scholarly journals Use of the emergency medical services by patients with suspected acute primary healthcare problems: developing a questionnaire to measure patient trust in healthcare

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 444 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriella Norberg-Boysen ◽  
Lennart Christensson ◽  
Birgitta Wireklint-Sundström ◽  
Johan Herlitz ◽  
Maria Nyström ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Medical Services ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Patient Trust ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychometric Instrument ◽  
Emergency Medical ◽  
Data Collections ◽  
Frontline Service

Rationale, aims and objectives The objective of this study is to develop a questionnaire measuring the level of trust and its constituents in patients calling the Emergency Medical Services for suspected acute primary healthcare problems. Four different frontline service providers were involved: the Dispatch Centre (DC), the Emergency Medical Services (EMS), the Emergency Department (ED) and the Healthcare Centre (HCC).Method The questionnaire was called the Patient Trust Questionnaire (PTQ). Repeated cross-sectional data collections were made and redundant items were gradually discarded. Finally, the constituents of trust were sought. Based on a literature review, the PTQ was developed as a psychometric instrument in four steps, as follows: 1) Item construction, 2) Face-to-face evaluation of items, 3) Item reduction, 4) Test of factor structure. The inclusion criteria for participating were that the patient must be 18 years of age or older and suspected having an acute primary healthcare problem when calling the EMS. In developing the questionnaire, 427 patients were included.Results Eight items remained for each frontline service provider in the PTQ, and two constituents of trust were found: credibility and accessibility.Conclusion A new measuring instrument has been developed for this particular healthcare chain, for patients with suspected acute primary healthcare problems calling the EMS. The two constituents of trust, credibility and accessibility, are assumed to be specific for this particular healthcare chain.

scholarly journals Patient motives for contacting out-of-hours care in Denmark: a cross-sectional study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Huibers ◽  
Anders H Carlsen ◽  
Grete Moth ◽  
Helle C Christensen ◽  
Ingunn S Riddervold ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Emergency Medical Services ◽  
Healthcare Service ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Out Of Hours ◽  
Emergency Medical ◽  
Acute Healthcare

Abstract Background Patients in need of acute healthcare do not always contact the most suitable healthcare service provider. Contacting out-of-hours primary care for an urgent problem may delay care, whereas contacting emergency medical services for a non-urgent problem could ultimately affect patient safety. More insight into patient motives for contacting a specific healthcare provider may help optimise patient flows. This study aims to explore patient motives for contacting out-of-hours primary care and the emergency medical services in Denmark. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional observational study by sending a questionnaires to patients contacting out-of-hours primary care and emergency medical services, both of which can be directly contacted by patients, in two of five Danish regions in 2015. As we aimed to focus on the first access point, the emergency department was not included. The questionnaire included items on patient characteristics, health problem and 26 pre-defined motives. Descriptive analyses of patient characteristics and motives were conducted, stratified by the two healthcare service providers. Factors associated with contacting each of the two service providers were explored in a modified Poisson regression analysis, and adjusted risk ratios were calculated. Results Three key motives for contacting the two service providers were identified: ‘unpleasant symptoms’, ‘perceived need for prompt action’ and ‘perceived most suitable healthcare provider’. Other important motives were ‘need arose outside office hours’ and ‘wanted to talk to a physician’ (out-of-hours primary care) and ‘expected need for ambulance’ and ‘worried’ (emergency medical services). Higher probability of contacting the emergency medical services versus out-of-hours primary care was seen for most motives relating to own assessment and expectations, previous experience and knowledge, and own needs and wishes. Lower probability was seen for most motives relating to perceived barriers and benefits. Conclusions Patient motives for contacting the two healthcare service providers were partly overlapping. The study contributes with new knowledge on the complex decision-making process of patients in need of acute healthcare. This knowledge could help optimise existing healthcare services, such as patient safety and the service level, without increasing healthcare costs.

scholarly journals Patient motives for contacting out-of-hours care in Denmark: a cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Huibers ◽  
Anders H Carlsen ◽  
Grete Moth ◽  
Helle C Christensen ◽  
Ingunn S Riddervold ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Emergency Medical Services ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Care Service ◽  
Health Care Service ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Out Of Hours ◽  
Emergency Medical

Abstract Background Patients in need of acute health care do not always contact the most suitable health care service provider. Contacting out-of-hours primary care for an urgent problem may delay care, whereas contacting emergency medical services for a non-urgent problem could ultimately affect patient safety. More insight into patient motives for contacting a specific health care provider may help optimise patient flows. This study aims to explore patient motives for contacting out-of-hours primary care and the emergency medical services in Denmark.Methods We conducted a cross-sectional observational study by sending a questionnaire to patients contacting out-of-hours primary care and emergency medical services, both of which can be directly contacted by patients, in two of five Danish regions in 2015. As we aimed to focus on the first access point, the emergency department was not included. The questionnaire included items on patient characteristics, health problem and 26 pre-defined motives. Descriptive analyses of patient characteristics and motives were conducted, stratified by the two health care service providers. Factors associated with contacting each of the two service providers were explored in a modified Poisson regression analysis, and adjusted risk ratios were calculated.Results Three key motives for contacting the two service providers were identified: ‘unpleasant symptoms’, ‘perceived need for prompt action’ and ‘perceived most suitable health care provider’. Other important motives were ‘need arose outside office hours’ and ‘wanted to talk to a physician’ (out-of-hours primary care) and ‘expected need for ambulance’ and ‘worried’ (emergency medical services). Higher probability of contacting the emergency medical services versus out-of-hours primary care was seen for most motives relating to own assessment and expectations, previous experience and knowledge, and own needs and wishes. Lower probability was seen for most motives relating to perceived barriers and benefits.Conclusions Patient motives for contacting the two health care service providers were partly overlapping. The study contributes with new knowledge on the complex decision-making process of patients in need of acute health care. This knowledge could help optimise existing health care services, such as patient safety and the service level, without increasing health care costs.

scholarly journals Patient motives for contacting out-of-hours care in Denmark: a cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Huibers ◽  
Anders H Carlsen ◽  
Grete Moth ◽  
Helle C Christensen ◽  
Ingunn S Riddervold ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Emergency Medical Services ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Care Service ◽  
Health Care Service ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Out Of Hours ◽  
Emergency Medical

Abstract Background Patients in need of acute health care do not always contact the most suitable health care service provider. Contacting out-of-hours primary care for an urgent problem may delay care, whereas contacting emergency medical services for a non-urgent problem could ultimately affect patient safety. More insight into patient motives for contacting a specific health care provider may help optimise patient flows. This study aims to explore patient motives for contacting out-of-hours primary care and the emergency medical services in Denmark. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional observational study by sending a questionnaire to patients contacting out-of-hours primary care and emergency medical services, both of which can be directly contacted by patients, in two of five Danish regions in 2015. As we aimed to focus on the first access point, the emergency department was not included. The questionnaire included items on patient characteristics, health problem and 26 pre-defined motives. Descriptive analyses of patient characteristics and motives were conducted, stratified by the two health care service providers. Factors associated with contacting each of the two service providers were explored in a modified Poisson regression analysis, and adjusted risk ratios were calculated. Results Three key motives for contacting the two service providers were identified: ‘unpleasant symptoms’, ‘perceived need for prompt action’ and ‘perceived most suitable health care provider’. Other important motives were ‘need arose outside office hours’ and ‘wanted to talk to a physician’ (out-of-hours primary care) and ‘expected need for ambulance’ and ‘worried’ (emergency medical services). Higher probability of contacting the emergency medical services versus out-of-hours primary care was seen for most motives relating to own assessment and expectations, previous experience and knowledge, and own needs and wishes. Lower probability was seen for most motives relating to perceived barriers and benefits. Conclusions Patient motives for contacting the two health care service providers were partly overlapping. The study contributes with new knowledge on the complex decision-making process of patients in need of acute health care. This knowledge could help optimise existing health care services, such as patient safety and the service level, without increasing health care costs.

Feedback to Emergency Medical Services Providers: The Good, the Bad, and the Ignored

1997 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 74-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabeth F. Mock ◽  
Keith D. Wrenn ◽  
Seth W. Wright ◽  
T. Chadwick Eustis ◽  
Corey M. Slovis
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Emergency Medical Services ◽  
Emergency Medical Service ◽  
Medical Service ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Emergency Medical Service System ◽  
Constructive Feedback ◽  
Emergency Medical ◽  
Emergency Medical Service Provider

AbstractHypothesis:To determine the type and frequency of immediate unsolicited feedback received by emergency medical service (EMS) providers from patients or their family members and emergency department (ED) personnel.Methods:Prospective, observational study of 69 emergency medical services providers in an urban emergency medical service system and 12 metropolitan emergency departments. Feedback was rated by two medical student observers using a prospectively devised original scale.Results:In 295 encounters with patients or family, feedback was rated as follows: 1) none in 224 (76%); 2) positive in 51 (17%); 3) negative in 19 (6%); and 4) mixed in one (<1%). Feedback from 254 encounters with emergency department personnel was rated as: 1) none in 185 (73%); 2) positive in 46 (18%); 3) negative in 21 (8%); and 4) mixed in 2 (1%). Patients who had consumed alcohol were more likely to give negative feedback than were patients who had not consumed alcohol. Feedback from emergency department personnel occurred more often when the emergency medical service provider considered the patient to be critically ill.Conclusion:The two groups provided feedback to emergency medical service providers in approximately one quarter of the calls. When feedback was provided, it was positive more than twice as often as it was negative. Emergency physicians should give regular and constructive feedback to emergency medical services providers more often than currently is the case.

National study of emergency medical services core competencies in Saudi Arabia

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 245-255
Author(s):  
Talal AlShammari ◽  
Paul Jennings ◽  
Brett Williams
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Emergency Medical Services ◽  
Core Competencies ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Core Competency ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
National Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Emergency Medical

PurposeEmergency medical services (EMS) educational standards in Saudi Arabia have developed at an unprecedented rate, and the rapid pace of development has resulted in a considerable disparity of educational approaches. Therefore, an empirically based core competency framework should be developed. The aim was to utilize exploratory factor analysis (EFA) in the reduction and generation of a theoretical Saudi competency model.Design/methodology/approachA purposive sample was utilized in a national quantitative cross-sectional study design of Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) healthcare workers. The instrument comprised 41 core competency items rated on a Likert scale. EFA alpha factoring with oblique promax rotation was applied to the 41 items.FindingsA total of 450 EMS healthcare providers participated in the study, of whom 422 (93.8 per cent) were male and 28 (6.2 per cent) female. Of the participants, 230 (60 per cent) were aged 29–39 years and 244 (54.2 per cent) had 5–9 years of experience. An EFA of instrument items generated five factors: professionalism, preparedness, communication, clinical and personal with an eigenvalue > 1, representing 67.5 per cent of total variance. Only variables that had a loading value >0.40 were utilized in the factor solution.Originality/valueThe EFA model Saudi ParamEdic Competency Scale (SPECS) has been identified, with 27 core competency items and five overarching factors. The model has considerable similarities to other medical competency frameworks. However, some aspects are specifically unique to the Saudi EMS context. The SPECS model provides an academic blueprint that can be used by paramedic educational programs to ensure empirical alignment with the needs of the industry and community.

Differences in Cardiovascular Health Metrics in Emergency Medical Technicians Compared to Paramedics: A Cross-Sectional Study of Emergency Medical Services Professionals

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (03) ◽  
pp. 288-296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca E. Cash ◽  
Remle P. Crowe ◽  
Julie K. Bower ◽  
Randi E. Foraker ◽  
Ashish R. Panchal
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Medical Services ◽  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
High Stress ◽  
Emergency Medical Technicians ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Lower Odds ◽  
Emergency Medical ◽  
Employment Characteristics

AbstractBackground:Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals face high physical demands in high-stress settings; however, the prevalence of cardiovascular health (CVH) risk factors in this health care workforce has not been explored. The primary objective of this study was to compare the distribution of CVH and its individual components between a sample of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics. The secondary objective was to identify associations between demographic and employment characteristics with ideal CVH in EMS professionals.Methods:A cross-sectional survey based on the American Heart Association’s (AHA; Dallas, Texas USA) Life’s Simple 7 (LS7) was administered to nationally-certified EMTs and paramedics. The LS7 components were scored according to previously described cut points (ideal = 2; intermediate = 1; poor = 0). A composite CVH score (0-10) was calculated from the component scores, excluding cholesterol and blood glucose due to missing data. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR; 95% CI) for demographic and employment characteristics associated with optimal CVH (≥7 points).Results:There were 24,708 respondents that were currently practicing and included. More EMTs achieved optimal CVH (n = 4,889; 48.8%) compared to paramedics (n = 4,338; 40.6%). Factors associated with higher odds of optimal CVH included: higher education level (eg, college graduate or more: OR = 2.26; 95% CI, 1.97-2.59); higher personal income (OR = 1.26; 95% CI, 1.17-1.37); and working in an urban versus rural area (OR = 1.31; 95% CI, 1.23-1.40). Paramedic certification level (OR = 0.84; 95% CI, 0.78-0.91), older age (eg, 50 years or older: OR = 0.65; 95% CI, 0.58-0.73), male sex (OR = 0.54; 95% CI, 0.50-0.56), working for a non-fire-based agency (eg, private service: OR = 0.68; 95% CI, 0.62-0.74), and providing medical transport service (OR = 0.81; 95% CI, 0.69-0.94) were associated with lower odds of optimal CVH.Conclusions:Several EMS-related characteristics were associated with lower odds of optimal CVH. Future studies should focus on better understanding the CVH and metabolic risk profiles for EMS professionals and their association with incident cardiovascular disease (CVD), major cardiac events, and occupational mortality.Cash RE, Crowe RP, Bower JK, Foraker RE, Panchal AR. Differences in cardiovascular health metrics in emergency medical technicians compared to paramedics: a crosssectional study of Emergency Medical Services professionals.Prehosp Disaster Med.2019;34(3):288–296.

scholarly journals ASSESSMENT OF THE FINANCIAL HEALTH OF REGIONAL EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC USING THE BAMF MODEL

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 340-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivana KRAFTOVÁ ◽  
Lenka KAŠPAROVÁ
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Emergency Medical Services ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Extreme Values ◽  
Financial Analysis ◽  
Balance Sheet ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Financial Health ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Emergency Medical

The focus of the paper is the evaluation of the financial health of selected public service providers. As part of the research we used a specially designed model of balance-sheet analysis for BAMF municipal companies. Used on a sample of 14 regional providers of emergency medical services in the Czech Republic from 2010–2014, we assessed the level and variability of the aggregate financial health indicator BAMF and its components, five sub-indicators. It turns out that the financial health of these subjects, although displaying significant similarities are not free of extreme values that in practice require more attention, or more precisely, deeper analysis. The authors conclude that the model is relatively easy to apply in practice and can contribute to the better financial health management of public sector bodies. At the same time, the BAMF model can be considered an addition to the theory of financial analysis.

Survey of Iowa Emergency Medical Services on the Effects of the 1993 Floods

1997 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 37-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stanley E. Chartoff ◽  
Joann M. Gren
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Medical Services ◽  
Missouri River ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Emergency Medical ◽  
First Response ◽  
Service Areas ◽  
The Government ◽  
Survey Questionnaires

AbstractIntroduction:From June through August 1993, extensive flooding in the Mississippi and Missouri River basins resulted in 50 deaths and 12 billion dollars [U.S.] in damages in nine Midwestern states. In Iowa (1990 population 2,777,000), the government declared all 99 counties Federal Disaster Areas. This study examines how this event impacted local emergency medical services (EMS).Methods:All 797 registered prehospital ambulance, rescue, and first-response companies in Iowa received survey questionnaires. Two follow-up mailings were provided for non-responders.Results:A total of 468 EMS companies (59%) returned completed questionnaires. The geographic distribution ofresponders and non-responders was similar. Of the companies responding, 132 (28%) reported an impact on their operations from the flood disaster. The most frequently reported operational changes included the use of non-traditional vehicles, providing aid to regions outside usual service areas, and involvement in non-medical rescue operations.Conclusion:A major flood provides unique challenges for emergency medical services. Cross-sectional surveys can identify areas of improvement for prehospital systems located in flood-prone areas. Results from this study provide a basis for constructing a more refined instrument to study future flood disasters.

scholarly journals Standard Precautions Among Emergency Medical Services in Urban and Rural Areas

2019 ◽  
Vol 68 (2) ◽  
pp. 73-80
Author(s):  
Riyadh A. Alhazmi ◽  
R. David Parker ◽  
Sijin Wen
Keyword(s):  
West Virginia ◽  
Emergency Medical Services ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Standard Precautions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Emergency Medical ◽  
Rural And Urban

Backround: Emergency medical services (EMS) workers are at risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens and frequently exposed to blood and bodily fluids through percutaneous injuries. This study aimed to assess the consistency with which standard precautions (SPs) among rural and urban EMS providers were used. Methods: This study consisted of a cross-sectional survey conducted with a sample of certified EMS providers in West Virginia in which we ascertained details about sociodemographic characteristics, and the frequency of consistent SP. An email invitation was sent to a comprehensive list of agencies obtained from the Office of West Virginia EMS. Findings: A total of 248 out of 522 (47%) EMS providers completed the survey. The majority of the EMS providers (76%) consistently complied with SPs; however, more than one third (38%) of urban EMS providers indicated inconsistent use compared with 19% of rural EMS providers ( p = .002). Most EMS providers reported low prevention practices to exposure of blood and body fluids in both areas. Conclusion/Application to Practice: The results emphasize the need to enhanced safe work practices among EMS providers in both rural and urban areas through education and increasing self-awareness. Occupational health professional in municipalities that serve these workers are instrumental in ensuring these workers are trained and evaluated for their compliance with SPs while in the field.

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