1
|
Lawson B, Williams B. Identifying organ donors attended by prehospital healthcare professionals - A scoping review. Int Emerg Nurs 2024; 74:101448. [PMID: 38703620 DOI: 10.1016/j.ienj.2024.101448] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Organ donation is a life-saving intervention that provides hope for patients with end-stage organ failure, improving their longevity and quality of life. However, the demand for organs far exceeds the supply, leading to a significant disparity between patients on transplant waiting lists and the availability of suitable organs. To address this issue, innovative strategies, such as uncontrolled donation after circulatory death (uDCD) programs, have been proposed to expand the donor pool to the prehospital setting. AIM This study aimed to systematically map the literature and comprehensively evaluate the involvement of prehospital healthcare professionals in identifying potential organ donors, as well as the barriers and systems impacting this process. METHODS A scoping literature review was conducted guided by the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews. Four electronic databases and grey literature were searched for articles examining the participation of prehospital healthcare professionals in the organ or tissue donation process. Relevant data were extracted, organised into narrative and tabular formats, and presented. RESULTS A total of 33 articles were included for analysis, predominantly focusing on uDCD programs. The review identified a limited evidence-base regarding the role of prehospital healthcare professionals in organ donation. Four common themes emerged: discrepancies in criteria, decision-making processes, bridging strategies, and ethical considerations. CONCLUSION This scoping literature review highlights the significant role of prehospital healthcare professionals in identifying and recruiting organ donors from non-traditional settings. Established uDCD systems show promise in alleviating the burden on transplant waitlists. However, there is a lack of consensus on enrolment criteria, transportation, and ethical considerations for uDCD. Further research is needed to address these gaps, establish evidence-based guidelines, and ensure the efficient and ethical utilisation of potential organ donors from unconventional settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ben Lawson
- Department of Paramedicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Brett Williams
- Department of Paramedicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Charlton K, Bate A. Factors that influence paramedic decision-making about resuscitation for treatment of out of hospital cardiac arrest: Results of a discrete choice experiment in National Health Service ambulance trusts in England and Wales. Resusc Plus 2024; 17:100580. [PMID: 38380418 PMCID: PMC10877159 DOI: 10.1016/j.resplu.2024.100580] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background During out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) paramedics must make decisions to commence, continue, terminate or withhold resuscitation. These decisions are known to be complex, subject to variability and often dependent on provider preference. This study aimed to understand paramedic decision-making regarding the commencement of resuscitation using a discrete choice experiment. Methods A discrete choice experiment between October-December 2022 surveying paramedics from ten National Health Service ambulance trusts in England and Wales. Respondents were presented with fourteen vignettes, each comprising thirteen attributes, and asked to decide if they would provide resuscitation or not. Results Eight hundred and sixty-four paramedics completed the survey (61.8% male, median age 36 years (IQR 17.1)) and half had < 5 years clinical experience (n = 443 (51.2%). Respondents expressed a general preference to offer resuscitation (p = <0.01). All attributes except patient gender were statistically significant and important regarding an offer of resuscitation. Cut-offs where an offer of resuscitation was less likely were patient age of 73 years (p=>0.05), mild dementia (p = >0.05) and moderate frailty (p = <0.01). Paramedic characteristics of female gender, longest (>10 years) and shortest (<5 years) period qualified, lower academic qualification, lower skill level and attending fewer OHCA's were more likely to result in an offer of resuscitation. Conclusion During OHCA paramedics use objective and non-objective factors to make pragmatic decisions regarding an offer of resuscitation. Future research should focus on how best to support paramedics to make decisions during OHCA, how variability in decision-making impacts patient outcomes and how this relates to patient and public expectations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karl Charlton
- Research Paramedic, North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, Bernicia House, Newburn Riverside, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE15 8NY, UK
| | - Angela Bate
- Associate Professor of Health Economics, Northumbria University, Sutherland Building, Northumberland Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang SA, Chang CJ, Do Shin S, Chu SE, Huang CY, Hsu LM, Lin HY, Hong KJ, Jamaluddin SF, Son DN, Ramakrishnan TV, Chiang WC, Sun JT, Huei-Ming Ma M. Development of a prediction model for emergency medical service witnessed traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: A multicenter cohort study. J Formos Med Assoc 2024; 123:23-35. [PMID: 37573159 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2023.07.011] [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: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE To develop a prediction model for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to identify trauma patients at high risk of deterioration to emergency medical service (EMS)-witnessed traumatic cardiac arrest (TCA) on the scene or en route. METHODS We developed a prediction model using the classical cross-validation method from the Pan-Asia Trauma Outcomes Study (PATOS) database from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2020. Eligible patients aged ≥18 years were transported to the hospital by the EMS. The primary outcome (EMS-witnessed TCA) was defined based on changes in vital signs measured on the scene or en route. We included variables that were immediately measurable as potential predictors when EMTs arrived. An integer point value system was built using multivariable logistic regression. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve and Hosmer-Lemeshow (HL) test were used to examine discrimination and calibration in the derivation and validation cohorts. RESULTS In total, 74,844 patients were eligible for database review. The model comprised five prehospital predictors: age <40 years, systolic blood pressure <100 mmHg, respiration rate >20/minute, pulse oximetry <94%, and levels of consciousness to pain or unresponsiveness. The AUROC in the derivation and validation cohorts was 0.767 and 0.782, respectively. The HL test revealed good calibration of the model (p = 0.906). CONCLUSION We established a prediction model using variables from the PATOS database and measured them immediately after EMS personnel arrived to predict EMS-witnessed TCA. The model allows prehospital medical personnel to focus on high-risk patients and promptly administer optimal treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shao-An Wang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, No. 21, Sec. 2, Nan Ya South Rd, Banqiao Dist, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Jung Chang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, No. 21, Sec. 2, Nan Ya South Rd, Banqiao Dist, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Shan Do Shin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sheng-En Chu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, No. 21, Sec. 2, Nan Ya South Rd, Banqiao Dist, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yen Huang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, No. 21, Sec. 2, Nan Ya South Rd, Banqiao Dist, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Li-Min Hsu
- Department of Traumatology and Critical Care, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hao-Yang Lin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ki Jeong Hong
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | - Do Ngoc Son
- Center for Emergency Medicine, Bach Mai Hospital, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - T V Ramakrishnan
- Emergency Medicine, Sri Ramachandra Medical College, Chennai, India
| | - Wen-Chu Chiang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yun-Lin Branch, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Jen-Tang Sun
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, No. 21, Sec. 2, Nan Ya South Rd, Banqiao Dist, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Department of Nursing, Cardinal Tien Junior College of Healthcare and Management, Yilan, Taiwan.
| | - Matthew Huei-Ming Ma
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yun-Lin Branch, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sepahvand MJ, Nourozi K, Khankeh H, Mohammadi-Shahboulaghi F, Fallahi-Khoshknab M. Fears and Concerns of Bystanders to Help People Injured in Traffic Accidents: A Qualitative Descriptive Study. Emerg Med Int 2023; 2023:1862802. [PMID: 38099234 PMCID: PMC10721345 DOI: 10.1155/2023/1862802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In most traffic accidents, bystanders arrive at the scene before the rescuers. If they provide the right help, they can play an important and effective role in reducing the number of deaths and complications caused by these accidents. However, in many cases, fears and concerns prevent bystanders from providing assistance. This study aims to investigate and understand the fears and concerns of bystanders when they decide to help in traffic accidents. In 2022, this study was carried out in Iran using a qualitative content analysis approach. The data was collected through semistructured interviews. Participants were 15 males and females who had experience providing assistance in traffic accidents. Interviews, after digital recording, were transcribed verbatim. A purposeful and theoretical sampling method was performed. Data analysis and the determination of codes, categories, and subcategories were done using qualitative analysis software. O'Brien's qualitative research reporting standard was used. The results of the study include a category of fears and concerns and five subcategories. The subcategories include fear and concern caused by lack of information, fear of legal troubles, stress caused by previous experience, fear and anxiety caused by anticipation, and anxiety of unknown origin. The results of this study showed that some of the fears and concerns of the bystanders were related to a lack of information about providing assistance. By increasing bystanders' information about assistance, such as first aid training, fear and anxiety caused by a lack of information can be reduced. Another part of the fear and concern of bystanders is due to legal issues. Passing and implementing laws that protect bystanders can help reduce this fear and concern. Bystanders should be trained to provide assistance according to the rules of assistance so that they do not get into legal problems. A part of the bystander's fear and concern stems from their previous experiences providing assistance in traffic accidents. These experiences can also affect the fear and anxiety caused by anticipation. It is necessary to conduct more studies on the role of bystanders' experiences in creating fear and anxiety in them, as well as their effect on anticipatory fear.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kian Nourozi
- Department of Nursing, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Khankeh
- Emergency and Disaster Health, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Associated at Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institute, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farahnaz Mohammadi-Shahboulaghi
- Iranian Research Center on Aging, Nursing Department, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Fallahi-Khoshknab
- Department of Nursing, Iranian Scientific Association of Nursing, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Montas G, Nwaiwu C, Stephen AH, Heffernan DS. The Impact of Protective Devices Across the Spectrum of Trauma Care and Across Racial Groupings. Am Surg 2023; 89:5140-5146. [PMID: 36349424 DOI: 10.1177/00031348221135783] [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] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Protective devices such as seat belts and helmets save lives. Most studies only address one aspect of the injury profile - compliance or mortality - not the entire spectrum of trauma care, and little attention is paid to racial differences in the use or impact of protective devices. METHODS Patients with blunt mechanisms where using protective devices would be expected were included and were divided into utilizing (P) vs not utilizing protection (Non-P). Chart review included demographics, injuries sustained, hemodynamics, and blood alcohol level. Outcomes included need for emergent operation, complications and death. RESULTS Non-P patients were more likely male, presented at night and intoxicated. Highest risk behavior (intoxicated Non-P) presented at night (25.7% of nighttime presentations), and rarely during daytime (6.7% daytime presentations). Non-P were more likely hypotensive and sustain a traumatic brain injury. No race related differences were noted among young patients. Among older (>/=50 years) patients, White patients were least likely Non-P and least likely presented at night. Non-P required more emergent operative intervention, ICU admission, and longer hospital stay. Overall, Non-P was associated with increased risk of death (OR = 1.6 (95% CI = 1.28 - 2.11). CONCLUSION Given unique age and racial differences, we advocate for culturally and age specific public service campaigns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve Montas
- Division of Trauma & Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Chibueze Nwaiwu
- Division of Trauma & Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Andrew H Stephen
- Division of Trauma & Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Daithi S Heffernan
- Division of Trauma & Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tanabe R, Hongo T, Obara T, Nojima T, Nakao A, Elmer J, Naito H, Yumoto T. Treatment patterns and clinician stress related to care of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients with a do not attempt resuscitation order. Resusc Plus 2023; 16:100507. [PMID: 38026140 PMCID: PMC10665952 DOI: 10.1016/j.resplu.2023.100507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This research investigated treatment patterns for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients with Do Not Attempt Resuscitation orders in Japanese emergency departments and the associated clinician stress. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted at 9 hospitals in Okayama, Japan, targeting emergency department nurses and physicians. The questionnaire inquired about the last treated out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patient with a Do Not Attempt Resuscitation. We assessed emotional stress on a 0-10 scale and moral distress on a 1-5 scale among clinicians. Results Of 208 participants, 107 (51%) had treated an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patient with a Do Not Attempt Resuscitation order in the past 6 months. Of these, 65 (61%) clinicians used a "slow code" due to perceived futility in resuscitation (42/65 [65%]), unwillingness to terminate resuscitation upon arrival (38/65 [59%]), and absence of family at the time of patient's arrival (35/65 [54%]). Female clinicians had higher emotional stress (5 vs. 3; P = 0.007) and moral distress (3 vs. 2; P = 0.002) than males. Nurses faced more moral distress than physicians (3 vs. 2; P < 0.001). Adjusted logistic regression revealed that having performed a "slow code" (adjusted odds ratio, 5.09 [95% CI, 1.68-17.87]) and having greater ethical concerns about "slow code" (adjusted odds ratio, 0.35 [95% CI, 0.19-0.58]) were associated with high stress levels. Conclusions The prevalent use of "slow code" for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients with Do Not Attempt Resuscitation orders underscores the challenges in managing these patients in clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Tanabe
- Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Takashi Hongo
- Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Takafumi Obara
- Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Nojima
- Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Atsunori Nakao
- Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Jonathan Elmer
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Hiromichi Naito
- Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Yumoto
- Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sørensen OB, Milling L, Laerkner E, Mikkelsen S, Bruun H. Professional prehospital clinicians' experiences of ethical challenges associated with the collaboration with organised voluntary first responders: a qualitative study. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2023; 31:79. [PMID: 37964364 PMCID: PMC10644536 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-023-01147-0] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Volunteer First Responders are used worldwide. In the Region of Southern Denmark, two types of programs have been established. One of these programs consists of voluntary responders without any requirements of education or training who are summoned to prehospital cardiac arrests. The other type of program is established primarily in the rural areas of the region and consists of volunteers with some mandatory education in first aid. These volunteers are summoned to all urgent cases along with the ambulances. Cooperation between professional healthcare workers and nonprofessionals summoned through official channels may be challenging. This study aimed to explore prehospital clinicians' experiences of ethical challenges in cooperation with volunteer first responders. METHODS We conducted 16 semi-structured interviews at four different ambulance stations in the Region of Southern Denmark. Five emergency physicians and 11 emergency medical technicians/paramedics were interviewed. The interviews were transcribed, and the data were analysed using systematic text condensation. RESULTS The study's 16 interviews resulted in the identification of some specific categories that challenged the cooperation between the two parties. We identified three main categories: 1. Beneficence, the act of doing good, 2. The risk of harming patients' autonomy 3. Non-maleficence, which is the obligation not to inflict harm on others. CONCLUSION This study provides an in-depth insight into the ethical challenges between prehospital clinicians and voluntary first responders from the perspective of the prehospital clinicians. Both programs are considered to have value but only when treating patients with cardiac arrest. Our study highlights potential areas of improvement in the two Danish voluntary programs in their current form.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Beierholm Sørensen
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000, Odense, Denmark
- The Prehospital Research Unit, Region of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, 5000, Odense, Denmark
| | - Louise Milling
- The Prehospital Research Unit, Region of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, 5000, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Cardiology, Nord Zealand Hospital, 3400, Hillerød, Denmark
| | - Eva Laerkner
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Odense University Hospital, 5000, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, Research Unit in Anesthesiology, University of Southern Denmark, 5000, Odense, Denmark
| | - Søren Mikkelsen
- The Prehospital Research Unit, Region of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, 5000, Odense, Denmark.
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000, Odense, Denmark.
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Odense University Hospital, 5000, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Henriette Bruun
- The Prehospital Research Unit, Region of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, 5000, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000, Odense, Denmark
- Psychiatric Department Middelfart, Mental Health Services in the Region of Southern Denmark, 5500, Middelfart, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Milling L, Nielsen DS, Kjær J, Binderup LG, de Muckadell CS, Christensen HC, Christensen EF, Lassen AT, Mikkelsen S. Ethical considerations in the prehospital treatment of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: A multi-centre, qualitative study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284826. [PMID: 37494384 PMCID: PMC10370897 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prehospital emergency physicians have to navigate complex decision-making in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) treatment that includes ethical considerations. This study explores Danish prehospital physicians' experiences of ethical issues influencing their decision-making during OHCA. METHODS We conducted a multisite ethnographic study. Through convenience sampling, we included 17 individual interviews with prehospital physicians and performed 22 structured observations on the actions of the prehospital personnel during OHCAs. We collected data during more than 800 observation hours in the Danish prehospital setting between December 2019 and April 2022. Data were analysed with thematic analysis. RESULTS All physicians experienced ethical considerations that influenced their decision-making in a complex interrelated process. We identified three overarching themes in the ethical considerations: Expectations towards patient prognosis and expectations from relatives, bystanders, and colleagues involved in the cardiac arrest; the values and beliefs of the physician and values and beliefs of others involved in the cardiac arrest treatment; and dilemmas encountered in decision-making such as conflicting values. CONCLUSION This extensive qualitative study provides an in-depth look at aspects of ethical considerations in decision-making in prehospital resuscitation and found aspects of ethical decision-making that could be harmful to both physicians and patients, such as difficulties in handling advance directives and potential unequal outcomes of the decision-making. The results call for multifaceted interventions on a wider societal level with a focus on advance care planning, education of patients and relatives, and interventions towards prehospital clinicians for a better understanding and awareness of ethical aspects of decision-making.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louise Milling
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Prehospital Research Unit, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Dorthe Susanne Nielsen
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jeannett Kjær
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Prehospital Research Unit, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Lars Grassmé Binderup
- Department for the Study of Culture, Philosophy, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | | | - Erika Frischknecht Christensen
- Centre for Prehospital and Emergency Research, Aalborg University Hospital and Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Emergency Medical Services, Region North Denmark, Aalborg, Denmark
| | | | - Søren Mikkelsen
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Prehospital Research Unit, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Minna S, Leena H, Tommi K. How to evaluate first aid skills after training: a systematic review. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2022; 30:56. [DOI: 10.1186/s13049-022-01043-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
To be able to help and save lives, laypersons are recommended to undergo first aid trainings. The aim of this review was to explore the variety of the elements of the measuring systems to assess the effects of first aid trainings on different aspects of first aid skills including practical skills, knowledge, and emotional perspectives.
Methods
This systematic literature review used Scopus and PubMed databases and searched for studies published between January, 2000, and December, 2020. Out of 2,162 studies meeting the search criteria, 15 studies with quantitative and repeatable evaluation methods to assess first aid skills after first aid training for adults were included in the final analysis.
Results
Practical skills, especially on the ability to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and to use an automated external defibrillator, were the most studied first aid skills after first aid training. This evaluation was based on several standardized measurements and assessed often with the help of a combination of resuscitation manikin and observer. Evaluation methods of performance in other emergency situations are not well standardized. Questionnaires used to assess knowledge of first aid, though seemingly based on guidelines, were also not standardized, either. Emotional aspects of first aid (willingness or self-confidence) were evaluated by highly simplified questionnaires, and answers were graded by five-point Likert scale.
Conclusion
According to our review, the focus of evaluation methods after first aid training has been on practical skills and especially on CPR. Though the evaluation of first-aid knowledge seems to be straightforward, it is not performed systematically. Evaluation methods for emotional aspects are highly simplified. Overall, standardized measurements and evaluation methods to assess all aspects of first aid skills are needed.
Collapse
|
10
|
An increased potential for organ donors may be found among patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2022; 30:50. [PMID: 35978359 PMCID: PMC9387073 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-022-01037-x] [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: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction A prehospital system where obvious futile cases may be terminated prehospitally by physicians may reduce unethical treatment of dying patients. Withholding treatment in futile cases may seem ethically sound but may keep dying patients from becoming organ donors. The objective of this study was to characterise the prehospital patients who underwent organ donation. The aim was to alert prehospital physicians to a potential for an increase in the organ donor pool by considering continued treatment even in some prehospital patients with obvious fatal lesions or illness. Methods This is a retrospective register-based study from the Region of Southern Denmark. The prehospital medical records from patients who underwent organ donation after prehospital care from 1st of January 2016–31st of December 2020 were screened for inclusion. The outcome measures were prehospital diagnosis, vital parameters, and critical interventions. Results In the five year period, one-hundred-and-fifty-one patients were entered into a donation process in the health region following prehospital care. Sixteen patients were excluded due to limitations in data availability. Of the 135 patients included, 36.3% had a stroke. 36.7% of these patients were intubated prehospitally. 15.6% had subarachnoideal haemorrhage. 66.7% of these were intubated prehospitally. 10.4% suffered from head trauma. 64.3% of these patients were intubated at the scene. In 21.5% of the patients, the prehospitally assigned tentative diagnosis was missing or included a diverse spectrum of medical and surgical emergencies. Twenty-two patients (16.3%) were resuscitated from cardiac arrest. 81.8% were intubated at the scene. Conclusion The majority of the patients who became organ donors presented prehospitally with intracranial pathology. However, 30% of the patients that later underwent an organ donation process had other prehospital diagnoses. Among these, one patient in six had out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Termination of treatment in patients with cardiac arrest is not uncommon in physician-manned prehospital emergency medical systems. An organ donation process cannot be initiated prehospitally but can be shut down if treatment is withheld or terminated. We contend that there is a potential for enlarging the donor pool if the decision processes in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest include considerations concerning future procurement of organ donors.
Collapse
|