported older fallers to prevent future falls and unplanned health service use. This current study uses linked data to evaluate the effects of the intervention beyond the initial 12-month study period. METHOD Study data from an established cohort of 221 adults were linked to administrative data from NSW Ambulance, Emergency Department Data Collection, Admitted Patient Data Collection and Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages evaluating health service use at 12, 24 and 36 months following randomisation including time to event (health service utilisation) and mortality. Negative binomial and Cox's proportional hazard regression were performed to capture the impact of the study between groups and adherence status. RESULTS At 36 months follow-up, 89% of participants called an ambulance, 87% attended the Emergency Department and 91% were admitted to hospital. There were no significant differences in all-cause health service utilisation between the control and intervention group (IG) at 12, 24 and 36 months follow-up. Fall-related health service use was significantly higher within the IG at 12 (IRR:1.40 (95%CI:1.01-1.94) and 24 months (IRR:1.43 (95%CI:1.05-1.95)). Medication use, impaired balance and previous falls were associated with subsequent health service use. Over 40% of participants died by the follow-up period with risk of death lower in the IG at 36 months (HR:0.64, 95%CI:0.45-0.91). CONCLUSION Non-transported fallers have a high risk of future health service use for fall and other medical-related reasons. Interventions which address this risk need to be further explored.
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