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Miller B, Lenz TJ. The Effect of Coronavirus Disease 2019 on Adverse Events in Health Care: A Retrospective Study in Ground and Helicopter Emergency Medical Services. Air Med J 2024; 43:221-225. [PMID: 38821702 DOI: 10.1016/j.amj.2023.11.015] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has proven to be a significant hardship for the entire world. Health care systems and their workers have been stretched to their limits. Research regarding whether this increased strain has affected patient safety has not been sufficient, especially in emergency medical services. The aim of this study was to determine if there has been an increased rate of adverse events in ground and helicopter emergency medical services since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A 2-year retrospective review was performed at a Midwest regional critical care transport service. The rate of adverse events for 1-year periods before and after March 13, 2020, was the primary outcome. All adverse events that generated a quality improvement incident report form (QIRF) were included, except those generated for non-clinical-related incidents. Additionally, a smaller time frame between May 1st and August 31st of both years was included containing all flagged adverse events from peer reviewers; not all of these generated a QIRF. RESULTS In the time period between March 13, 2019, and March 12, 2020, 5 of 3,154 (0.16%) calls generated a QIRF versus 21 of 3,185 (0.66%) calls between March 13, 2020, and March 12, 2021. There was a significant relationship showing an adverse event was more likely to happen after the onset of COVID-19 compared with before (χ21 [N = 6,339] = 8.643, P ≤ .001). Additionally, from May 1st to August 31st, the total adverse event rates were 16.86% (143/848 calls) and 24.46% (387/1,582 calls) for 2019 and 2020, respectively. Similarly, statistical significance existed for adverse events occurring after onset of the pandemic versus before (χ21 [N = 2,430] = 18.253, P ≤ .001). CONCLUSION A higher rate of adverse events for the year after the onset of COVID-19 existed. Additional studies looking at the causes of adverse events and patient outcomes should be undertaken to further understand this increase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake Miller
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Timothy J Lenz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI.
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McGahern C, Cantor Z, De Mendonca B, Dawson J, Boisvert L, Dalgleish D, Newhook D, Reddy D, Bresee N, Alnaji F. Closing the Loop: The Value of Outcome Letters for Prehospital Pediatric Care. Pediatr Emerg Care 2024; 40:261-264. [PMID: 37205877 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000002978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Providing emergency care to acutely ill or injured children is stressful and requires a high level of training. Paramedics who provide prehospital care are typically not involved in the circle of care and do not receive patient outcome information. The aim of this quality improvement project was to assess paramedics' perceptions of standardized outcome letters pertaining to acute pediatric patients that they had treated and transported to an emergency department. METHODS Between December 2019 and December 2020, 888 outcome letters were distributed to paramedics who provided care for 370 acute pediatric patients transported to the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario in Ottawa, Canada. All paramedics who received a letter (n = 470) were invited to participate in a survey that collected their perceptions and feedback about the letters, as well as their demographic information. RESULTS The response rate was 37% (172/470). Approximately half of the respondents were Primary Care Paramedics and half Advanced Care Paramedics. The respondents' median age was 36 years, median years of service was 12 years, and 64% identified as male. Most agreed that the outcome letters contained information pertinent to their practice (91%), allowed them to reflect on care they had provided (87%), and confirmed clinical suspicions (93%). Respondents indicated that they found the letters useful for 3 reasons: 1) increases capacity to link differential diagnoses, prehospital care, or patient outcomes; 2) contributes to a culture of continuous learning and improvement; and 3) gives closure, reduces stress, or provides answers for difficult cases. Suggestions for improvement included providing more information, provision of letters on all patients transported, faster turnaround time between call and receipt of letter and inclusion of recommendations or interventions/assessments. CONCLUSIONS Paramedics appreciated receiving hospital-based patient outcome information after their provision of care and reported that the letters offered opportunities for closure, reflection, and learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candice McGahern
- From the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zachary Cantor
- Regional Paramedic Program of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Jennifer Dawson
- From the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Liane Boisvert
- Emergency Department, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dale Dalgleish
- From the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dennis Newhook
- From the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Deepti Reddy
- From the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Mohammadi F, Rustaee S, Bijani M. The factors influencing patient safety management as perceived by emergency department nurses: A qualitative study. Nurs Open 2024; 11:e2135. [PMID: 38454655 PMCID: PMC10920988 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.2135] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM One of the most important, unpredictable and stressful areas in hospitals is the emergency department (ED) where seconds are crucial for providing immediate care and saving the patients' lives. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify the factors which impact the patient safety management as perceived by the ED nurses in Southern Iran. DESIGN This is a qualitative, descriptive study. METHODS The participants were 23 ED nurses selected via purposeful sampling who were asked to take part in an interview. Data were collected using semi-structured, individual, in-depth interviews and analysed via content analysis. RESULTS Analysis of the qualitative data yielded 4 themes and 12 subthemes. The four main themes were: negligence of safety standards and standard precautions, disregard of ethical principles, professional challenges and inefficient organizational management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fateme Mohammadi
- Chronic Diseases (Home Care) Research Center and Autism Spectrum Disorders Research Center, Department of NursingHamadan University of Medical SciencesHamadanIran
| | - Sanaz Rustaee
- Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of NursingFasa University of Medical SciencesFasaIran
| | - Mostafa Bijani
- Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of NursingFasa University of Medical SciencesFasaIran
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Norouzinia R, Aghabarary M, Rahmatpour P. Psychometric evaluation of the Persian version of Emergency Medical Services- Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (EMS-SAQ). BMC Emerg Med 2024; 24:24. [PMID: 38355405 PMCID: PMC10865542 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-024-00941-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to conduct a psychometric evaluation of the Persian adaptation of the Emergency Medical Services Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (EMS-SAQ). METHODS In this cross-sectional study, the validity and reliability of the EMS-SAQ were assessed among 484 Iranian pre-hospital emergency department employees between February and June 2023. RESULTS Five factors were extracted namely safety climate, teamwork, job satisfaction, stress management, and working conditions with explained 38.75% of the total variance. The goodness of fit indexes confirmed the model (χ2 = 409.031, DF = 196, χ2 /df = 2.087, CFI = 0.900, IFI = 0.901, PCFI = 0.763 and PNFI = 0.701, and RMSEA = 0.069 [CI90% 0.059-0.078]). CONCLUSION The Persian version of the SAQ-EMS, comprising 22 items across five factors, demonstrated good validity and reliability. It is recommended to undertake qualitative studies focusing on the concept of patient safety in pre-hospital settings, considering diverse contexts and cultural nuances to develop more robust assessment tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roohangiz Norouzinia
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Maryam Aghabarary
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Pardis Rahmatpour
- School of Nursing, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.
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Péculo-Carrasco JA, Rodríguez-Ruiz HJ, Puerta-Córdoba A, Rodríguez-Bouza M, De La Fuente-Rodríguez JM, Failde I. Factors influencing witnesses' perception of patient safety during pre-hospital health care from emergency medical services: A multi-center cross-sectional study. Int Emerg Nurs 2024; 72:101383. [PMID: 38086283 DOI: 10.1016/j.ienj.2023.101383] [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: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
AIM To determine the factors related with the perception of feeling safe during pre-hospital emergency care. METHODS A multi-centred, cross-sectional study. Data collection from April 2021 to March 2022, in the Centro de Emergencias Sanitarias 061 (Andalusia, Spain). INCLUSION CRITERIA witnesses of health care by emergency medical services. EXCLUSION CRITERIA minors, or communication barriers. OUTCOME VARIABLE Witness Perceived Safety Scale ESPT10. The variables studied were related with sociodemographic data, the request for health care, the patient, the hospital transfer and patient safety incidents. A multivariate linear regression model was constructed for the dependent variable. The study followed STROBE statement. RESULTS Responses were obtained from 1400 witnesses. The linear regression model showed that the score on the scale increased as the witnesses felt more satisfied (B = 1.302; p < 0.001). On the contrary, the score was lower when the witness reported a patient safety incident (B = -2.856; p < 0.001 and B = -3.166; p < 0.001), or when the assistance took place in a public space (B = -0.722; p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS The level of satisfaction, the occurrence of a patient safety incident, and the place of health care are related factors with the perception of the witnesses. The Witness Perceived Safety Scale ESPT10 could be considered a valid and useful patient safety indicator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan-Antonio Péculo-Carrasco
- Centro de Emergencias Sanitarias 061, Andalusian Health Service, Provincial Service 061 in Cádiz. Regional Government of Andalusia, Spain.
| | - Hugo-José Rodríguez-Ruiz
- Centro de Emergencias Sanitarias 061, Andalusian Health Service, Provincial Service 061 in Cádiz. Regional Government of Andalusia, Spain
| | - Antonio Puerta-Córdoba
- Centro de Emergencias Sanitarias 061, Andalusian Health Service, Provincial Service 061 in Cádiz. Regional Government of Andalusia, Spain
| | - Mónica Rodríguez-Bouza
- Centro de Emergencias Sanitarias 061, Andalusian Health Service, Provincial Service 061 in Cádiz. Regional Government of Andalusia, Spain
| | | | - Inmaculada Failde
- Institute of Research and Innovation of Biomedical Sciences of the Province of Cádiz (INiBICA), Spain; Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Cádiz, Spain
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Rasmussen K, Sollid SJ, Kvangarsnes M. Sky-High Safety? A Qualitative Study of Physicians' Experiences of Patient Safety in Norwegian Helicopter Emergency Services. J Patient Saf 2024; 20:1-6. [PMID: 37883061 DOI: 10.1097/pts.0000000000001172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients treated and transported by Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) are prone to both flight and medical hazards, but incident reporting differs substantially between flight organizations and health care, and the extent of patient safety incidents is still unclear. METHODS A qualitative descriptive study based on in-depth interviews with 8 experienced Norwegian HEMS physicians from 4 different bases from February to July 2020 using inductive qualitative content analysis. The study objectives were to explore the physicians' experience with incident reporting and their perceived areas of risk in HEMS. RESULTS/FINDINGS The HEMS physicians stated that the limited number of formal incident reports was due to the "nature of the HEMS missions" and because reports were mainly relevant when deviating from procedures, which are sparse in HEMS. The physicians preferred informal rather than formal incident reporting systems and reporting to a colleague rather than a superior. The reasons were ease of use, better feedback, and less fear of consequences. Their perceived areas of risk were related to all the phases of a HEMS mission: the physician as the team leader, medication errors, the handover process, and the helicopter as a work platform. CONCLUSIONS The sparse, informal, and fragmented incident reporting provides a poor overview of patient safety risks in HEMS. Focusing on organizational factors and system responsibility and research on environmental and contextual factors are needed to further improve patient safety in HEMS.
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Rouleau SG, Campbell AR, Huang J, Reed ME, Vinson DR. Disposition of emergency department patients with acute pulmonary embolism after ambulance arrival. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open 2023; 4:e13068. [PMID: 38029020 PMCID: PMC10667606 DOI: 10.1002/emp2.13068] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Most outpatients with pulmonary embolism (PE) are diagnosed in the emergency department (ED). The relationship between means of arrival, site of diagnosis, and disposition in ED patients with PE is unknown. We compared discharge home between patients arriving by emergency medical services (EMS) and those arriving by other means. Within the EMS cohort, we compared those with a recent PE diagnosis in the outpatient clinic setting to those who were diagnosed with PE in the ED. Methods This study was a secondary analysis of a retrospective cohort that included all adult, non-pregnant ED patients treated for acute PE across 21 community EDs from January 2013 to April 2015. The primary outcome was discharge home within 24 h of ED registration; we also examined mortality. We described associations with patient arrival method and other patient characteristics. Results Among 2996 ED patient encounters with acute PE, 644 (21.5%) arrived by EMS. This group had a lower frequency of discharge (9.2% vs 26.4%) and higher 30-day all-cause mortality (8.7% vs 3.1%) than their counterparts (p < 0.001 for both). These associations remained after adjusting for confounding variables. Among the EMS cohort, 14 patients (2.2%) arrived with a PE diagnosis recently made in the outpatient setting. Conclusion Patients with PE who arrived at the ED by EMS were less likely to be discharged home within 24 h and more likely to die within 30 days than those who arrived by other means. Less than 3% of the EMS group had been diagnosed with PE before ED arrival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel G. Rouleau
- Department of Emergency MedicineUC Davis HealthSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Jie Huang
- Kaiser Permanente Division of ResearchOaklandCaliforniaUSA
| | - Mary E. Reed
- Kaiser Permanente Division of ResearchOaklandCaliforniaUSA
| | - David R. Vinson
- Kaiser Permanente Division of ResearchOaklandCaliforniaUSA
- The Permanente Medical GroupOaklandCaliforniaUSA
- Department of Emergency MedicineKaiser Permanente Roseville Medical CenterRosevilleCaliforniaUSA
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Heuer C, Howard I, Stassen W. Trigger tool-based description of adverse events in helicopter emergency medical services in Qatar. BMJ Open Qual 2023; 12:e002263. [PMID: 37963672 PMCID: PMC10649605 DOI: 10.1136/bmjoq-2023-002263] [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: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adverse events (AEs) in helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) remain poorly reported, despite the potential for harm to occur. The trigger tool (TT) represents a novel approach to AE detection in healthcare. The aim of this study was to retrospectively describe the frequency of AEs and their proximal causes (PCs) in Qatar HEMS. METHODS Using the Pittsburgh Adverse Event Tool to identify AEs in HEMS, we retrospectively analysed 804 records within an existing AE TT database (21-month period). We calculated outcome measures for triggers, AEs and harm per 100 patient encounters, plotted measures on statistical process control charts, and conducted a multivariate analysis to report harm associations. RESULTS We identified 883 triggers in 536 patients, with a rate of 1.1 triggers per patient encounter, where 81.2% had documentation errors (n=436). An AE and harm rate of 27.7% and 3.5%, respectively, was realised. The leading PC was actions by HEMS Crew (81.6%; n=182). The majority of harm (57.1%) stemmed from the intervention and medication triggers (n=16), where deviation from standard of care was common (37.9%; n=11). Age and diagnosis-adjusted odds were significant in the patient condition (6.50; 95% CI 1.71 to 24.67; p=0.01) and interventional (11.85; 95% CI 1.36 to 102.92; p=0.03) trigger groupings, while age and diagnosis had no effect on harm. CONCLUSION The TT methodology is a robust, reliable and valid means of AE detection in the HEMS domain. While an AE rate of 27.7% is high, more research is required to understand prehospital clinical decision-making and reasons for guideline deviance. Furthermore, focused quality improvement initiatives to reduce AEs and documentation errors should also be addressed in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calvin Heuer
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ian Howard
- Clinical Services, Hamad Medical Corporation Ambulance Service, Doha, Qatar
| | - Willem Stassen
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Tikkanen V, Arsic M, Henricson M. The general attributes and competence for nurses in a single responder unit: A modified Delphi study. BMC Emerg Med 2023; 23:93. [PMID: 37605125 PMCID: PMC10441716 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-023-00868-w] [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: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to describe the general attributes and competence that nurses in the ambulance's single responder units are considered to need. BACKGROUND The development of ambulance care has led to an increased need for new units and working methods. Single responder unit is a single crewed unit that often uses for the patient assessments, to refer patients to the right level of care and to release regular ambulances. There is a lack of description of the needed competence for the nurses within single responder unit. METHODS Modified Delphi with three rounds was used. The first round was conducted with focus group interviews and analysed with content analysis. Five competence categories and 19 subcategories were identified. The second and third rounds were conducted through surveys using a 4-point Likert scale and analysed with descriptive statistics. RESULTS The ability to communicate with other healthcare providers to achieve one's goal, the ability to create a good encounter alone and to have appropriate professional experience were identified as the most important general attributes and competencies. CONCLUSIONS A central competence in prehospital emergency care is the ability to independently assess and treat patients with varying care needs in complex environments. To be able to work in SRU requires good communication and collaborations skills with other healthcare providers but it is also a prerequisite for creating a good patient relationship. Work experience of taking care of varying patients and situations is also needed in SRU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viivi Tikkanen
- Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden.
- School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalens University, Eskilstuna, Sweden.
- Falck Ambulance Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Marija Arsic
- Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
- Emergency Department, North Älvsborg County Hospital, Trollhättan, Sweden
| | - Maria Henricson
- Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
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Kosydar-Bochenek J, Religa D, Knap M, Czop M, Knap B, Mędrzycka-Dąbrowska W, Krupa S. Safety climate perceived by pre-hospital emergency care personnel-an international cross-sectional study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1192315. [PMID: 37529436 PMCID: PMC10390026 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1192315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Improving patient safety is one of the most critical components of modern healthcare. Emergency medical services (EMS) are, by nature, a challenging environment for ensuring patient safety. It is fast-paced, physically dangerous, and highly stressful, requiring rapid decision-making and action. This can create risks not only for patients but also for employees. We assessed variations in perceptions of safety culture in prehospital emergency care among an international sample of paramedics and nurses. Methods The Emergency Medical Services Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (EMS-SAQ) was used for the study. The instrument measures six domains of safety culture in the workplace: teamwork climate, job satisfaction, safety climate, working conditions, stress recognition, and perceptions of management. A total of 1,128 EMS from 9 countries participated in this study. Results Safety Climate was 81.32/100 (SD 6.90), Teamwork Climate 84.14/100 (SD 8.74), Perceptions of Management 76.30/100 (SD 10.54), Stress Recognition 89.86/100 (SD 5.70), Working Conditions 81.07/100 (SD 9.75), and Job Satisfaction 70.71/100 (SD 7.21). There was significant variation in safety culture scores across countries for teamwork climate (TWC), working conditions (WC), and job satisfaction (JS). Among the individual variables (age, gender, level of education, and work experience), variations in safety culture scores were unaffected by age, gender, or work experience. Organizational characteristics: employment status and position type were linked to significant variations in safety culture domain scores. Conclusion Participants' perceptions of the patient safety climate were not particularly satisfactory, confirming that there is still a need to develop a culture of patient safety in prehospital emergency care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Kosydar-Bochenek
- Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medical Sciences of the University of Rzeszow, Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Dorota Religa
- Division for Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Małgorzata Knap
- Institute of Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum of the Jan Kochanowski University of Kielce, Kielce, Poland
| | - Marcin Czop
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Bartosz Knap
- Doctoral School, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
- Chair and Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Wioletta Mędrzycka-Dąbrowska
- Department of Anesthesiology Nursing and Intensive Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Sabina Krupa
- Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medical Sciences of the University of Rzeszow, Rzeszów, Poland
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Hellfritz MS, Waschkau A, Steinhäuser J. Experiences with the quality of telemedical care in an offshore setting - a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:661. [PMID: 37340414 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09664-5] [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: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The evaluation and the improvement of the quality of telemedical care become increasingly important in times where this type of care is offered to a broad number of patients more and more. As telemedical care in an offshore setting has already been in use for decades, analyzing the extensive experience of offshore paramedics using telemedical care can help identify determinants of quality. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore determinants of the quality of telemedical care using the experiences of experienced offshore paramedics. METHODS We conducted a qualitative analysis of 22 semi-structured interviews with experienced offshore paramedics. The results were categorized in a hierarchical category system using content analysis as described by Mayring. RESULTS All 22 participants were males, having a mean of 3.9 years of experience working with telemedicine support offshore. Generally, participants stated that for them telemedical interaction did not differ much from personal interaction. However, the offshore paramedics personality and way to communicate were mentioned to impact the quality of telemedical care as it influenced the way cases were presented. Furthermore, interviewees described it to be impossible to use telemedicine in cases of an emergency as it was too time-consuming, technically too complex, and lead to cognitive overload as other tasks with higher priority needed their attention. Three determinants of a successful consultation were mentioned: low levels of complexity in the reason for consultation, telemedical guidance training for the teleconsultant physician and for the delegatee. CONCLUSION Appropriate indications for telemedical consultation, communication training of consultation partners, and the impact of personality need to be addressed to enhance the quality of future telemedical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Stefan Hellfritz
- Universität zu Lübeck, Institute of Family Medicine, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany.
| | - Alexander Waschkau
- Universität zu Lübeck, Institute of Family Medicine, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jost Steinhäuser
- Universität zu Lübeck, Institute of Family Medicine, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
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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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Boyle TP, Dugas JN, Liu J, Stapleton SN, Medzon R, Walsh BM, Corey P, Shubitowski L, Horne JR, O'Connell R, Williams G, Nelson KP, Nadkarni VM, Camargo CA, Feldman JA. Adaptation of a Simulation Model and Checklist to Assess Pediatric Emergency Care Performance by Prehospital Teams. Simul Healthc 2023; 18:82-89. [PMID: 35238848 PMCID: PMC9437138 DOI: 10.1097/sih.0000000000000649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Simulation tools to assess prehospital team performance and identify patient safety events are lacking. We adapted a simulation model and checklist tool of individual paramedic performance to assess prehospital team performance and tested interrater reliability. METHODS We used a modified Delphi process to adapt 3 simulation cases (cardiopulmonary arrest, seizure, asthma) and checklist to add remote physician direction, target infants, and evaluate teams of 2 paramedics and 1 physician. Team performance was assessed with a checklist of steps scored as complete/incomplete by raters using direct observation or video review. The composite performance score was the percentage of completed steps. Interrater percent agreement was compared with the original tool. The tool was modified, and raters trained in iterative rounds until composite performance scoring agreement was 0.80 or greater (scale <0.20 = poor; 0.21-0.39 = fair, 0.40-0.59 = moderate; 0.60-0.79 = good; 0.80-1.00 = very good). RESULTS We achieved very good interrater agreement for scoring composite performance in 2 rounds using 6 prehospital teams and 4 raters. The original 175 step tool was modified to 171 steps. Interrater percent agreement for the final modified tool approximated the original tool for the composite checklist (0.80 vs. 0.85), cardiopulmonary arrest (0.82 vs. 0.86), and asthma cases (0.80 vs. 0.77) but was lower for the seizure case (0.76 vs. 0.91). Most checklist items (137/171, 80%) had good-very good agreement. Among 34 items with fair-moderate agreement, 15 (44%) related to patient assessment, 9 (26%) equipment use, 6 (18%) medication delivery, and 4 (12%) cardiopulmonary resuscitation quality. CONCLUSIONS The modified checklist has very good agreement for assessing composite prehospital team performance and can be used to test effects of patient safety interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tehnaz P Boyle
- From the Department of Pediatrics (T.P.B., B.M.W.), Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine; Department of Emergency Medicine (J.N.D., J.L., S.N.S., R.M., J.A.F.), Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine; Solomont Center for Simulation (T.P.B., S.N.S., R.M., B.M.W., P.C.), Boston Medical Center; Boston Emergency Medical Services (L.S., J.R.H., R.O.C., G.W.); Department of Biostatistics (K.P.N.), Boston University, Boston, MA; Center for Simulation, Advanced Education and Innovation (V.M.N.); Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine (V.M.N.); The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (V.M.N.), University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine (V.M.N.), Philadelphia, PA; and Department of Emergency Medicine (C.A.C.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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14
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Venesoja A, Lindström V, Castrén M, Tella S. Prehospital nursing students' experiences of patient safety culture in emergency medical services-A qualitative study. J Clin Nurs 2023; 32:847-858. [PMID: 35672936 PMCID: PMC10083998 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To describe prehospital nursing students' experiences of patient safety culture in emergency medical services during their internship. BACKGROUND Patient safety culture in the emergency medical services is a complex phenomenon including more than organisational policies and practices and professionals' technical skills. DESIGN The descriptive qualitative approach used the Sharing Learning from Practice to improve Patient Safety Learning Event Recording Tool, which includes both open-ended and structured questions. METHODS Purposeful sampling was used, and data were collected from graduating prehospital nursing students (n = 17) from three Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences. Open-ended questions were reviewed using thematic analysis, and frequencies and percentages were derived from structured questions. COREQ guidelines were used to guide this study. RESULTS Four themes were identified during the thematic analysis: environmental and other unexpected factors in emergency medical services, working practices and professionalism in emergency medical services, teamwork in emergency medical services and feelings related to patient safety events in emergency medical services. Patient safety events described by students were seldom reported in the healthcare system or patient files. According to the students, such events were most likely related to communication, checking/verification and/or teamwork. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that prehospital nursing students can produce important information about patient safety events and the reasons that contributed to those events. Therefore, emergency medical services organisations and managers should use students' observations to develop a patient safety culture in emergency medical services. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Understanding how prehospital nursing students have experienced patient safety culture during their internships on ambulances can support educational institutions, together with emergency medical services organisations and managers, to improve policies for students to express patient safety concerns as well as patient safety successes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anu Venesoja
- South Carelia Social and Healthcare District, Lappeenranta, Finland.,Department of Emergency Care and Services, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Veronica Lindström
- Division of Nursing, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Samariten Ambulance, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Health Promotion Science, Sophiahemmet University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maaret Castrén
- Department of Emergency Care and Services, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Susanna Tella
- LAB University of Applied Sciences, Lappeenranta, Finland.,University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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15
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Ward CE, Taylor M, Keeney C, Dorosz E, Wright-Johnson C, Anders J, Brown K. The Effect of Documenting Patient Weight in Kilograms on Pediatric Medication Dosing Errors in Emergency Medical Services. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2023; 27:263-268. [PMID: 35007470 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2022.2028045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Up to 40% of children who receive a medication from emergency medical services (EMS) are subject to a dosing error. One of the reasons for this is difficulties adjusting dosages for weight. Converting weights from pounds to kilograms complicates this further. This is the rationale for the National EMS Quality Alliance measure Pediatrics-03b, which measures the proportion of children with a weight documented in kilograms. However, there is little evidence that this practice is associated with lower rates of dosing errors. Therefore, our objective was to determine whether EMS documentation of weight in kilograms was associated with a lower rate of pediatric medication dosing errors.Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of children 0-14 y/o in the 2016-17 electronic Maryland Emergency Medical Services Data System that received a weight-based medication. Using validated age-based formulas, we assigned a weight to patients without one documented. Doses were classified as errors and severe errors if they deviated from the state protocol by >20% or >50%, respectively. We compared the dosage errors in the two groups and completed secondary analyses for specific medications and age groups.Results: We identified 3,618 cases of medication administration, 53% of which had a documented weight. Patients with a documented weight had a significantly lower overall dose error rate than those without (22 vs. 26%, p<.05). A sensitivity analysis in which we assigned a weight to those patients with a weight recorded did not significantly change this result. Sub-analyses by individual medication showed that only epinephrine (34 vs. 56%, p<.05) and fentanyl (10 vs. 31%, p <.05) had significantly lower dosing error rates for patients with a documented weight. Infants were the only age group where documenting a weight was associated with a lower dosing error rate (33 vs. 53% p<.05).Conclusion: Our findings suggest that documenting a weight in kilograms is associated with a small but significantly lower rate of pediatric dosing errors by EMS. Documenting a weight in kilograms appears particularly important for specific medications and patient age groups. Additional strategies (including age-based standardized dosing) may be needed to further reduce pediatric dosing errors by EMS.
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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
| | - Michael Taylor
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Clare Keeney
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Emily Dorosz
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | | | - Jennifer Anders
- Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kathleen 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
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16
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Vifladt A, Ballangrud R, Myhr K, Grusd E, Porthun J, Mæhlum PA, Aase K, Sollid SJM, Odberg KR. Team training program's impact on medication administration, teamwork and patient safety culture in an ambulance service (TEAM-AMB): a longitudinal multimethod study protocol. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e067006. [PMID: 36669839 PMCID: PMC9872483 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-067006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Medication administration errors (MAEs) have the potential for significant patient harm, and the frequency of MAEs in the ambulance services is not well known. Effective teamwork is paramount for providing safe and effective patient care, especially in a time-sensitive, high-risk environment such as the ambulance services. Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety (TeamSTEPPS) is an evidence-based team training programme that, to our knowledge, has not been studied in the ambulance services previously. TeamSTEPPS is based on the five principles: team structure, communication, leadership, situation monitoring and mutual support. This study aims to advance the knowledge of the medication administration process in the ambulance services and study the impact of a team training programme on the frequency of MAEs, and the perception of teamwork, and patient safety culture. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This study uses a longitudinal multimethod design to evaluate medication administration and the implementation of the team training programme TeamSTEPPS in an ambulance service. A review of electronic patient journals 6 months prior to the intervention, and 12 months after the intervention will provide data on the frequency of MAEs. Focus group interviews and questionnaires will be carried out before and after the intervention to describe the perception of teamwork and patient safety culture among ambulance professionals. Observations, individual interviews and a review of guidelines will be conducted in the first and second quarters of 2022 to study the medication administration process in ambulance services. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study protocol was reviewed by the Regional Committees for Medical and Health Research Ethics Central Norway and approved by the Hospital Trust data protection officer, and the head of the Prehospital Division at the Hospital Trust. The data material will be managed confidentially and stored according to regulations. The results will be disseminated through scientific papers, reports, conference presentations, popular press, and social media. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05244928.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Vifladt
- Department of Health Sciences Gjøvik, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Gjøvik, Norway
- Department of Research, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
| | - Randi Ballangrud
- Department of Health Sciences Gjøvik, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Gjøvik, Norway
| | - Kjetil Myhr
- Department of Health Sciences Gjøvik, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Gjøvik, Norway
- Department of Acute Care Medicine, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
| | - Eystein Grusd
- Department of Health Sciences Gjøvik, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Gjøvik, Norway
- Department of Prehospital Care, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
| | - Jan Porthun
- Department of Health Sciences Gjøvik, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Gjøvik, Norway
| | - Pål Anders Mæhlum
- Department of Health Sciences Gjøvik, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Gjøvik, Norway
- Department of Prehospital Care, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
| | - Karina Aase
- Department of Health Sciences Gjøvik, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Gjøvik, Norway
- Center for Resilience in Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Stephen J M Sollid
- Department of Prehospital Care, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
- Center for Resilience in Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Kristian Ringsby Odberg
- Department of Health Sciences Gjøvik, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Gjøvik, Norway
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17
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Alacahan ÖF, Güllüoğlu AN, Karagöz N. Occupational safety perceptions of prehospital emergency health services employees: A sample of Sivas central district. Work 2023; 76:1441-1453. [PMID: 37393470 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220425] [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: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prehospital emergency health services ambulance workers are in the risky class in terms of occupational health and safety, and they are faced with more risks due to the fact that they are the first responders to the events, especially regarding COVID-19. OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study is to determine the occupational risk perceptions of health care workers and their relations with demographic variables. METHODS A literature review was performed to develop a questionnaire. This questionnaire was used in a survey with 250 respondents. The collected data was analysed through factor analysis. Cronbach's Alpha was calculated to verify the reliability of the data. RESULTS The risk perceptions of the employees (Factor 1 and Factor 3) differ significantly according to gender. Another important point is that 60.3% of the participants stated that they "agree" with the statement that health workers "experience violence" during work. CONCLUSION The risk perception of women was found to be higher, and the reason for this is that women are less physically strong than men along with social gender roles and gender discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arif Nihat Güllüoğlu
- Metallurgy and Materials Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Naim Karagöz
- Public Health Department, School of Medicine, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
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18
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Péculo‐Carrasco J, Luque‐Hernández MJ, Rodríguez‐Ruiz H, Chacón‐Manzano C, Failde I. Factors influencing the perception of feeling safe in pre‐hospital emergency care: A mixed‐methods systematic review. J Clin Nurs 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Juan‐Antonio Péculo‐Carrasco
- Centro de Emergencias Sanitarias 061, Andalusian Health Service Provincial Service 061 in Cádiz, Regional Government of Andalusia Cádiz Spain
| | - María José Luque‐Hernández
- Centro de Emergencias Sanitarias 061, Andalusian Health Service Central Headquaters, Regional Government of Andalusia Málaga Spain
| | - Hugo‐José Rodríguez‐Ruiz
- Centro de Emergencias Sanitarias 061, Andalusian Health Service Provincial Service 061 in Cádiz, Regional Government of Andalusia Cádiz Spain
| | - Coral Chacón‐Manzano
- Centro de Emergencias Sanitarias 061, Andalusian Health Service Provincial Service 061 in Córdoba, Regional Government of Andalusia Córdoba Spain
| | - Inmaculada Failde
- Institute of Research and Innovation of Biomedical Sciences of the Province of Cádiz (INiBICA) Preventive Medicine and Public Health University of Cádiz Cádiz Spain
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19
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Poranen A, Kouvonen A, Nordquist H. Perceived human factors from the perspective of paramedics – a qualitative interview study. BMC Emerg Med 2022; 22:178. [DOI: 10.1186/s12873-022-00738-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The work environment in prehospital emergency medical care setting is dynamic and complex and includes many stressors. However, little is known about the perceived human factors from the perspective of paramedics. In this study, we investigated, from the perspective of paramedics, what are the human factors, and how are they linked to prehospital emergency medical care?
Methods
Data were collected through semi-structured interviews (n = 15) with Finnish paramedics. The material was analyzed using inductive content analysis.
Results
Three main categories of human factors were identified. The first main category consisted of factors related to work which were divided into two generic categories: “Challenging organizational work environment” and “Changing external work environment.” The second main category comprised factors related to paramedics themselves and were divided into three generic categories: “Issues linked to personality,” “Personal experiences”, and “Factors resulting from personal features.” The third main category described that paramedics have difficulties in understanding and describing human factors.
Conclusion
This study revealed numerous factors that can affect paramedics’ work in the EMS setting. Increased knowledge about human factors in the EMS setting provides organizations with the opportunity to develop procedures that can support paramedics’ cognitive and physical work. Human factors in different situations can be addressed to improve occupational and patient safety.
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20
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Arabani Nezhad M, Ayatollahi H, Heidari Beigvand H. Development and evaluation of an e-learning course in oxygen therapy. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2022; 22:776. [PMID: 36357893 PMCID: PMC9648866 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-022-03838-1] [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: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Respiratory problems are among the most challenging situations in emergency care services. Different oxygen therapy methods are usually used to deal with these problems. In recent years, oxygen therapy has been recognized as one of the most widely used therapeutic processes in emergency departments (ED) mainly due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate an e-learning course in oxygen therapy for the ED clinicians. METHODS This was a pre-post study conducted in three phases in 2021. Initially, the educational requirements of clinicians (n = 181) were investigated using a questionnaire, and in the second phase, an interactive e-learning course was developed. In the third phase, the course was assessed in terms of maintaining the principles of developing an e-learning course, affecting participants' knowledge, and supporting usability requirements. RESULTS The findings revealed that training in oxygen therapy was essential for the ED clinicians. Therefore, an e-learning course was developed. The content production experts and the participants evaluated the content and usability of the online course at a good level. In addition, there was a statistically significant difference between the nurses' (p < 0.001) and general practitioners' (p < 0.002) pre- and post-test scores suggesting that the course improved their knowledge. CONCLUSION It seems that the e-learning course developed in the current study can improve health care professionals' knowledge and quality of care. However, more evaluation studies are needed to investigate the effectiveness of the course for other clinicians, such as nurses who work in intensive care units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Arabani Nezhad
- Present Address: Department of Health Information Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Haleh Ayatollahi
- Health Management and Economics Research Center, Health Management Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hazhir Heidari Beigvand
- Family Medicine and Public Health Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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21
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Mahmudah NA, Im D, Pyo J, Ock M. Occurrence of patient safety incidents during cancer screening: A cross-sectional investigation of the general public. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e31284. [PMID: 36316891 PMCID: PMC9622598 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000031284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the various types and frequency of patient safety incidents (PSIs) during a cancer screening health examination for the general public of Ulsan Metropolitan City, South Korea. Furthermore, the associated elements and responses to PSIs during a cancer screening were examined. The survey, conducted in the five districts of Ulsan, was completed by residents aged 19 years and older who agreed to participate. Descriptive analysis, Chi-square or Fisher exact test, and multivariable logistic regression were performed to analyze the data. A total of 620 participants completed the survey, with 11 (1.8%) individuals who experienced PSIs themselves and 11 (1.8%) by their family members. The highest type of PSIs was those related to procedures. The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed no significant variables associated with experiencing PSIs during cancer screening. However, there was a significant association between the judgment of medical error occurrence and level of patient harm both in experience by family members and total experience of PSIs (P < .05). There was also a significant difference between with and without an experience of PSIs disclosure (P < .001). This study comprehensively analyzed the types and extent of PSIs experienced by Korean individuals and their family members in Ulsan. These findings suggest that patient safety issues during cancer screening should not be overlooked. Furthermore, an investigation system to regularly monitor PSIs in cancer screening should be developed and established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor Afif Mahmudah
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Dasom Im
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeehee Pyo
- Task Forces to Support Public Health and Medical Services in Ulsan Metropolitan City, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Minsu Ock
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
- Task Forces to Support Public Health and Medical Services in Ulsan Metropolitan City, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- * Correspondence: Minsu Ock, Department of Preventive Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 877 Bangeojinsunhwando-ro, Dong-gu, Ulsan 44033, Republic of Korea (e-mail: )
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22
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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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23
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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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Walker D, Moloney C, SueSee B, Sharples R, Blackman R, Long D, Hou XY. Factors Influencing Medication Errors in the Prehospital Paramedic Environment: A Mixed Method Systematic Review. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2022:1-18. [PMID: 35579544 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2022.2068089] [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: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is limited research available on safe medication management practices in EMS practice, with most evidence-based medication safety guidelines based on research in nursing, operating theatre and pharmacy settings. Prevention of errors requires recognition of contributing factors across the spectrum from the organizational level to procedural elements and patient characteristics. Evidence is inconsistent regarding the incidence of medication errors and multiple sources also state that errors are under-reported, making the true magnitude of the problem difficult to quantify. Definitions of error also vary, with the specific context of medication errors in prehospital practice yet to be established. The objective of this review is to identify the factors influencing the occurrence of medication errors by EMS personnel in the prehospital environment. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The review included both qualitative and quantitative research involving interventions or phenomena related to medication safety or medication error by EMS personnel in the prehospital environment. A search of multiple databases was conducted to identify studies meeting these inclusion criteria. All studies selected were assessed for methodological quality, however this was not used as a basis for exclusion. Each stage of study selection, appraisal and data extraction was conducted by two independent reviewers, with a third reviewer deciding any unresolved conflicts. The review follows a convergent integrated approach, conducting a single qualitative synthesis of qualitative and "qualitized" quantitative data. RESULTS 56 articles were included in the review, with case reports and qualitative studies being the most frequent study types. Qualitative analysis revealed seven major themes: organizational factors (with reporting as a sub-theme), equipment/medications, environmental factors, procedure-related factors, communication, patient-related factors (with pediatrics as a sub-theme) and cognitive factors. Both contributing factors and protective factors were identified. DISCUSSION The body of evidence regarding medication errors is heterogenous and limited in both quantity and quality. Multiple factors influence medication errors occurrence; knowledge of these is necessary to mitigate the risk of errors. Medication error incidence is difficult to quantify due to inconsistent measure, definitions and contexts of research conducted to date. Further research is required to quantify the prevalence of identified factors in specific practice settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Walker
- School of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, Australia
| | - Clint Moloney
- Program of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Brendan SueSee
- School of Linguistics, Adult and Special Education, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Australia
| | - Renee Sharples
- College of Science, Health, and Engineering, LaTrobe University, Bendigo, Australia
| | - Rosanna Blackman
- School of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, Australia
| | - David Long
- School of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, Australia
| | - Xiang-Yu Hou
- Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
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25
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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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Do we need a pandemic to improve hygiene routines in the ambulance service? A cross-sectional study. Int Emerg Nurs 2022; 62:101171. [PMID: 35487042 PMCID: PMC9042148 DOI: 10.1016/j.ienj.2022.101171] [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: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background We know that ambulance staff may have sparse knowledge on how to comply with care approaches that ensure appropriate hygiene in the ambulance, but we do not know if and how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected ambulance staff’s perceived compliance with hygiene routines. Aim To investigate ambulance staff’s self-reported hand hygiene (HH) perceptions and compliance; and to explore if and how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected ambulance staff’s perceived compliance with hygiene routines. Methods A cross-sectional study design using the WHO-validated Perception Survey for Healthcare Workers regarding hygiene. Thematic analysis and descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Results 204 surveys were analysed, 92% of participants stated that their hygiene routine compliance had improved during the COVID-19 pandemic, and some participants also described that their colleagues’ practice had improved. These improvements were reportedly driven by the need to acquire new knowledge to deal with the pandemic and sometimes with fear. Conclusions Experience acquired during the pandemic needs to be sustainable if we are to increase HH and hygiene routine compliance in ambulance services. Interventions aimed at changing ambulance staff’s perceived behaviour are warranted, and stakeholders should try and identify the personal motivations that lead these staff to seek self-betterment regarding HH and hygiene routine compliance. Otherwise, the risk of patients suffering from healthcare-associated infection may not decrease as wished.
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27
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Oliveira CCMD, O'Dwyer G, Novaes HMD. [Performance of the mobile emergency care service from the perspective of managers and professionals: case study in a region of the state of São Paulo, Brazil]. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2022; 27:1337-1346. [PMID: 35475816 DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232022274.01432021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This article aims to analyze the perspective of managers and professionals about the performance of the Mobile Emergency Care Service (SAMU) in the Grande ABC region. This is a qualitative case study based on the formulation of a theoretical-logical model of intervention and semi-structured interviews. The Theoretical-Logical Model translated the dimensions of SAMU analysis: regulation, care and management. The regulation process was understood as a strategic space where the judgment of the patient's need and the ambulance dispatch time have the potential to influence the outcomes of the cases transported. In health care, the main themes that emerged were investment in the qualification of the team and in telemedicine with the perspective of improving the quality of care and making the diagnosis more accurate. In management, challenges such as integrating SAMU with tertiary centers, improving the information system, and monitoring and evaluation were highlighted aiming to qualify the regulatory processes by aligning them with the objectives proposed in the health policy. The set of data analyzed reinforces the capacity of the SAMU in emergency care in the region; however, the intervention needs to overcome important challenges in order to improve the prognosis of the cases transported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catia Cristina Martins de Oliveira
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sérgio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. R. Leopoldo Bulhões 1480, Manguinhos. 21041-210 Rio de Janeiro RJ Brasil.
| | - Gisele O'Dwyer
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sérgio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. R. Leopoldo Bulhões 1480, Manguinhos. 21041-210 Rio de Janeiro RJ Brasil.
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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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30
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Crowe RP, Cash RE, Christgen A, Hilmas T, Varner L, Vogelsmeier A, Gilmore WS, Panchal AR. Psychometric Analysis of a Survey on Patient Safety Culture-Based Tool for Emergency Medical Services. J Patient Saf 2021; 17:e1320-e1326. [PMID: 29894440 DOI: 10.1097/pts.0000000000000504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Evaluating organizational safety culture is critical for high-stress, high-risk professions such as prehospital emergency medical services (EMS). The aim of the study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of a safety culture instrument for EMS, based on the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's widely used Surveys on Patient Safety Culture (SOPS). METHODS The final EMS-adapted instrument consisted of 37 items covering 11 safety culture domains including 10 domains from existing SOPS instruments and one new domain for communication while en route to an emergency call. The analysis sample included 23,029 nationally certified EMS providers. Domain structure was evaluated on two separate halves of the data set through confirmatory factor analysis using a polychoric correlation matrix for ordinal data. The reliability and validity of each domain were evaluated using Cronbach α and Pearson correlation coefficients. RESULTS The confirmatory factor analysis supported the 11-domain model. All items loaded above the 0.4 threshold (range = 0.508-0.984). Three composite domains exhibited factor variance below the 0.5 threshold: staffing (0.32), communication about incidents (0.26), and handoffs (0.26). Floor and ceiling effects were not detected. Inter-item consistency exceeded 0.6 for all subscales (α = 0.65-0.88). Predictive validity was supported as all domain composites were correlated with the outcome variables of overall safety rating (r = 0.44-0.72) and frequency of event reporting (r = 0.31-0.48). CONCLUSIONS Overall, the EMS-adapted tool demonstrated adequate psychometric properties consistent with those of existing SOPS instruments. Additional research is needed to evaluate the instrument's performance at the agency level and its correlation with safety outcomes in the prehospital setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tina Hilmas
- Center for Patient Safety, Jefferson City, Missouri
| | - Lee Varner
- Center for Patient Safety, Jefferson City, Missouri
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31
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Mastenbrook J, Emrick D, Bauler LD, Markman J, Koedam T, Fales W. Evaluation of Basic Life Support First Responder Naloxone Administration Protocol Adherence. Cureus 2021; 13:e18932. [PMID: 34812316 PMCID: PMC8604552 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.18932] [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] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Opioid overdoses have become a significant problem across the United States resulting in respiratory depression and risk of death. Basic Life Support (BLS) first responders have had the option to treat respiratory depression using a bag-valve-mask device, however naloxone, an opioid antagonist, has been shown to quickly restore normal respiration. Since the introduction of naloxone and recent mandates across many states for BLS personnel to carry and administer naloxone, investigation into the adherence of naloxone use standing protocols is warranted. Methods: This preliminary study examined 100 initial cases of BLS first responder administration of naloxone for appropriate indications and protocol adherence. Results: This study found that n=22/100 naloxone administrations were inappropriate, often given to patients who were not suffering from respiratory depression (n=11/22). Positive pressure ventilation (PPV) was not administered prior to naloxone in n=56/100 cases, of which n=42/100 had an inadequate respiratory effort documented. For patients with a known history of substance use disorder, there was a significant increase in administration of naloxone prior to PPV (60%; n=33/55) compared to patients without a known history (30%; n=9/30). Conclusion: Overall these preliminary data suggest that during BLS naloxone administration, the majority of cases did not follow at least one component of the standard protocol for patients with respiratory depression. This study suggests that further education and more research are needed to better understand the decision-making processes of prehospital providers to ensure adherence to standard protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Mastenbrook
- Emergency Medicine, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, USA
| | - Daniel Emrick
- Student Affairs, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, USA
| | - Laura D Bauler
- Biomedical Sciences, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, USA
| | - James Markman
- General Surgery, Mount Carmel Graduate Medical Education, Grove City, USA
| | - Tyler Koedam
- Emergency Medicine, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, USA
| | - William Fales
- Emergency Medicine, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, USA
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O'connor P, O'malley R, Lambe K, Byrne D, Lydon S. How safe is prehospital care? A systematic review. Int J Qual Health Care 2021; 33:6384516. [PMID: 34623421 PMCID: PMC8547145 DOI: 10.1093/intqhc/mzab138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As compared to other domains of healthcare, little is known about patient safety incidents (PSIs) in prehospital care. The aims of our systematic review were to identify how the prevalence and level of harm associated with PSIs in prehospital care are assessed; the frequency of PSIs in prehospital care; and the harm associated with PSIs in prehospital care. Method Searches were conducted of Medline, Web of Science, PsycInfo, CINAHL, Academic Search Complete and the grey literature. Reference lists of included studies and existing related reviews were also screened. English-language, peer-reviewed studies reporting data on number/frequency of PSIs and/or harm associated with PSIs were included. Two researchers independently extracted data from the studies and carried out a critical appraisal using the Quality Assessment Tool for Studies with Diverse Designs (QATSDD). Results Of the 22 included papers, 16 (73%) used data from record reviews, and 6 (27%) from incident reports. The frequency of PSIs in prehospital care was found to be a median of 5.9 per 100 records/transports/patients. A higher prevalence of PSIs was identified within studies that used record review data (9.9 per 100 records/transports/patients) as compared to incident reports (0.3 per records/transports/patients). Across the studies that reported harm, a median of 15.6% of PSIs were found to result in harm. Studies that utilized record review data reported that a median of 6.5% of the PSIs resulted in harm. For data from incident reporting systems, a median of 54.6% of incidents were associated with harm. The mean QATSDD score was 25.6 (SD = 4.1, range = 16–34). Conclusions This systematic review gives direction as to how to advance methods for identifying PSIs in prehospital care and assessing the extent to which patients are harmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul O'connor
- Discipline of General Practice, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, 1 Distillery Road, Galway H91 TK33, Ireland.,Irish Centre for Applied Patient Safety and Simulation, National University of Ireland Galway, Co. Galway H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Roisin O'malley
- Discipline of General Practice, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, 1 Distillery Road, Galway H91 TK33, Ireland.,Irish Centre for Applied Patient Safety and Simulation, National University of Ireland Galway, Co. Galway H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Kathryn Lambe
- Health Research Board, 67-72 Lower Mount Street, Dublin D02 H638, Ireland
| | - Dara Byrne
- Irish Centre for Applied Patient Safety and Simulation, National University of Ireland Galway, Co. Galway H91 TK33, Ireland.,School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, Co. Galway H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - SinÉad Lydon
- Irish Centre for Applied Patient Safety and Simulation, National University of Ireland Galway, Co. Galway H91 TK33, Ireland.,School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, Co. Galway H91 TK33, Ireland
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Paulin J, Kurola J, Koivisto M, Iirola T. EMS non-conveyance: A safe practice to decrease ED crowding or a threat to patient safety? BMC Emerg Med 2021; 21:115. [PMID: 34627138 PMCID: PMC8502399 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-021-00508-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The safety of the Emergency Medical Service's (EMS's) non-conveyance decision was evaluated by EMS re-contacts, primary health care or emergency department (ED) visits, and hospitalization within 48 h. The secondary outcome was 28-day mortality. METHODS This cohort study used prospectively collected data on non-conveyed EMS patients from three different regions in Finland between June 1 and November 30, 2018. The Adjusted International Classification of Primary Care (ICPC2) as the reason for care was compared to hospital discharge diagnoses (ICD10). Multivariable logistic regressions were used to determine factors that were independently associated with adverse outcomes. Results are presented with adjusted odds ratios (aORs) together with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Data regarding deceased patients were reviewed by the study group. RESULTS Of the non-conveyed EMS patients (n = 11,861), 6.3% re-contacted the EMS, 8.3% attended a primary health care facility, 4.2% went to the ED, 1.6% were hospitalized, and 0.1% died 0-24 h after the EMS mission. The 0-24 h adverse event rate was higher than 24-48 h. After non-conveyance, 32 (0.3%) patients were admitted to an intensive care unit within 24 h. Primary non-urgent EMS mission (aOR 1.49; 95% CI 1.25 to 1.77), EMS arrival at night (aOR 1.82; 95% CI 1.58 to 2.09), ALS unit type vs BLS (aOR 1.43; 95% CI 1.16 to 1.77), rural area (aOR 1.74; 95% CI 1.51 to 1.99), and older patient age (aOR 1.41; 95% CI 1.20 to 1.66) were associated with subsequent primary health care visits (0-24 h). CONCLUSIONS Four in five non-conveyed patients did not have any re-contact in follow-up period. EMS non-conveyance seems to be a relatively safe method of focusing ED resources and avoiding ED crowding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jani Paulin
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku and Turku University of Applied Sciences, Turku, Finland.
| | - Jouni Kurola
- Centre for Prehospital Emergency Care, Kuopio University Hospital and University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 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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Tavares W, Allana A, Beaune L, Weiss D, Blanchard I. Principles to Guide the Future of Paramedicine in Canada. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2021; 26:728-738. [PMID: 34376112 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2021.1965680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Paramedicine in Canada has experienced significant growth in recent years, which has resulted in a misalignment between existing guiding conceptualizations and how the profession is structured and enacted in practice. As a result, well-established boundaries, directions, and priorities may be poorly aligned with existing frameworks. The objective of this study was to explore emerging and future states of paramedicine in Canada such that guiding principles could be derived. We asked: How should paramedicine be conceptualized and enacted in Canada going forward, and, what might be the necessary enablers? Methods: This study involved in-depth one-on-one semi-structured interviews with Canadian paramedicine thought leaders. We used purposive and snowball sampling strategies to identify potential participants. Interview guide questions were used to stimulate discussion about the future of paramedicine in Canada and suggestions for implementation. We used inductive qualitative content analysis as our analytical approach, informed by a constructivist and interpretivist orientation. Results: Thirty-five key informants from across Canada participated in interviews. Ten themes were identified: (1) prioritizing patients and their communities; (2) providing health care along a health and social continuum; (3) practicing within an integrated health care framework, and partnering across sectors; (4) being socially responsive; (5) enacting professional autonomy; (6) integrating the health of professionals; (7) using quality-based frameworks; (8) enacting intelligent access to and distribution of services; (9) enacting a continuous learning environment; and, (10) being evidence-informed in practice and systems. Six enablers were also identified: shift professional culture and identity, enhance knowledge, promote shared understanding of paramedicine, integrate data environments, leverage advancing technology, advance policy, regulation and legislation. Conclusions: Our results provide a conceptual framework made up of guiding principles and enablers that provide a consolidated lens to advance the paramedicine profession in Canada (and elsewhere as appropriate) while ensuring contextual and regional needs and differences can be accounted for.
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Forsell L, Forsberg A, Kisch A, Rantala A. Inequalities and short-term outcome among patients assessed as non-urgent in a Swedish ambulance service setting. Int Emerg Nurs 2021; 57:101018. [PMID: 34147876 DOI: 10.1016/j.ienj.2021.101018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Within the ambulance service, assessment and referral of patients, especially those with non-urgent conditions, is a difficult and complicated task. Studies indicate that 12 to 20 percent of all patients are subjected to non-conveyance and discharged at the scene. There is lack of knowledge of what characterizes conveyed and non-conveyed patients. The aim of this study was to explore non-urgent patients who are conveyed or not conveyed to hospital and the short-term outcome of non-conveyance in a Swedish Ambulance Service setting. METHODS This study has a descriptive, cross-sectional design. All patients who were prioritized as non-urgent were eligible for the study and 1,048 patients were followed-up in an administrative data system that stores information about the patients' trajectory in both primary and hospital care. RESULTS More women than men were subjected to non-conveyance and most of the non-conveyed patients were left at home out-of-hours. 53% sought care again within 72 h. A large proportion of the non-conveyed patients were assessed as having unspecific symptoms. CONCLUSIONS There are prominent gender differences in the context of non-conveyance where unspecific symptoms seem to be the main reason for being left at home. As many of the non-conveyed patients who did not receive any advice about further investigation or intervention sought care again within 72 h, the assessments may be insufficient or inaccurate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Forsell
- Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Emergency Department, Helsingborg General Hospital, Helsingborg, Sweden
| | - Anna Forsberg
- Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Annika Kisch
- Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Department of Haematology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Andreas Rantala
- Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Emergency Department, Helsingborg General Hospital, Helsingborg, Sweden.
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Vuilleumier S, Fiorentino A, Dénéréaz S, Spichiger T. Identification of new demands regarding prehospital care based on 35,188 missions in 2018. BMC Emerg Med 2021; 21:63. [PMID: 34030660 PMCID: PMC8142491 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-021-00456-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Population ageing and increased prevalence of chronic diseases result in the emergence of new demands in prehospital care. The prehospital system is facing an increase of cases without acute threat to life (so-called "non-urgent"), which generates tension due to a higher number of admissions to emergency departments and a greater use of prehospital resources. Our aim is to understand this transition in prehospital activities and to delineate the primary missions performed by paramedics in 2018 with a focus on the population concerned, the severity of cases encountered and the typology of health issues. METHOD The study is retrospective, and descriptive, using a statistical description of 35,188 primary missions realized in 2018 in the State of Vaud (Switzerland). The characteristics taken into consideration are the age and gender of patients, as well as the health issue, the severity of cases based on National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics score (NACA score), and the time and place of intervention. RESULTS The results describe the primary missions in the State of Vaud in 2018 and show that 87% of missions concern "non-urgent" situations (without acute threat to life). Over half of patients are 65 or older, the highest proportion of health issues, 49%, are medical and only 23% of missions are for traumas. Mission related to mental health issues reach 7% and those for intoxication 6%. Most missions take place between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm (67%), and around 12% of missions lead to the non-transport of the patient. CONCLUSION The prehospital sector is confronted with a major transition in terms of patient care. An increase of non-urgent cases is observed, associated with the care of persons aged 65 or more. Our results question the adequacy between the needs in terms of prehospital care and the paramedic profession as it is currently defined, as well as the place of this profession within the health network. Reflecting upon the role of paramedics with respect to the socio-demographic evolution of populations appears necessary, to analyse the adequacy of the paramedics' skills to respond to the current needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Séverine Vuilleumier
- La Source School of Nursing, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO), CH-1004, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Assunta Fiorentino
- La Source School of Nursing, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO), CH-1004, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sandrine Dénéréaz
- Vocational Training College for Registered Paramedics and Emergency Care, ES ASUR, CH-1052, Le Mont-sur-Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Thierry Spichiger
- Vocational Training College for Registered Paramedics and Emergency Care, ES ASUR, CH-1052, Le Mont-sur-Lausanne, Switzerland
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Sedlár M. Work-related factors, cognitive skills, unsafe behavior and safety incident involvement among emergency medical services crew members: relationships and indirect effects. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2021; 28:1281-1290. [PMID: 33557717 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2021.1888018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Objectives. This study examines relationships between work-related factors - stress and fatigue, cognitive skills - situation awareness and cognitive flexibility, unsafe behavior and safety incident involvement among emergency medical services (EMS) crew members, and whether cognitive skills and unsafe behavior together indirectly affect the relationship between work-related factors and safety incident involvement. Methods. A sample of 131 EMS crew members working in ground ambulances (physicians, paramedics, ambulance drivers) completed self-report questionnaires. Results. The correlation analysis showed significant positive interrelationships between work-related factors, unsafe behavior and safety incident involvement, and that cognitive skills were significantly negatively related to these variables. The multiple indirect effects analysis revealed significant indirect effects of both work-related factors on safety incident involvement through situation awareness and unsafe behavior, but not through cognitive flexibility. Conclusion. In terms of reducing the number of EMS provider and patient safety incidents, the findings suggest the importance of reducing stress and fatigue in EMS crew members, improving their cognitive skills, in particular situation awareness, and supporting their safety compliance behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Sedlár
- Institute of Experimental Psychology, Centre of Social and Psychological Sciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Slovakia
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O’connor P, O’malley R, Oglesby AM, Lambe K, Lydon S. Measurement and monitoring patient safety in prehospital care: a systematic review. Int J Qual Health Care 2021; 33:mzab013. [PMID: 33459774 PMCID: PMC10517741 DOI: 10.1093/intqhc/mzab013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prehospital care is potentially hazardous with the possibility for patients to experience an adverse event. However, as compared to secondary care, little is known about how patient safety is managed in prehospital care settings. OBJECTIVES The objectives of this systematic review were to identify and classify the methods of measuring and monitoring patient safety that have been used in prehospital care using the five dimensions of the Measuring and Monitoring Safety (MMS) framework and use this classification to identify where there are safety 'blind spots' and make recommendations for how these deficits could be addressed. METHODS Searches were conducted in January 2020, with no limit on publication year, using Medline, PsycInfo, CINAHL, Web of Science and Academic Search. Reference lists of included studies and existing related reviews were also screened. English-language, peer-reviewed studies concerned with measuring and monitoring safety in prehospital care were included. Two researchers independently extracted data from studies and applied a quality appraisal tool (the Quality Assessment Tool for Studies with Diverse Designs). RESULTS A total of 5301 studies were screened, with 52 included in the review. A total of 73% (38/52) of the studies assessed past harm, 25% (13/52) the reliability of safety critical processes, 1.9% (1/52) sensitivity to operations, 38.5% (20/52) anticipation and preparedness and 5.8% (3/52) integration and learning. A total of 67 methods for measuring and monitoring safety were used across the included studies. Of these methods, 38.8% (26/67) were surveys, 29.9% (20/67) were patient records reviews, 14.9% (10/67) were incident reporting systems, 11.9% (8/67) were interviews or focus groups and 4.5% (3/67) were checklists. CONCLUSIONS There is no single method of measuring and monitoring safety in prehospital care. Arguably, most safety monitoring systems have evolved, rather than been designed. This leads to safety blind spots in which information is lacking, as well as to redundancy and duplication of effort. It is suggested that the findings from this systematic review, informed by the MMS framework, can provide a structure for critically thinking about how safety is being measured and monitored in prehospital care. This will support the design of a safety surveillance system that provides a comprehensive understanding of what is being done well, where improvements should be made and whether safety interventions have had the desired effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul O’connor
- Discipline of General Practice, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway H91 TK33, County Galway, Ireland
- Irish Centre for Applied Patient Safety and Simulation, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway H91 TK33, County Galway, Ireland
| | - Roisin O’malley
- Discipline of General Practice, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway H91 TK33, County Galway, Ireland
- Irish Centre for Applied Patient Safety and Simulation, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway H91 TK33, County Galway, Ireland
| | - Anne-Marie Oglesby
- Health Protection and Surveillance Centre, 25-27 Middle Gardiner St, Dublin 1, Ireland
| | - Kathryn Lambe
- Discipline of General Practice, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway H91 TK33, County Galway, Ireland
- Irish Centre for Applied Patient Safety and Simulation, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway H91 TK33, County Galway, Ireland
| | - Sinéad Lydon
- Irish Centre for Applied Patient Safety and Simulation, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway H91 TK33, County Galway, Ireland
- School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway H91 TK33, County Galway, Ireland
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Forsgärde ES, Elmqvist C, Fridlund B, Svensson A, Andersson R, Rööst M. Patients' aged ≥65 years dispositions during ambulance assignments, including factors associated with non-conveyance to hospital: a longitudinal and comparative study. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e038885. [PMID: 33243795 PMCID: PMC7692831 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-038885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Patients ≥65 years old represent 30%-50% of all ambulance assignments (AAs), and the knowledge of which care level they are disposed to is limited and diverging. The aim of this study was therefore to describe and compare characteristics of patients' aged ≥65 years dispositions during AA, including determining changes over time and factors associated with non-conveyance to hospitals. DESIGN A longitudinal and comparative database study. SETTING Ambulance service in a Swedish region. PARTICIPANTS 32 085 AAs with patients ≥65 years old during the years 2014, 2016 and 2018. EXCLUSION CRITERIA AAs with interhospital patient transfers and lack of patients' dispositions data. OUTCOME MEASURES Dependent factors: conveyance and non-conveyance to hospitals. Independent factors: age, sex, symptom, triage level, scene, time, day and season. RESULTS The majority (n=29 060; 90.6%) of patients' dispositions during AA were conveyance to hospitals. In total, the most common symptoms were circulatory (n=4953; 15.5%) and respiratory (n=4529; 14.1%). A significant increase, p<0.01, of non-conveyance to hospitals was shown during 2014 and 2018, from 801 (7.8%) to 1295 (11.4%). Increasing age was associated with decreasing odds of non-conveyance, 85-89 years (OR=0.85, 95 % CI=0.72 to 0.99) and 90 years or older (OR=0.80, 95 % CI=0.68 to 0.93). Several factors were associated with non-conveyance, for example, symptoms of diabetes (OR=8.57, 95 % CI=5.99 to 12.26) and mental disorders (OR=5.71, 95 % CI=3.85 to 8.48) in comparison with infections. CONCLUSIONS The study demonstrates several patient characteristics, and factors associated with non-conveyance to hospitals, such as age, symptom, triage level, scene, time, day and season. The increasing non-conveyance trend highlights the importance of further studies on optimal care levels for patients ≥65 years old.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elin-Sofie Forsgärde
- Health and Caring Science, Linnaeus University Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Växjö, Sweden
- Centre of Interprofessional Cooperation within Emergency Care (CICE), Linnaeus University Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Växjö, Sweden
| | - Carina Elmqvist
- Centre of Interprofessional Cooperation within Emergency Care (CICE), Linnaeus University Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Växjö, Sweden
- Department for Research and Development, Region Kronoberg, Växjö, Sweden
| | - Bengt Fridlund
- Centre of Interprofessional Cooperation within Emergency Care (CICE), Linnaeus University Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Växjö, Sweden
| | - Anders Svensson
- Health and Caring Science, Linnaeus University Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Växjö, Sweden
- Ambulance Service, Region Kronoberg, Växjö, Sweden
| | | | - Mattias Rööst
- Department for Research and Development, Region Kronoberg, Växjö, Sweden
- Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on patient safety in emergency medical services (EMS) has mainly focused on the organisation's and/or the EMS personnel's perspective. Little is known about how patients perceive safety in EMS. This study aims to describe the patients' experiences of their sense of safety in EMS. METHODS A qualitative design with individual interviews of EMS patients (n=21) and an inductive qualitative content analysis were used. RESULTS Patients' experiences of EMS personnel's ability or inability to show or use their medical, technical and driving skills affected the patients' sense of safety. When they perceived a lack of professionalism and knowledge among EMS personnel, they felt unsafe. Patients highlighted equality in the encounter, the quality of the information given by EMS personnel and the opportunity to participate in their care as important factors creating a sense of safety during the EMS encounter. Altogether, patients' perceptions of safety in EMS were connected to their confidence in the EMS personnel. CONCLUSIONS Overall, patients felt safe during their EMS encounter, but the EMS personnel's professional competence alone is not enough for them to feel safe. Lack of communication or professionalism may compromise their sense of safety. Further work is needed to explore how patients' perceptions of safety can be used in improving safety in EMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anu Venesoja
- South Karelia Social and Healthcare District, Lappeenranta, Finland
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Services, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki University, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maaret Castrén
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Services, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki University, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Susanna Tella
- Faculty of Social Services and Health Care, LAB University of Applied Sciences, Lappeenranta, Finland
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Veronica Lindström
- Samariten Ambulance, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society Division of Nursing Stockholm, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
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Péculo-Carrasco JA, De Sola H, Casal-Sánchez MDM, Rodríguez-Bouza M, Sánchez-Almagro CP, Failde I. Feeling safe or unsafe in prehospital emergency care: A qualitative study of the experiences of patients, carers and healthcare professionals. J Clin Nurs 2020; 29:4720-4732. [PMID: 32979872 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.15513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To determine the feelings of safety among patients taken to hospital after requesting urgent care, based on their experiences and those of their carers and prehospital emergency care professionals. BACKGROUND Little research has been performed into the perception of safety in prehospital emergency care settings worldwide, from either the perspective of the patients or from that of healthcare professionals. DESIGN Exploratory qualitative study using focus groups in Spain. METHODS The participants were patients that requested care through the emergency telephone service, their carers and the professionals of the emergency care teams. The structured sampling design was based on an intentional, nonprobability selection following pragmatic criteria. Seven groups of patients/carers and two groups of professionals were formed (65 participants). The recordings were fully transcribed before their validation and codes were assigned to ensure anonymity. The ATLAS.ti software was used for the analysis. The authors took into account the COREQ checklist for qualitative studies. FINDINGS Neither group provided a clear definition of the meaning of feeling safe. It appeared easier to give examples that had a positive or negative influence on their perception of feeling safe. During the analysis of the discourse, six categories were detected after grouping the related codes. CONCLUSIONS For most of the patients' feeling of being safe or very safe arose from the perception of calmness, trust and protection. Defining the perception of safety was not easy. The factors with the greatest effect on feeling safe were related to Information and communication, Person-centred care and Professional competency, without losing sight of other factors such as Accessibility and response times of the emergency teams, Equipment and Healthcare setting. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE The findings could be used as a knowledge base in future research and for implementing procedures for improving perceptions of safety among patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan-Antonio Péculo-Carrasco
- Provincial Service 061 in Cádiz, Public Company for Health Emergencies, Regional Government of Andalusia, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Helena De Sola
- Institute of Research and Innovation of Biomedical Sciences of the Province of Cádiz (INiBICA), Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
| | | | - Mónica Rodríguez-Bouza
- Provincial Service 061 in Cádiz, Public Company for Health Emergencies, Regional Government of Andalusia, Cádiz, Spain
| | - César-Pedro Sánchez-Almagro
- Provincial Service 061 in Cádiz, Public Company for Health Emergencies, Regional Government of Andalusia, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Failde
- Institute of Research and Innovation of Biomedical Sciences of the Province of Cádiz (INiBICA), Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
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Bremer A, Andersson Hagiwara M, Tavares W, Paakkonen H, Nyström P, Andersson H. Translation and further validation of a global rating scale for the assessment of clinical competence in prehospital emergency care. Nurse Educ Pract 2020; 47:102841. [PMID: 32768897 DOI: 10.1016/j.nepr.2020.102841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Global rating scales are useful to assess clinical competence at a general level based on specific word dimensions. The aim of this study was to translate and culturally adapt the Paramedic Global Rating Scale, and to contribute validity evidence and instrument usefulness in training results and clinical competence assessments of students undergoing training to become ambulance nurses and paramedics at Swedish and Finnish universities. The study included translation, expert review and inter-rater reliability (IRR) tests. The scale was translated and culturally adapted to clinical and educational settings in both countries. A content validity index (CVI) was calculated using eight experts. IRR tests were performed with five registered nurses working as university lecturers, and with six clinicians working as ambulance nurses. They individually rated the same simulated ambulance assignment. Based on the ratings IRR was calculated with intra-class correlation (ICC). The scale showed excellent CVI for items and scale. The ICC indicated substantial agreement in the group of lecturers and a high degree of agreement in the group of clinicians. This study provides validity evidence for a Swedish version of the scale, supporting its use in measuring clinical competence among students undergoing training to become ambulance nurses and paramedics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Bremer
- PreHospen - Centre for Prehospital Research, University of Borås, Sweden; Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Sweden; Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden.
| | - Magnus Andersson Hagiwara
- PreHospen - Centre for Prehospital Research, University of Borås, Sweden; Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Sweden.
| | - Walter Tavares
- The Wilson Centre, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto/University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Post-MD Education (Post-Graduate Medical Education/Continued Professional Development), University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Paramedic and Senior Services, Community and Health Services Department, Regional Municipality of York, Newmarket, ON, Canada.
| | - Heikki Paakkonen
- Department of Health and Welfare, Arcada University of Applied Sciences, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Patrik Nyström
- Department of Health and Welfare, Arcada University of Applied Sciences, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Henrik Andersson
- PreHospen - Centre for Prehospital Research, University of Borås, Sweden; Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Sweden.
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Ashokcoomar P, Bhagwan R. The forgotten needs of mothers during neonatal transfers: A quest for greater sensitivity. S Afr Fam Pract (2004) 2020; 62:e1-e8. [PMID: 32787384 PMCID: PMC8378043 DOI: 10.4102/safp.v62i1.5091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The transfer of critically ill neonates has escalated in developing countries. This calls for greater awareness of the needs of mothers who are often overlooked while clinical attention is prioritised in relation to the neonate. The objective of the study was to understand the emotional and clinical needs of mothers during the transfer process. Methods Using a qualitative research approach, the study sought the views of mothers who were involved in emergency transfers. In-depth interviews were held with seven mothers. In addition, data from interviews with seven neonatologists and data from focus group discussions with 35 advanced life paramedics, were included. Results What emerged was that both the clinical and emotional needs of mothers were overlooked during the transfer which resulted in acute distress. Moreover, the study found that paramedics lacked preparedness to deal with the psychological needs of mothers and often overlooked their physiological condition as well. Conclusion It is crucial that greater sensitivity towards both the clinical and emotional needs of mothers be prioritised during neonatal transfers.
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Accuracy of early warning scores for predicting serious adverse events in pre-hospital traumatic injury. Injury 2020; 51:1554-1560. [PMID: 32430198 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2020.04.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatically injured patients are at higher risk of serious adverse events. Numerous physiological scoring systems are employed as diagnostic and/or prognostic tools. The objective of this study was to evaluate the scales most commonly used by emergency medical services for the early detection of prehospital serious adverse events. METHODS Design. Preliminary longitudinal prospective observational study without intervention study in adults with prehospital traumatic injury. SETTING The study was carried out in the public health system of Castile and León (Spain), from April 1, 2018 to October 31, 2019, involving seven advanced life support units and five hospitals. PARTICIPANTS Traumatically injured patients over 18 years of age who were stabilized and transferred in advanced life support units to their referral hospital. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Appearance of serious adverse events at the prehospital level at the scene or during the transfer to the emergency department. RESULTS A total of 346 patients were included in the study. The median age was 50 years (IQR: 38-65). 32 cases (7.8%) presented serious adverse events at the prehospital level. Areas under the curve for the detection of serious adverse events were obtained with the Prehospital Index (0.979; 95% CI: 0.94-1.00) and National Early Warning Score 2 (0.956; 95% CI: 0.90-1.00); p <0.001 for all scores. The Prehospital Index had a positive probability coefficient of 78.4 (95% CI: 62.8-68.6) and the National Early Warning Score 2 obtained 52.9 (95% CI: 39.7-65.6). A comparison of the curves was not significant for any of the scores studied (p> 0.05). CONCLUSIONS All scoring systems were able to detect prehospital serious adverse events early in traumatic injury; therefore, any of the scoring systems could be useful and represent an ideal tool for routine use by emergency medical services in cases of traumatic injury.
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Sedlár M. Cognitive skills of emergency medical services crew members: a literature review. BMC Emerg Med 2020; 20:44. [PMID: 32471352 PMCID: PMC7257132 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-020-00330-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Situation awareness and decision making, listed in non-technical skills taxonomies, are critical for effective and safe performance in high-risk professions. These cognitive skills and their behavioral markers have been studied less in emergency medical services (EMS) crew members. This paper aims to review the existing literature and identify important aspects and behavioral markers of situation awareness and decision making in EMS crew members – those who work in the role of prehospital emergency care providers – and to synthesize findings as a basis for developing a rating and training tool. Method The search for relevant articles was conducted using electronic databases, reference lists of relevant reviews and included articles and personal collection of articles. The selection process based on the PRISMA statement yielded a total of 30 articles that met the eligibility criteria. Their findings were qualitatively synthesized using the structured approach, informed by the already known structure: situation awareness and its elements (gathering information, interpreting information, anticipating future states), decision making and its elements (generating and considering options, selecting and implementing an option, reviewing outcome/decision). Moreover, the element of maintaining standards also emerged as highly relevant for cognitive skills. Results This review found an increased research interest in the non-technical cognitive skills of EMS crew members. The majority of included articles’ research designs were qualitative, then mixed, Delphi, and quantitative. It revealed several specifics of cognitive skills, such as EMS crew members need to holistically assess a wide range of cues and information, to make various health- and safety-related decisions and take EMS standards into account. However, there was only a limited number of observable markers of cognitive skills, such as acts and verbalizations, that could be considered as examples of good behavior. In addition, findings indicate a lack of articles focused on mass-casualty incidents and the interconnection of cognitive skills with other non-technical and medical skills. Conclusion Further research is needed to get a more comprehensive view of behavioral markers of cognitive skills and to develop a rating and training tool to improve EMS crew members’ cognitive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Sedlár
- Institute of Experimental Psychology, Centre of Social and Psychological Sciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 841 04, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
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Magnusson C, Herlitz J, Axelsson C. Patient characteristics, triage utilisation, level of care, and outcomes in an unselected adult patient population seen by the emergency medical services: a prospective observational study. BMC Emerg Med 2020; 20:7. [PMID: 32000684 PMCID: PMC6993445 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-020-0302-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Crowding in the emergency department (ED) is a safety concern, and pathways to bypass the ED have been introduced to reduce the time to definitive care. Conversely, a number of low-acuity patients in the ED could be assessed by the emergency medical services (EMS) as requiring a lower level of care. The limited access to primary care in Sweden leaves the EMS nurse to either assess the patient as requiring the ED or to stay at the scene. This study aimed to assess patient characteristics and evaluate the initial assessment by and utilisation of the ambulance triage system and the appropriateness of non-transport decisions. Methods A prospective observational study including 6712 patients aged ≥16 years was conducted. The patient records with 72 h of follow-up for non-transported patients were reviewed. Outcomes of death, time-critical conditions, complications within 48 h and final hospital assessment were evaluated. The Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher’s exact test, and Spearman’s rank correlation were used for statistical analysis. Results The median patient age was 66 years, and the most common medical history was a circulatory diagnosis. Males received a higher priority from dispatchers and were more frequently assessed at the scene as requiring hospital care. A total of 1312 patients (19.7%) were non-transported; a history of psychiatric disorders or no medical history was more commonly noted among these patients. Twelve (0.9%) of the 1312 patients not transported were later admitted with time-critical conditions. Full triage was applied in 77.4% of the cases, and older patients were triaged at the scene as an ‘unspecific condition’ more frequently than younger patients. Overall, the 30-day mortality was 4.1% (n = 274). Conclusions Age, sex, medical history, and presentation all appear to influence the initial assessment. A number of patients transported to ED could be managed at a lower level of care. A small proportion of the non-transported patients were later diagnosed with a time-critical condition, warranting improved assessment tools at the scene and education of the personnel focusing on the elderly population. These results may be useful in addressing resource allocation issues aiming at increasing patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Magnusson
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Johan Herlitz
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Pre Hospen-Centre for Prehospital Research, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
| | - Christer Axelsson
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Pre Hospen-Centre for Prehospital Research, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
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47
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Tello JE, Barbazza E, Waddell K. Review of 128 quality of care mechanisms: A framework and mapping for health system stewards. Health Policy 2020; 124:12-24. [PMID: 31791717 PMCID: PMC6946442 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2019.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Health system stewards have the critical task to identify quality of care deficiencies and resolve underlying system limitations. Despite a growing evidence-base on the effectiveness of certain mechanisms for improving quality of care, frameworks to facilitate the oversight function of stewards and the use of mechanisms to improve outcomes remain underdeveloped. This review set out to catalogue a wide range of quality of care mechanisms and evidence on their effectiveness, and to map these in a framework along two dimensions: (i) governance subfunctions; and (ii) targets of quality of care mechanisms. To identify quality of care mechanisms, a series of searches were run in Health Systems Evidence and PubMed. Additional grey literature was reviewed. A total of 128 quality of care mechanisms were identified. For each mechanism, searches were carried out for systematic reviews on their effectiveness. These findings were mapped in the framework defined. The mapping illustrates the range and evidence for mechanisms varies and is more developed for some target areas such as the health workforce. Across the governance sub-functions, more mechanisms and with evidence of effectiveness are found for setting priorities and standards and organizing and monitoring for action. This framework can support system stewards to map the quality of care mechanisms used in their systems and to uncover opportunities for optimization backed by systems thinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan E Tello
- Integrated Prevention and Control of NCDs Programme, Division of NCDs and Promoting Health through the Life-Course, WHO Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Erica Barbazza
- Academic UMC, Department of Public Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; WHO European Centre for Primary Health Care, Almaty, Kazakhstan.
| | - Kerry Waddell
- McMaster Health Forum, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada; WHO European Centre for Primary Health Care, Almaty, Kazakhstan.
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Walker D, Moloney C, SueSee B, Sharples R. Contributing factors that influence medication errors in the prehospital paramedic environment: a mixed-method systematic review protocol. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e034094. [PMID: 31874897 PMCID: PMC7008412 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-034094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is limited reliable research available on medication errors in relation to paramedic practice, with most evidence-based medication safety guidelines based on research in nursing, operating theatre and pharmacy settings. While similarities exist, evidence suggests that the prehospital environment is distinctly different in many aspects. The prevention of errors requires attention to factors from the organisational and regulatory level down to specific tasks and patient characteristics. The evidence available suggests errors may occur in up to 12.76% of medication administrations in some prehospital settings. With multiple sources stating that the errors are under-reported, this represents significant potential for patient harm. This review will seek to identify the factors influencing the occurrence of medication errors by paramedics in the prehospital environment. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The review will include qualitative and quantitative studies involving interventions or phenomena regarding medication errors or medication safety relating to paramedics (including emergency medical technicians and other prehospital care providers) within the prehospital environment. A search will be conducted using MEDLINE (Ovid), EBSCOhost Megafile Search, the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors trial registry, Google Scholar and the OpenGrey database to identify studies meeting this inclusion criteria, with initial searches commencing 30 September 2019. Studies selected will undergo assessment of methodological quality, with data to be extracted from all studies irrespective of quality. Each stage of study selection, appraisal and data extraction will be conducted by two reviewers, with a third reviewer deciding any unresolved conflicts. The review will follow a convergent integrated approach, conducting a single qualitative synthesis of qualitative and 'qualitised' quantitative data. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION No ethical approval was required for this review. Findings from this systematic review will be disseminated via publications, reports and conference presentations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Walker
- School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, Queensland, Australia
| | - Clint Moloney
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Brendan SueSee
- School of Linguistics, Adult and Special Education, University of Southern Queensland-Springfield Campus, Springfield, Queensland, Australia
| | - Renee Sharples
- College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Amaniyan S, Faldaas BO, Logan PA, Vaismoradi M. Learning from Patient Safety Incidents in the Emergency Department: A Systematic Review. J Emerg Med 2019; 58:234-244. [PMID: 31843322 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2019.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient safety incidents are commonly observed in critical and high demanding care settings, including the emergency department. There is a need to understand what causes patient safety incidents in emergency departments and determine the implications for excellence in practice. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to systematically review the international literature on patient safety incidents in emergency departments and determine what can be learned from reported incidents to inform and improve practice. DISCUSSION Patient safety incidents in emergency departments have a number of recognized contributing factors. These can be used as groundwork for the development of effective tools to systematically identify incident risk. Participation in efforts to diminish risk and improve patient safety through appropriate incident reporting is critical for removing barriers to safe care. CONCLUSIONS This review enhances our awareness of contributing factors to patient safety incidents within emergency departments and encourages researchers from different disciplines to investigate the causes of practice errors and formulate safety improvement strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Amaniyan
- Student Research Committe, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Bjørn Ove Faldaas
- Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| | - Patricia A Logan
- Faculty of Science, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst Campus, New South Wales, Australia
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Cash RE, Crowe RP, Rivard MK, Crowe E, Knorr AC, Panchal AR, Kupas DF. Seat belt use in the ambulance patient compartment by emergency medical services professionals is low regardless of patient presence, seating position, or patient acuity. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2019; 71:173-180. [PMID: 31862028 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2019.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inconsistent use of seat belts in an ambulance may increase the risk of injury for emergency medical services (EMS) professionals and their patients. Our objectives were to: (1) describe the prevalence of seat belt usage based on patient acuity and seat location, and (2) assess the association between EMS-related characteristics and consistent use of a seat belt. METHODS We administered a cross-sectional electronic questionnaire to a random sample of 20,000 nationally-certified EMS professionals, measuring seat belt use in each seating location of an ambulance during transport of stable, critical, or no patients. We included practicing, non-military, emergency medical technicians or higher who reported working in ambulances. We used multivariable logistic regression models to estimate the odds of consistent (≥50% of the time) use of seat belts for the rear-facing jump seat and right-sided crew bench during transport of stable and critical patients. RESULTS A total of 1431 respondents were included in the analysis. Patient compartment seat belt use varied with the highest use in forward-facing seats when no patient was being transported (59.8%) and lowest use in the left-side "CPR" seat with a critical patient (9.4%). Only 40.2% of respondents reported an agency policy regarding seat belt use while riding in the patient compartment. In all multivariable logistic regression models, advanced life support level certification and fewer years of experience were associated with decreased odds of consistent seat belt use. An agency seat belt policy was strongly associated with increased odds of seat belt use in the patient compartment. CONCLUSIONS Seat belt use was low and varied by seating location and patient acuity in the patient compartment of an ambulance. Practical Applications: EMS organizations should consider primary prevention approaches of provider education, improved ambulance designs, enactment and enforcement of policies to improve seat belt compliance and provider safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca E Cash
- The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, 6610 Busch Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43229, USA; The Ohio State University College of Public Health, 1841 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Remle P Crowe
- ESO, 11500 Alterra Parkway, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78758, USA
| | - Madison K Rivard
- The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, 6610 Busch Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43229, USA; The Ohio State University College of Public Health, 1841 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Evan Crowe
- Division of EMS, Department of Emergency Medicine, Geisinger Health System, 100 N. Academy Avenue, Danville, PA 17822-2005, USA
| | - Anne C Knorr
- Division of EMS, Department of Emergency Medicine, Geisinger Health System, 100 N. Academy Avenue, Danville, PA 17822-2005, USA
| | - Ashish R Panchal
- The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, 6610 Busch Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43229, USA; The Ohio State University College of Public Health, 1841 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Department of Emergency Medicine, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, 376 West 10(th) Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Douglas F Kupas
- Division of EMS, Department of Emergency Medicine, Geisinger Health System, 100 N. Academy Avenue, Danville, PA 17822-2005, USA
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