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Background/Purpose
Patient care and health outcomes can be significantly impacted during prehospital
processes and interfacility transfers. At these times, emergency medical services
(EMS) are responsible for patient care, which is driven by various factors. However,
we know little about which factors contribute to optimal patient care and outcomes.
From perspectives of EMS personnel, this study aimed to identify characteristics of
EMS providers and transport/services perceived as most important to deliver high quality
and efficient patient care.
Methods
This descriptive pilot study was conducted using survey methodology to collect information
directly from EMS providers that are currently involved in patient transportation
in Arkansas. To address study aims, the PI distributed a 23-item survey to providers
dropping off patients in hospital settings. The survey included questions about participant
demographics and EMS career information. Participants then ranked characteristics
of EMS providers (9) and EMS transport/services (9) that are most important when it
comes to high quality and effectiveness of patient care, and finally listed the top
three most important factors. This survey was developed by the PI and co-investigator
based on current literature and personal and research expertise. Data will be analyzed
using standard statistical techniques to explore distributions and model associations
among variables.
Results/Conclusion
Data collection is currently in process and is expected to be completed for presentation.
Preliminary data collection has resulted in 17 completed surveys. Preliminary results
indicate that the license level of the provider, experience, education, and equipment
were characteristics perceived as most important. Up to this point, factors such as
speed and mode of transport have not been perceived as important. We have also detected
trends in the data that suggest transport characteristics vary between demographics,
such as age, gender, and service area (rural vs. metro). We anticipate that the final
results will clearly demonstrate what characteristics of EMS care most impact patient
care and, hence, should be optimized in order to improve outcomes. Findings will be
used to guide a future study that will use qualitative methods to gain deeper insight
and possible solutions to these issues.
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Copyright
© 2022 Published by Elsevier Inc.
