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Lu DW, Shin J, Wan C, Rea TD, Crowe RP, Meischke HW, Counts CR. Burnout and Workplace Incivility Among Emergency Medical Services Practitioners: A Preliminary Report. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2023; 27:413-417. [PMID: 36749661 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2023.2175088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Burnout has detrimental consequences for health care organizations, clinicians, and the quality of care that patients receive. Prior work suggests that workplace incivility (negative interpersonal acts) contributes to burnout. While workplace incivility is linked to EMS practitioner job dissatisfaction, absenteeism, and planned attrition, the relationship between workplace incivility and burnout has not been evaluated among EMS practitioners. This study aimed to characterize the prevalence and association of burnout and workplace incivility among EMS practitioners. METHODS A cross-sectional survey of EMS personnel in King County, Washington was performed in January to March of 2021 with burnout as the primary outcome and workplace incivility as a secondary outcome. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between outcomes and EMS practitioner factors that included age, sex, race/ethnicity, years of EMS experience, and current job role. RESULTS 835 completed surveys were received (response rate 25%). The prevalence of burnout was 39.2%. Women were more likely to have burnout than men (59.3% vs. 33.7%, aOR 2.2, 95% CI 1.3-3.7). Workplace incivility was experienced weekly by 32.1% of respondents, with women more likely to experience incivility compared to men (41.9% vs. 27.2%, aOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.2-3.3). Respondents who experienced frequent workplace incivility were more likely to have burnout than those who did not experience frequent incivility (61.9% vs. 38.1%, OR 4.0, 95% CI 3.0-5.5). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of burnout and workplace incivility were concerning among EMS practitioners, with women more likely to experience both compared to men. EMS practitioners who experienced frequent workplace incivility were also more likely to have burnout than those who did not experience frequent incivility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dave W Lu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jenny Shin
- Emergency Medical Services Division, Public Health Seattle and King County, Seattle, Washington
| | - Christopher Wan
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Thomas D Rea
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Hendrika W Meischke
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, Hans Rosling Center for Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Catherine R Counts
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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Srikanth P, Monsey LM, Meischke HW, Baker MG. Determinants of Stress, Depression, Quality of Life, and Intent to Leave in Washington State Emergency Medical Technicians During COVID-19. J Occup Environ Med 2022; 64:642-648. [PMID: 35673703 PMCID: PMC9377359 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study characterizes determinants of stress, depression, quality of life, and intent to leave among emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in the Puget Sound region, Washington, during the COVID-19 pandemic and identifies areas for intervention on these outcomes. METHODS A cross-sectional survey measured stress, depression, quality of life, and intent to leave among EMTs ( N = 123). Regression models were developed for these outcomes. RESULTS A total of 23.8% of respondents were very likely to leave their position in the next 6 months. Job demands predicted stress and depression, and financial security predicted stress and quality of life. Intent to leave was predicted by stress, manager support, and length of employment. CONCLUSIONS Increased exposure to hazards has impacted EMT mental health. Emergency medical technicians are vital to healthcare, so improving EMT health and well-being is important, as attrition during a pandemic could impact public health.
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Curtis HM, Meischke HW, Simcox NJ, Laslett S, Monsey LM, Baker M, Seixas NS. Working Safely in the Trades as Women: A Qualitative Exploration and Call for Women-Supportive Interventions. Front Public Health 2022; 9:781572. [PMID: 35155345 PMCID: PMC8833840 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.781572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Construction work offers women economic advancement and self-fulfillment opportunities, but multiple barriers prevent their increased representation in the industry. This study used qualitative methods to identity key physical and psychosocial safety hazards affecting tradeswomen. Methods Three focus groups were held in 2015 with 19 tradeswomen in Washington State. Groups discussed workplace hazards and solutions to make the trades safer for women. Discussions were recorded, transcribed, and two independent reviewers analyzed themes. Results Participants identified myriad physical and psychosocial hazards including a dangerous work environment, inadequate personal protective equipment, gender discrimination, and fear of layoff for reporting concerns. Participants identified mentorship as a potential intervention to overcome some of these barriers. Conclusion Findings suggest that the industry's work environment can be hostile and unsupportive for women, contributing to tradeswomen's injury risk and psychological distress. Future research and interventions should focus on understanding the relationships between and mediating the negative impact of women's physical and psychosocial workplace hazards. Results from these focus groups inspired a randomized control trial to study the impact mentorship has on decreasing physical and psychosocial hazards for women in construction, and improving retention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M Curtis
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Hendrika W Meischke
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Nancy J Simcox
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Sarah Laslett
- University of Oregon Labor Education and Research Center, Eugene, OR, United States
| | - Lily M Monsey
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Marissa Baker
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Noah S Seixas
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Makhnoon S, Bowen DJ, Shirts BH, Fullerton SM, Meischke HW, Larson EB, Ralston JD, Leppig K, Crosslin DR, Veenstra D, Jarvik GP. Relationship between genetic knowledge and familial communication of CRC risk and intent to communicate CRCP genetic information: insights from FamilyTalk eMERGE III. Transl Behav Med 2021; 11:563-572. [PMID: 32579152 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibaa054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Successful translation of genetic information into patient-centered care and improved outcomes depends, at least in part, on patients' genetic knowledge. Although genetic knowledge is believed to be an important facilitator of familial communication of genetic risk information, empirical evidence of this association is lacking. We examined whether genetic knowledge was related to frequency of current familial communication about colorectal cancer and polyp (CRCP) risk, and future intention to share CRCP-related genomic test results with family members in a clinical sample of patients. We recruited 189 patients eligible for clinical CRCP sequencing to the eMERGE III FamilyTalk randomized controlled trial and surveyed them about genetic knowledge and familial communication at baseline. Participants were primarily Caucasian, 47% male, average age of 68 years, mostly well educated, and with high-income levels. Genetic knowledge was positively associated with future-intended familial communication of genetic information (odds ratio = 1.11, 95% confidence interval: 1.02-1.23), but not associated with current communication of CRC risk (β = 0.01, p = .58). Greater current communication of CRC risk was associated with better family functioning (β = 0.04, p = 8.2e-5). Participants' genetic knowledge in this study was minimally associated with their intended familial communication of genetic information. Although participants have good intentions of communication, family-level factors may hinder actual follow through of these intentions. Continued focus on improving proband's genetic knowledge coupled with interventions to overcome family-level barriers to communication may be needed to improve familial communication rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukh Makhnoon
- Department of Behavioral Science, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Deborah J Bowen
- Department of Bioethics and Humanities, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Brian H Shirts
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Eric B Larson
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - James D Ralston
- Genetic Services, Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kathleen Leppig
- Genetic Services, Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - David R Crosslin
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Medical Education, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - David Veenstra
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Gail P Jarvik
- Departments of Medicine (Medical Genetics) and Genome Sciences, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
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Lu TC, Chang YT, Ho TW, Chen Y, Lee YT, Wang YS, Chen YP, Tsai CL, Ma MHM, Fang CC, Lai F, Meischke HW, Turner AM. Using a smartwatch with real-time feedback improves the delivery of high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation by healthcare professionals. Resuscitation 2019; 140:16-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2019.04.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Yip MP, Calhoun RE, Painter IS, Meischke HW, Tu SP. Emergency communications within the limited English proficient Chinese community. J Immigr Minor Health 2016; 16:769-71. [PMID: 24158381 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-013-9935-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Limited English speaking communities face communication challenges during emergencies. Our objective was to investigate Chinese limited English proficiency individuals' perceptions of and inclination to interact with emergency communication systems. A telephone survey was conducted in Mandarin or Cantonese with 250 ethnic Chinese individuals who spoke little or no English. Respondents who spoke no English were less likely to name 9-1-1 as their first source of help for a medical emergency than those who spoke some English (p < 0.01). Those reporting higher levels of confidence in handling the situation were more likely to name 9-1-1 as their first source of help, as were those who listed 9-1-1 as their most trusted source of help (p < 0.01). For this group, the results indicate that calling 9-1-1 may require a sense of self-efficacy. Not calling 9-1-1 in a medical emergency can have serious health consequences, thus interventions are needed to increase confidence in accessing 9-1-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Po Yip
- Division of General Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA,
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of language barriers during medical 9-1-1 calls, on the time to dispatch and level of medical aid (Basic or Advanced Life Support). METHODS All 9-1-1 medical calls to two large call centers during one week for each of the months of August, October, December 2010 and February 2011, were reviewed for a notation of language barrier (LB). Non-language barrier calls were identified from the same time period such that there were an equal proportion of LB and non-LB calls by dispatch code and dispatcher. A total of 272 language barrier calls were identified. The computer-assisted dispatch (CAD) reports for the LB and non-LB calls were abstracted by research staff using a standard form, including: Start time of call, time to dispatch of BLS, time to dispatch of ALS, dispatch code, interpretation service use, on-scene upgrade to ALS, and on-scene downgrade to BLS. 9-1-1 recordings were abstracted for LB calls only to obtain information about use of interpreter services. Difference between LB and English speakers in time to assignment of BLS and ALS was examined using linear mixed effects models with log time as the outcome; language barrier, call center and dispatch code as fixed effects and dispatcher as a random effect. RESULTS The effect of language barrier on time to BLS assignment was, on average, 33% longer (p < 0.001) and time to ALS assignment 43% longer (P = 0.008). A majority of the effect was due to the effect of interpreter use, which increased time to BLS by 82% and 125% for ALS, when compared to non-language barrier calls. Data from the 9-1-1 recordings showed an average of 49 seconds between connecting to the service operator and connecting to the language interpreter. Language barrier calls were more likely to be up- and down-graded, only statistically significantly so for on-scene downgrades. CONCLUSION Language barriers increase time to dispatch and the accuracy of the level of aid dispatched during medical emergency calls. Decreasing the time to connecting to an actual interpreter when using an interpretation service could minimize existing delays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrika W Meischke
- Department of Health Services, Northwest Center for Public Health Practice, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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Ong BN, Yip MP, Feng S, Calhoun R, Meischke HW, Tu SP. Erratum to: Barriers and Facilitators to Using 9-1-1 and Emergency Medical Services in a Limited English Proficiency Chinese Community. J Immigr Minor Health 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s10903-011-9490-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Yip MP, Ong BN, Meischke HW, Feng SX, Calhoun R, Painter I, Tu SP. The role of self-efficacy in communication and emergency response in Chinese limited english proficiency (LEP) populations. Health Promot Pract 2011; 14:400-7. [PMID: 21460258 DOI: 10.1177/1524839911399427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Failure to engage in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery contributes to the differential outcome experienced by limited English proficiency (LEP) populations. Little is known about how psychosocial factors influence LEP individuals' perception of emergency and their process of understanding, collecting, and synthesizing information. The purpose of this exploratory study is to understand how LEP conceptualize an emergency situation to determine when help is needed. METHODS The authors conducted 4 focus groups with 36 adult Chinese LEP speakers living in Seattle. All discussions were audio-taped, translated, and transcribed. Coded text passages were entered into Atlas.ti for data management and model generation. RESULTS Perception of an emergency situation affects LEP individual's ability to manage the crisis. Self-efficacy may be an important psychological variable that positively shapes an individual's response to an emergency situation by improving their confidence to handle the crisis and ability to connect to resources. Response to emergency resulting from this series of information gathering, synthesis, and utilization may not always result in a positive outcome. DISCUSSION Self-efficacy in risk communication messages should be included to engage LEPs in emergency preparedness. Effective communication can increase LEPs' awareness of emergency situations and connecting LEP individuals with existing community resources may enhance LEPs' level of self-efficacy in emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Po Yip
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Yip MP, Ong B, Tu SP, Chavez D, Ike B, Painter I, Lam I, Bradley SM, Coronado GD, Meischke HW. Diffusion of cardiopulmonary resuscitation training to chinese immigrants with limited english proficiency. Emerg Med Int 2011; 2011:685249. [PMID: 22046544 PMCID: PMC3200204 DOI: 10.1155/2011/685249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2010] [Accepted: 01/05/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an effective intervention for prehospital cardiac arrest. Despite all available training opportunities for CPR, disparities exist in participation in CPR training, CPR knowledge, and receipt of bystander CPR for certain ethnic groups. We conducted five focus groups with Chinese immigrants who self-reported limited English proficiency (LEP). A bilingual facilitator conducted all the sessions. All discussions were taped, recorded, translated, and transcribed. Transcripts were analyzed by content analysis guided by the theory of diffusion. The majority of participants did not know of CPR and did not know where to get trained. Complexity of CPR procedure, advantages of calling 9-1-1, lack of confidence, and possible liability discourage LEP individuals to learn CPR. LEP individuals welcome simplified Hands-Only CPR and are willing to perform CPR with instruction from 9-1-1 operators. Expanding the current training to include Hands-Only CPR and dispatcher-assisted CPR may motivate Chinese LEP individuals to get trained for CPR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Po Yip
- Division of General Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, 325 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
| | - Brandon Ong
- Division of General Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, 325 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
| | - Shin Ping Tu
- Division of General Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, 325 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
| | - Devora Chavez
- Department of Health Services, Northwest Center for Public Health Practice, 1107 NE 45th Street, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Brooke Ike
- Department of Health Services, Northwest Center for Public Health Practice, 1107 NE 45th Street, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Ian Painter
- Department of Health Services, Northwest Center for Public Health Practice, 1107 NE 45th Street, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Ida Lam
- Family and Youth Services, Chinese Information Service Center, 611 S Lane Street, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
| | - Steven M. Bradley
- Department of Health Services, Northwest Center for Public Health Practice, 1107 NE 45th Street, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Gloria D. Coronado
- Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Hendrika W. Meischke
- Department of Health Services, Northwest Center for Public Health Practice, 1107 NE 45th Street, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE We evaluated if receiving HIV test results over the telephone was associated with a change in the number of persons who received results. STUDY DESIGN Data were collected from individuals testing for HIV from 1995 to 2002 at selected public clinics in King County, WA. Rates of receiving HIV test results were calculated for periods before and after telephone results were offered, for persons who were offered and accepted, offered but declined, and not offered telephone results. RESULTS For persons testing HIV positive, overall rates of receiving results before and after telephone results were offered increased from 85% to 94% (P = 0.07). After controlling for confounders, people in the group offered and accepting telephone results were 2.5 (95% CI 1.7-3.6) times more likely to get HIV results compared to persons in the group not offered telephone results. CONCLUSIONS Notifying persons of their HIV test results over the telephone may increase the numbers of people receiving results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A McKinstry
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington 98195-7720, USA.
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Meischke HW, Rea TD, Eisenberg MS, Rowe SM. Intentions to use an automated external defibrillator during a cardiac emergency among a group of seniors trained in its operation. Heart Lung 2002; 31:25-9. [PMID: 11805746 DOI: 10.1067/mhl.2002.119833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE By decreasing the time to defibrillation, automated external defibrillators (AEDs) provide an opportunity for lay people to improve survival in out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest. We examined how beliefs, expectations, and actual performance are related to intentions to use an AED during a future heart emergency among a group of seniors. DESIGN AND OUTCOME MEASURES One hundred fifty-nine seniors who had been previously trained in the operation of an AED were tested on their AED skills and asked about their perceptions regarding their AED skills; their expectations that an AED would save the life of a cardiac arrest victim; and their intentions to use an AED during a future cardiac event. RESULTS Logistic regression analyses showed that greater self-perceived ability to use an AED better actual performance on skills assessment but not expectations regarding the efficacy of AED treatment were independently associated with positive intentions to use an AED in a future heart emergency. CONCLUSIONS The likelihood that an elderly lay bystander will actually use an AED during a cardiac event may be closely tied to perceptions of his or her ability to operate an AED.
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Meischke HW, Rea T, Eisenberg MS, Schaeffer SM, Kudenchuk P. Training seniors in the operation of an automated external defibrillator: a randomized trial comparing two training methods. Ann Emerg Med 2001; 38:216-22. [PMID: 11524639 DOI: 10.1067/mem.2001.115621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE This study evaluated the differences in efficacy of 2 methods for training seniors in the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). We tested the hypothesis that each training method (face-to-face instruction compared with video-based instruction) would result in similar AED performance on a manikin. METHODS Two hundred ten seniors from various senior centers were randomized to receive face-to-face or video-based instruction on AED skills. Seniors were assessed individually and tested on the speed and quality of AED performance. We retested 177 of these initial trainees 3 months after initial training. Similar performance measures were assessed. RESULTS Although there were statistically significant differences between the 2 training methods in terms of average time to shock at both evaluations, the results in general demonstrate that there were no clinically meaningful distinctions (time differences of <20 seconds) between the AED performance of seniors trained with a video and seniors trained in a face-to-face setting at the initial training or at the retention assessment. At the initial evaluation, overall performance was satisfactory, with greater than 98% trained with either method delivering a shock. However, at the 3-month follow-up, almost one fourth of trainees were not able to deliver a shock, and almost half were not able to correctly place the pads on the manikin. CONCLUSION We believe that seniors can be trained equally well in AED performance with video-based self-instruction or face-to-face instruction. How to maintain acceptable AED performance skills over time remains a challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- H W Meischke
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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Sandison T, Meischke HW, Schaeffer SM, Eisenberg MS. Barriers and facilitators to the prescription of automated external defibrillators for home use in patients with heart disease: a survey of cardiologists. Heart Lung 2001; 30:210-5. [PMID: 11343007 DOI: 10.1067/mhl.2001.115084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Because the majority of cardiac arrests occur at home, the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in the home could potentially improve survival of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Currently, physicians must prescribe AEDs for home use by patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the barriers and facilitators to prescription of home use of AEDs. DESIGN Telephone interviews were conducted with 85 cardiologists and paper and pencil surveys (via fax) with 59 additional cardiologists in Washington State. OUTCOME MEASURES Cardiologists were asked about their current practices and their perceived barriers and facilitators to prescription of AEDs for home use. RESULTS Eighty-five percent of the sample believed that AEDs could be effective in preventing death, although only 7% of the cardiologists had ever prescribed an AED. Reasons for nonprescription included the use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators, perceived lack of a clear patient niche, and lack of knowledge about the device. The majority of respondents reported that they would be more likely to prescribe AEDs if they were the standard of care (71%), were covered by insurance (67%), and came with comprehensive training (58%). CONCLUSION The results showed that cardiologists believe that home use of AEDs can be effective but that many issues regarding the prescription of AEDs remain.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Sandison
- School of Medicine, the Department of Health Services, University of Washington, USA
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