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Laparidou D, Curtis F, Wijegoonewardene N, Akanuwe J, Weligamage DD, Koggalage PD, Siriwardena AN. Emergency medical service interventions and experiences during pandemics: A scoping review. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304672. [PMID: 39088585 PMCID: PMC11293743 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304672] [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: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global impact of COVID-19 has been profound, with efforts to manage and contain the virus placing increased pressure on healthcare systems and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in particular. There has been no previous review of studies investigating EMS interventions or experiences during pandemics. The aim of this scoping review was to identify and present published quantitative and qualitative evidence of EMS pandemic interventions, and how this translates into practice. METHODS Six electronic databases were searched from inception to July 2022, supplemented with internet searches and forward and backward citation tracking from included studies and review articles. A narrative synthesis of all eligible quantitative studies was performed and structured around the aims, key findings, as well as intervention type and content, where appropriate. Data from the qualitative studies were also synthesised narratively and presented thematically, according to their main aims and key findings. RESULTS The search strategy identified a total of 22,599 citations and after removing duplicates and excluding citations based on title and abstract, and full text screening, 90 studies were included. The quantitative narrative synthesis included seven overarching themes, describing EMS pandemic preparedness plans and interventions implemented in response to pandemics. The qualitative data synthesis included five themes, detailing the EMS workers' experiences of providing care during pandemics, their needs and their suggestions for best practices moving forward. CONCLUSIONS Despite concerns for their own and their families' safety and the many challenges they are faced with, especially their knowledge, training, lack of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and constant protocol changes, EMS personnel were willing and prepared to report for duty during pandemics. Participants also made recommendations for future outbreak response, which should be taken into consideration in order for EMS to cope with the current pandemic and to better prepare to respond to any future ones. TRIAL REGISTRATION The review protocol was registered with the Open Science Framework (osf.io/2pcy7).
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Affiliation(s)
- Despina Laparidou
- Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Ffion Curtis
- Department of Health Data Science, Liverpool Reviews & Implementation Group (LRiG), Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Nimali Wijegoonewardene
- Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, United Kingdom
- Ministry of Health, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Joseph Akanuwe
- Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Dedunu Dias Weligamage
- Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, United Kingdom
- Ministry of Health, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Prasanna Dinesh Koggalage
- Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, United Kingdom
- Ministry of Health, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Aloysius Niroshan Siriwardena
- Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, United Kingdom
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Jadidi A, Irannejad B, Mohsenifard M, Hezave AK, Aghaepour SM. Comparison of the Antimicrobial Effect of Zataria Multiflora Essence and Deconex Surface on Microbial Load of Emergency Ambulances. INQUIRY: THE JOURNAL OF HEALTH CARE ORGANIZATION, PROVISION, AND FINANCING 2022; 59:469580221093454. [PMID: 35583187 PMCID: PMC9121464 DOI: 10.1177/00469580221093454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to compare the antimicrobial effect of Deconex Surface, a common disinfectant, and Zataria multiflora essence on microbial load of Emergency ambulance equipment in Iran. The samples were selected from all the ambulances through convenience sampling. Before the intervention, the cultures were obtained from the contact surfaces and the surfaces were then disinfected with Deconex and Zataria multiflora. Then, repeated cultures were obtained from the same surfaces. Next, the samples were immediately sent to a microbiology lab. The obtained data were entered into SPSS 2016 and analyzed using statistical tests. Results showed that disinfecting effect of Zataria multiflora is better than Deconex in eliminating certain bacterial species such as Staphylococcus and Bacillus. So Zataria multiflora essence can be used as a surface and hospital equipment disinfectant along with other disinfectant compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Jadidi
- Department of Nursing, Arak University of Medical Science, Arak, Iran
| | - Behrooz Irannejad
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Crisis Management and Emergency Medical Services of Markazi Province, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Maryam Mohsenifard
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Crisis Management and Emergency Medical Services of Markazi Province, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
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Beyramijam M, Farrokhi M, Ebadi A, Masoumi G, Khankeh HR. Disaster preparedness in emergency medical service agencies: A systematic review. JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROMOTION 2021; 10:258. [PMID: 34485555 PMCID: PMC8396056 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_1280_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The Emergency Medical Services (EMSs) are in the frontline between the health-care systems and people in emergencies and disasters. With the increase in the frequency of natural or man-made disasters around the world, the need for prepared EMS services is increasing. This study aimed to evaluate the current disaster preparedness status of the EMS agencies in the literature and exploring the key preparedness elements and the strategies to improve the EMS disaster preparedness. The electronic database such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar was searched from 2000 to 2019. The searching keywords included: "EMS," "Disaster," "Preparedness," "Emergency" "Preparedness," "Disaster Preparedness," "Readiness," and the terms related to "disaster types" were used in combination with Boolean operators OR and AND. Out of 1412 articles, 7 articles were included in the review. The most important elements of the EMS disaster preparedness include the size and scope of the incident, surge capacity, planning, communication, training and education, policymaking, financial support, coordination, safety and security, early warning system, disaster response experience, and legal considerations. This systematic review showed that the EMS agencies in the world generally are inadequately prepared for an effective response to major emergencies and disasters. This study provides valuable information to EMS educators, EMS administrators to adopt and perform appropriate activities to improve the EMS disaster preparedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Beyramijam
- Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Farrokhi
- Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Ebadi
- Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Life Style Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Nursing Faculty, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Scienses, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Masoumi
- Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Emergency Management Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Khankeh
- Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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Azami-Aghdash S, Moosavi A, Gharaee H, Sadeghi G, Mousavi Isfahani H, Ghasemi Dastgerdi A, Mohseni M. Development of quality indicators to measure pre-hospital emergency medical services for road traffic injury. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:235. [PMID: 33726709 PMCID: PMC7970773 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06238-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pre-Hospital Emergency Care (PEC) is a fundamental property of prevention of Road Traffic Injuries (RTIs). Thus, this sector requires a system for evaluation and performance improvement. This study aimed to develop quality indicators to measure PEC for RTIs. Methods Following the related literature review, 14 experts were interviewed through semi-structured interviews to identify Quality Measurement Indicators (QMIs). The extracted indicators were then categorized into three domains: structure, performance, and management. Finally, the identified QMIs were confirmed through two rounds of the Delphi technique. Results Using literature review 11 structural, 13 performance, and four managerial indicators (A total of 28 indicators) were identified. Also, four structural, four performance, and three managerial indicators (A total of 11indicators) were extracted from interviews with experts. Two indicators were excluded after two rounds of Delphi’s technics. Finally, 14 structural, 16 performance and, seven managerial indicators (A total of 37indicators) were finalized. Conclusion Due to the importance and high proportion of RTIs compared to other types of injuries, this study set out to design and evaluate the QMIs of PEC delivered for RTIs. The findings of this research contribute to measuring and planning aimed at improving the performance of PEC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-021-06238-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saber Azami-Aghdash
- Road Traffic Injury Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, Health Management and Safety Promotion Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Moosavi
- Department of Health and Community Medicine, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
| | - Hojatolah Gharaee
- District Health Center of Hamadan City, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Ghader Sadeghi
- Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, Health Management and Safety Promotion Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Haleh Mousavi Isfahani
- School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Ghasemi Dastgerdi
- Disaster and Emergency Medical Management Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mohseni
- Health Management and Economics Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Beyramijam M, Khankeh HR, Farrokhi M, Ebadi A, Masoumi G, Nouri-Sari H. Evaluating the disaster preparedness of emergency medical service agencies in the world: A systematic literature review protocol. JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROMOTION 2020; 9:351. [PMID: 33575387 PMCID: PMC7871916 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_416_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Disasters occur almost everywhere in the world, and preparation is essential. Preparedness is an effective approach for disaster management, and it is crucial for the health systems, especially the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) agencies. This systematic review will be conducted to assess the preparedness levels of EMS agencies in the world for the response to disasters and explore the key dimensions and strategies to enhance it. METHODOLOGY This systematic literature review will be conducted to search comprehensively the articles published between 2000 and 2019 to explore the disaster preparedness of EMS Agencies. To this end, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar will be thoroughly assessed. The following terms and expression will be used for searching the databases: "EMS" and other keywords "Disaster Preparedness," "Mass Casualty Incident," "Mass Gathering," "Terrorist incident," "Weapons of Mass Destruction," and CBRNE, Disaster, included: 'Emergency Preparedness, Preparedness, Readiness. DISCUSSION To the best of our knowledge, no systematic review study has been conducted on disaster preparedness of EMS agencies in the world. This is the first study to address this gape. It will also explore the key dimensions of disaster preparedness in EMS services and the strategies to enhance their preparedness. CONCLUSION Identifying the key dimensions of disaster preparedness is the first step in designing valid assessment tools to evaluate disaster preparedness of EMS service. This study will provide valuable guides for EMS administrators and researchers in an attempt to enhance of preparedness of EMS systems in disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Beyramijam
- Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Khankeh
- Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Instituted, Stockholm, Sweden, Europe
| | - Mehrdad Farrokhi
- Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Ebadi
- Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Life Style Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Nursing Faculty, Baqiyatallah University of medical sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Masoumi
- Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Emergency Management Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Amir-Behghadami M, Gholizadeh M, Janati A. Methodological Issues on the Importance of Instrument Validation in Cross-Sectional Health Research. Bull Emerg Trauma 2020; 8:49-50. [PMID: 32201703 PMCID: PMC7071930 DOI: 10.29252/beat-080109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Amir-Behghadami
- Iranian Center of Excellence in Health Management (IceHM), Department of Health Service Management, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Student Research Committee (SRC), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Gholizadeh
- Iranian Center of Excellence in Health Management (IceHM), Department of Health Service Management, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Janati
- Iranian Center of Excellence in Health Management (IceHM), Department of Health Service Management, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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