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Babaei HA, Ferdosi M, Masoumi G, Rezaei F. A comparative study on specialized services in pre-hospital emergencies in Iran and selected countries. JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROMOTION 2023; 12:414. [PMID: 38333162 PMCID: PMC10852191 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_232_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
The quality of emergency services is one of the indicators describing the health status of countries. Moreover, the specialization of services and targeted response to any accident or disease has been the priority of pre-hospital emergency operations in some leading countries. This study aimed to compare the special services provided in the emergency department of several selected countries. This was a comparative study that was done in Isfahan in 2022. Data were collected by reviewing the literature provided by libraries and emergency websites of selected countries. We selected countries based on the accessibility of information in two groups of developed countries and countries with the same income and population as Iran including Germany, France, The United States, Australia, Britain, Malaysia, and Turkey. Data were classified and compared based on staff, vehicles, and specialized services. Emergency staffs in most countries were of different skill and training levels. Ambulances varied in equipment types in various land, air, and sea forms and dimensions. Developed countries had more modern ambulances and equipment. France and Germany were operating more especially. Specialized teams are dispatched only in the United States and Germany. Existing studies have shown the adequacy and effectiveness of these teams in reducing complications and mortality and improving the prognosis of patients. The use of specialized teams appropriate to each emergency based on the specific and targeted response is effective in improving the prognosis of patients. The results of this study are suggested to beneficiaries to improve the quality of emergency care and reduce complications and potential causalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Habib Allah Babaei
- Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Masoud Ferdosi
- Health Management and Economics Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Gholamraza Masoumi
- Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Emergency Management Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Rezaei
- Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, Health Management and Economics Research Centers, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Mohd Hassan NZA, Bahari MS, Aminuddin F, Mohd Nor Sham Kunusagaran MSJ, Zaimi NA, Mohd Hanafiah AN, Kamarudin F. Data envelopment analysis for ambulance services of different service providers in urban and rural areas in Ministry of Health Malaysia. Front Public Health 2023; 10:959812. [PMID: 36684911 PMCID: PMC9853528 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.959812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Ambulance services are pivotal in any country's healthcare system. An efficient ambulance service not only decreases patient mortality rate but also allows resource prioritization for better outputs. This study aims to measure the efficiency of ambulance services provided by health facilities in the Ministry of Health (MOH), Malaysia. Methods This cross-sectional study analyzed the efficiency of 76 Decision-Making Units (DMUs) or health facilities, consisting of 62 health clinics and 14 hospitals. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) was used for computing efficiency scores while adopting the Variable Return to Scale (VRS) approach. The analysis was based on input orientation. The input was the cost of ambulance services, while the output for this analysis was the distance coverage (in km), the number of patients transferred, and hours of usage (in hours). Subsequent analysis was conducted to test the Overall Technical Efficiency (OTE), the Pure Technical Efficiency (PTE), the Scale Efficiency (SE), and the Return to Scale with the type of health facilities and geographical areas using a Mann-Whitney U-test and a chi-square test. Results The mean scores of OTE, PTE, and SE were 0.508 (±0.207), 0.721 (±0.185), and 0.700 (±0.200), respectively. Approximately, 14.47% of the total health facilities were PTE. The results showed a significant difference in OTE and SE between ambulance services in hospitals and health clinics (p < 0.05), but no significant difference in PTE between hospitals and clinics (p>0.05). There was no significant difference in efficiency scores between urban and rural health facilities in terms of ambulance services except for OTE (p < 0.05). Discussion The ambulance services provided in healthcare facilities in the MOH Malaysia operate at 72.1% PTE. The difference in OTE between hospitals and health clinics' ambulance services was mainly due to the operating size rather than PTE. This study will be beneficial in providing a guide to the policymakers in improving ambulance services through the readjustment of health resources and improvement in the outputs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nor Zam Azihan Mohd Hassan
- Institute for Health Systems Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Shahri Bahari
- Institute for Health Systems Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Farhana Aminuddin
- Institute for Health Systems Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Nur Amalina Zaimi
- Institute for Health Systems Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ainul Nadziha Mohd Hanafiah
- Institute for Health Systems Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Fakarudin Kamarudin
- School of Business and Economics, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
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Analysis of costs and utilization of ambulance services in the ministry of health facilities, Malaysia. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0276632. [PMID: 36331901 PMCID: PMC9635717 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite emergency ambulance services playing a pivotal role in accessibility to life-saving treatments in Malaysia, there are still numerous gaps in knowledge in terms of their utilization and cost. This leads to current policies on procurement, maintenance, and allocation being predicated on historical evidence and expert opinions. This study thus aims to analyse the cost and utilization of ambulance services in selected public health facilities in Malaysia. Methods A cross-sectional study was employed involving 239 ambulances from selected hospitals and clinics. Ambulance service utilization was based on the number of trips, distance and duration of travel obtained from travel logbooks. A mixed top-down and activity-based costing approach was used to estimate the monthly cost of ambulance services. This constituted personnel, maintenance, fuel, overhead, consumables, ambulance, and medical equipment costs. The utilization and costs of ambulance services were further compared between settings and geographical locations. Results The average total cost of ambulance services was MYR 11,410.44 (US$ 2,756.14) for hospitals and MYR 9,574.39 (US$ 2,312.65) for clinics, albeit not significantly different. Personnel cost was found to be the main contributor to the total cost, at around 44% and 42% in hospitals and clinics, respectively. There was however a significant difference in the total cost in terms of the type and age of ambulances, in addition to their location. In terms of service utilization, the median number of trips and duration of ambulance usage was significantly higher in clinics (31.88 trips and 58.58 hours) compared to hospitals (16.25 trips and 39.25 hours). Conclusions The total cost of ambulance services was higher in hospitals compared to clinics, while its utilization showed a converse trend. The current findings evidence that despite the ambulance services being all under the MOH, their operating process and utilization reflected an inherent difference by setting.
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Brice SN, Boutilier JJ, Gartner D, Harper P, Knight V, Lloyd J, Pusponegoro AD, Rini AP, Turnbull-Ross J, Tuson M. Emergency services utilization in Jakarta (Indonesia): a cross-sectional study of patients attending hospital emergency departments. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:639. [PMID: 35562823 PMCID: PMC9103083 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08061-8] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pre-hospital and emergency services in Indonesia are still developing. Despite recent improvements in the Indonesian healthcare system, issues with the provision of pre-hospital and emergency services persist. The demand for pre-hospital and emergency services has not been the subject of previous research and, therefore, has not been fully understood. Our research explored the utilization of emergency medical services by patients attending hospital emergency departments in Jakarta, Indonesia. METHODS The study used a cross-sectional survey design involving five general hospitals (four government-funded and one private). Each patient's demographic profile, medical conditions, time to treatment, and mode of transport to reach the hospital were analysed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS A total of 1964 (62%) patients were surveyed. The median age of patients was 44 years with an interquartile range (IQR) of 26 to 58 years. Life-threatening conditions such as trauma and cardiovascular disease were found in 8.6 and 6.6% of patients, respectively. The majority of patients with trauma travelled to the hospital using a motorcycle or car (59.8%). An ambulance was used by only 9.3% of all patients and 38% of patients reported that they were not aware of the availability of ambulances. Ambulance response time was longer as compared to other modes of transportation (median: 24 minutes and IQR: 12 to 54 minutes). The longest time to treatment was experienced by patients with neurological disease, with a median time of 120 minutes (IQR: 78 to 270 minutes). Patients who used ambulances incurred higher costs as compared to those patients who did not use ambulances. CONCLUSION The low utilization of emergency ambulances in Jakarta could be contributed to patients' lack of awareness of medical symptoms and the existence of ambulance services, and patients' disinclination to use ambulances due to high costs and long response times. The emergency ambulance services can be improved by increasing population awareness on symptoms that warrant the use of ambulances and reducing the cost burden related to ambulance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syaribah Noor Brice
- Cardiff School of Mathematics, Cardiff University, Senghennydd Road, Cardiff, CF24 4AG UK
| | - Justin J. Boutilier
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Wisconsin – Madison, 1513 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706 USA
| | - Daniel Gartner
- Cardiff School of Mathematics, Cardiff University, Senghennydd Road, Cardiff, CF24 4AG UK
| | - Paul Harper
- Cardiff School of Mathematics, Cardiff University, Senghennydd Road, Cardiff, CF24 4AG UK
| | - Vincent Knight
- Cardiff School of Mathematics, Cardiff University, Senghennydd Road, Cardiff, CF24 4AG UK
| | - Jen Lloyd
- Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust, Vantage Point House, Ty Coch Way, Cwmbran, NP44 7HF UK
| | - Aryono Djuned Pusponegoro
- 118 Emergency Ambulance Service Foundation, Jl. Pahlawan Raya No. 50, Rempoa, Ciputat Timur, Kota Tangerang Selatan, Banten 15412 Indonesia
| | - Asti Puspita Rini
- 118 Emergency Ambulance Service Foundation, Jl. Pahlawan Raya No. 50, Rempoa, Ciputat Timur, Kota Tangerang Selatan, Banten 15412 Indonesia
| | - Jonathan Turnbull-Ross
- Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust, Business Park, Ty Elwy, Ffordd Richard Davies, St Asaph, LL17 0LJ UK
| | - Mark Tuson
- Cardiff School of Mathematics, Cardiff University, Senghennydd Road, Cardiff, CF24 4AG UK
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Trends for Readmission and Mortality After Heart Failure Hospitalisation in Malaysia, 2007 to 2016. Glob Heart 2022; 17:20. [PMID: 35342695 PMCID: PMC8916062 DOI: 10.5334/gh.1108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives: Data on population-level outcomes after heart failure (HF) hospitalisation in Asia is sparse. This study aimed to estimate readmission and mortality after hospitalisation among HF patients and examine temporal variation by sex and ethnicity. Methods: Data for 105,399 patients who had incident HF hospitalisations from 2007 to 2016 were identified from a national discharge database and linked to death registration records. The outcomes assessed here were 30-day readmission, in-hospital, 30-day and one-year all-cause mortality. Results: Eighteen percent of patients (n = 16786) were readmitted within 30 days. Mortality rates were 5.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.1–5.4%), 11.2% (11.0–11.4%) and 33.1% (32.9–33.4%) for in-hospital, 30-day and 1-year mortality after the index admission. Age, sex and ethnicity-adjusted 30-day readmissions increased by 2% per calendar year while in-hospital and 30-day mortality declined by 7% and 4% per year respectively. One-year mortality rates remained constant during the study period. Men were at higher risk of 30-day readmission (adjusted rate ratio (RR) 1.16, 1.13–1.20) and one-year mortality (RR 1.17, 1.15–1.19) than women. Ethnic differences in outcomes were evident. Readmission rates were equally high in Chinese and Indians relative to Malays whereas Others, which mainly comprised Indigenous groups, fared worst for in-hospital and 30-day mortality with RR 1.84 (1.64–2.07) and 1.3 (1.21–1.41) relative to Malays. Conclusions: Short-term survival was improving across sex and ethnic groups but prognosis at one year after incident HF hospitalisation remained poor. The steady increase in 30-day readmission rates deserves further investigation.
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Van DB, Song KJ, Shin SD, Ro YS, Jeong J, Bao HL, Duc CN, Kim KH. Association between Scene Time Interval and Survival in EMS-Treated Major Trauma Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit: A Multinational, Multicenter Observational Study. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2021; 26:600-607. [PMID: 34644245 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2021.1992053] [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: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Major trauma is a major concern in public health and a leading cause of mortality worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the prehospital scene time interval (STI) and survival in emergency medical service (EMS)-assessed major trauma patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: A retrospective observational study using the Pan-Asian Trauma Outcomes Study (PATOS) database was conducted. Adult trauma patients with injury severity scores (ISSs) greater than 15 who were admitted to the ICU were selected. EMS STIs were categorized into three groups: short (0-8 minutes), intermediate (9-16 minutes), and long (over 16 minutes). The primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge, and the secondary outcome was good neurological outcome at hospital discharge. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to calculate odds ratios and confidence intervals, adjusting for age, sex, mechanism of injury, prehospital alertness, prehospital shock index, response time interval, and EMS intervention (airway, oxygen supplementation, and intravenous fluid administration). Sensitivity analysis for patients who underwent surgery or nontraumatic brain injury cases and interaction analysis by EMS intervention were performed. Results: Data from a total of 1,874 eligible patients were analyzed. Intermediate and long STIs showed significant associations with outcomes, with adjusted ORs (95% CI) of 1.21 (1.07-1.38) in the intermediate STI group and 1.74 (1.55-1.96) in the long STI group for survival and 1.37 (1.32-1.40) in the intermediate STI group and 1.31 (1.22-1.41) in the long STI group for neurological outcome. In the sensitivity analysis, the highest ORs were found in the intermediate STI group, with adjusted ORs (95% CI) of 1.40 (1.37-1.42) for survival and 1.32 (1.26-1.38) for neurological outcome. In the interaction analysis, EMS intervention showed a positive interaction effect with an intermediate STI on survival. Conclusion: In EMS-assessed adult major trauma patients admitted to the ICU, we found significant associations between STIs longer than 8 minutes and outcomes. EMS intervention has a positive interaction effect with an intermediate STI on survival. More research is needed to understand the implications of practice for major trauma in the field.
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Lindquist BD, Koval KW, Acker PC, Bills CB, Khan A, Zachariah S, Newberry JA, Rao GVR, Mahadevan SV, Strehlow MC. Continuing Education for Prehospital Healthcare Providers in India - A Novel Course and Concept. Open Access Emerg Med 2020; 12:201-210. [PMID: 32982494 PMCID: PMC7505709 DOI: 10.2147/oaem.s249447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergency medical services (EMS) in India face enormous challenges in providing care to a geographically expansive and diverse patient population. Over the last decade, the public-private-partnership GVK EMRI (Emergency Management and Research Institute) has trained over 100,000 emergency medical technicians (EMTs), with greater than 21,000 currently practicing, to address this critical gap in the healthcare workforce. With the rapid development and expansion of EMS, certain aspects of specialty development have lagged behind, including continuing education requirements. To date, there have been no substantial continuing education EMT skills and training efforts. We report lessons learned during development and implementation of a continuing education course (CEC) for EMTs in India. METHODS From 2014 to 2017, we employed an iterative process to design and launch a novel CEC focused on five core emergency competency areas (medicine and cardiology, obstetrics, trauma, pediatrics, and leadership and communication). Indian EMT instructors and providers partnered in design and content, and instructors were trained to independently deliver the CEC. Many challenges had to be overcome: scale (>21,000 EMTs), standardization (highly variable skill levels among providers and instructors), culture (educational emphasis on rote memorization rather than practical application), and translation (22 major languages and a few hundred local dialects spoken nationwide). LESSONS LEARNED During the assessment and development phases, we identified five key strategies for success: (1) use icon-based video instruction to ensure consistent quality and allow voice-over for easy translation; (2) incorporate workbooks during didactic videos and (3) employ low-cost simulation and case discussions to emphasize active learning; (4) focus on non-technical skills; (5) integrate a formal training-of-trainers prior to delivery of materials. CONCLUSION These key strategies can be combined with innovation and flexibility to address unique challenges of language, system resources, and cultural differences when developing impactful continuing educational initiatives in bourgeoning prehospital care systems in low- and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D Lindquist
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA94304, USA
| | - Kathryn W Koval
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC29425, USA
| | - Peter C Acker
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA94304, USA
| | - Corey B Bills
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA94304, USA
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94143, USA
| | - Ayesha Khan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA94304, USA
| | - Sybil Zachariah
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA94304, USA
| | - Jennifer A Newberry
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA94304, USA
| | - G V Ramana Rao
- GVK Emergency Management and Research Institute, Secunderabad, Telangana500078, India
| | - Swaminatha V Mahadevan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA94304, USA
| | - Matthew C Strehlow
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA94304, USA
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Hosseini SMR, Maleki M, Gorji HA, Khorasani-Zavareh D, Roudbari M. Factors affecting emergency medical dispatchers' decision-making: a qualitative study. J Multidiscip Healthc 2018; 11:391-398. [PMID: 30174433 PMCID: PMC6110286 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s159593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Prehospital emergency medical service dispatchers should make prompt and appropriate decisions to save the life of victims. The complexity of timely and reasonable decision-making in life-threatening conditions has driven researchers to investigate varying aspects of the emergency medical dispatch (EMD) process. The purpose of this study was to explore the contributors to appropriate and prompt decision-making among dispatchers. Methods A qualitative study through thematic analysis was designed. Data were collected using observation and semistructured interviews with 16 authorities and dispatchers in seven EMDs across Iran. Results The study found “responsiveness” as the main category contributing to improved decision-making in EMD. The components introduced in this study for dispatchers’ responsiveness consisted of two categories. The first was “personal values” including faith and belief, eagerness to help, service excellence, altruism, respect, and impartiality in clinical judgment. The second was “professional attitudes” resulting from education and experience, including the recognition of emergency as a threat to health, sensitivity in triage, response to all requests for help, care for early warnings, commitment to organizational goals and standards, attention to the emergency medical service social support responsibility, and professional temperance. Conclusion In this study, responsiveness was identified as a main category in improving the decision-making process among dispatchers. To attain responsiveness, institutionalization of its values and establishment of EMD-specific professional attitudes in dispatchers should be taken into consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyyed Mohammad Reza Hosseini
- Department of Health Services Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,
| | - Mohammadreza Maleki
- Department of Health Services Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,
| | - Hasan Abolghasem Gorji
- Department of Health Services Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,
| | - Davoud Khorasani-Zavareh
- Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Health in Disaster and Emergency, School of Health, Safety and Environment, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Education, Karolinska Institute, Södersjukhuset (KI SÖS), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Masoud Roudbari
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Rasoul-e-Akram Hospital, Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Kong SY, Shin SD, Tanaka H, Kimura A, Song KJ, Shaun GE, Chiang WC, Kajino K, Jamaluddin SF, Wi DH, Park JO, Moon SW, Ro YS, Cone DC, Holmes JF. Pan-Asian Trauma Outcomes Study (PATOS): Rationale and Methodology of an International and Multicenter Trauma Registry. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2017; 22:58-83. [PMID: 28792281 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2017.1347224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trauma is a major health burden and a time-dependent critical emergency condition among developing and developed countries. In Asia, trauma has become a rapidly expanding epidemic and has spread out to many underdeveloped and developing countries through rapid urbanization and industrialization. Most casualties of severe trauma, which results in significant mortality and disability are assessed and transported by prehospital providers including physicians, professional providers, and volunteer providers. Trauma registries have been developed in mostly developed countries and measure care quality, process, and outcomes. In general, existing registries tend to focus on inhospital care rather than prehospital care. METHODS The Pan-Asia Trauma Outcomes Study (PATOS) was proposed in 2013 and initiated in November, 2015 in order to establish a collaborative standardized study to measure the capabilities, processes and outcomes of trauma care throughout Asia. The PATOS is an international, multicenter, and observational research network to collect trauma cases transported by emergency medical services (EMS) providers. Data are collected from the participating hospital emergency departments in various countries in Asia which receive trauma patients from EMS. Data variables collected include 1) injury epidemiologic factors, 2) EMS factors, 3) emergency department care factors, 4) hospital care factors, and 5) trauma system factors. The authors expect to achieve a sample size of 67,230 cases over the next 2 years of data collection to analyze the association between potential risks and outcomes of trauma. CONCLUSION The PATOS network is expected to provide comparison of the trauma EMS systems and to benchmark best practice with participating communities.
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Monsomboon A, Chantawatsharakorn P, Suksuriyayothin S, Keorochana K, Mukda A, Prapruetkit N, Surabenjawong U, Nakornchai T, Chakorn T. Prevalence of emergency medical service utilisation in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Thailand. Emerg Med J 2015; 33:213-7. [PMID: 26531862 DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2015-204818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) have grave outcomes. The efficacy of emergency medical services (EMS) may affect outcomes. However, no data exists in Thailand. OBJECTIVES To ascertain the prevalence of EMS utilisation in patients with OHCA transferred to Siriraj Hospital and also to elucidate the rates of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), hospital admission and survival to hospital discharge. METHODS This prospective cohort study was conducted in patients with OHCA at a university hospital in Bangkok, Thailand from May 2011 to February 2013. The data was gathered by interviewing bystanders. Data about the mode of transportation, reasons for EMS usage, response time, ROSC and 30-day mortality were collected. Patients with rigour mortis or livor mortis were excluded. The factors affecting ROSC and survival rate were determined by univariate analysis. RESULTS One hundred and fifty-two patients were included. The prevalence of EMS usage was 14.5% (95% CI 9.3 to 21.0). The most common cause of non-usage of EMS was not knowing or forgetting an EMS number (49.2%). The proportion of bystanders having known an EMS number and using EMS was 34%. The ROSC and 30-day survival rates were 53.3% and 10.5%, respectively. Non-cardiac causes and witnessed arrests were associated with ROSC (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of EMS utilisation in OHCA at Siriraj Hospital was very low. This may affect the outcomes of patients with OHCA. Improving the EMS system by publicity to increase public awareness and providing life-support education nationwide may improve outcomes of patients with OHCA in Thailand.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kris Keorochana
- Trauma Unit, Department of Surgery, Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Achara Mukda
- Out patient Division, Department of Nursing, Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | | | - Tipa Chakorn
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
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Trauma system development in low- and middle-income countries: a review. J Surg Res 2014; 193:300-7. [PMID: 25450600 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2014.09.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2014] [Revised: 08/12/2014] [Accepted: 09/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trauma systems in resource-rich countries have decreased mortality for trauma patients through centralizing resources and standardizing treatment. Rapid industrialization and urbanization have increased the demand for formalized emergency medical services and trauma services (EMS and TS) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This systematic review examines initiatives to develop EMS and TS systems in LMICs to inform the development of comprehensive prehospital care systems in resource-poor settings. MATERIALS AND METHODS EMS and TS system development publications were identified using MEDLINE, PubMed, and Scopus databases. Articles addressing subspecialty skill sets, public policy, or physicians were excluded. Two independent reviewers assessed titles, abstracts, and full texts in a hierarchical manner. RESULTS A total of 12 publications met inclusion criteria, and 10 unique LMIC EMS and TS programs were identified. Common initiatives included the integration of existing EMS and TS services and provision of standardized training and formalized certification processes for prehospital care providers, as well as the construction of a conceptual framework for system development through the public health model. CONCLUSIONS There is no single model of EMS and TS systems, and successful programs are heterogeneous across regions. Successful EMS and TS systems share common characteristics. A predevelopment needs assessment is critical in identifying existing EMS and TS resources as a foundation for further development. Implementation requires coordination of preexisting resources with cost-effective initiatives that involve local stakeholders. High-impact priority areas are identified to focus improvements. Financial stresses and mismatching of resources in LMICs are common and are more commonly encountered when implementing a high-income model EMS and TS in an LMIC. Preimplementation and postimplementation evaluations can determine the efficacy of initiatives to strengthen EMS and TS systems.
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Mould-Millman NK, Sasser SM, Wallis LA. Prehospital research in sub-saharan Africa: establishing research tenets. Acad Emerg Med 2013; 20:1304-9. [PMID: 24341586 DOI: 10.1111/acem.12269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2013] [Revised: 07/12/2013] [Accepted: 07/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Prehospital care constitutes an important link in the continuum of emergency care and confers a survival benefit to injured and ill persons. As development of acute and emergency care in sub-Saharan Africa expands, there is a strong need to improve the delivery of prehospital care to help relieve the overwhelming regional morbidity and mortality attributable to time-sensitive, life-threatening conditions. Effective research is integral to prehospital care development, as it helps quantify the need for prehospital care and tests effective solutions. Unfortunately, there is limited consensus guiding such research in the low-resource nations of sub-Saharan Africa that face unique challenges. This article aims to assimilate the current pertinent literature to demonstrate research success stories and challenges, and ultimately to build on previous efforts to establish prehospital research priorities for sub-Saharan Africa. Region-specific obstacles hindering prehospital research include the lack of epidemiologic data on emergency conditions, the underdevelopment of in-hospital emergency care, confusing prehospital terminology, poorly defined prehospital research priorities, the lack of qualified local prehospital researchers, and a poor understanding of local prehospital care systems. Solutions are offered to overcome each challenge by building on previous recommendations, by proposing new guiding principles, and by identifying areas where further consensus-building is needed. These guiding principles and suggestions are designed to steer discussions and output from future global health meetings targeted at improving prehospital research and development in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Scott M. Sasser
- The Department of Emergency Medicine; Emory University; Atlanta GA
| | - Lee A. Wallis
- The Division of Emergency Medicine; University of Cape Town; Cape Town South Africa
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Bahadori M, Ravangard R. Determining and Prioritizing the Organizational Determinants of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Iran. IRANIAN RED CRESCENT MEDICAL JOURNAL 2013; 15:307-11. [PMID: 24083003 PMCID: PMC3785904 DOI: 10.5812/ircmj.2192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2011] [Accepted: 10/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background Improving the organization of pre-hospital emergency to provide emergency medical services (EMS), as a part of health system, plays an important role in timely and properly response to incidents, as well as, reducing mortalities and disabilities. Objective This study was conducted to determine the organizational determinants of emergency medical services in Iran and analyze their relationship and prioritize them. Materials and Methods The present study is kind of descriptive and cross-sectional study that has been conducted on the first half of 2010 using DEMATEL method (a group decision-making technique). Required data were collected using a questionnaire from a sample of 30 Iranian experts in pre-hospital emergency, who were selected using available sampling method. Results The determinants of establishing an independent EMS organization as a policy maker and observer organization, providing services through public organizations such as Emergency 115, private organizations partnership in pre-hospital emergency system, and integrating pre-hospital and hospital emergency under single supervision and management were determined as organizational determinants. Also, establishing an independent EMS organization and integrating pre-hospital and hospital emergency under single supervision and management were determined as the most affecting and affected organizational determinants, respectively, with the coordinates (1.01 and 1.01) and (0.85 and - 0.85) in the pre-hospital emergency organizational determinants graph. Conclusions Emergency medical services should be considered as a system with its independent components. Establishing an independent EMS organization, integrating pre-hospital and hospital emergency under single supervision and management, as well as, extending the possibility of providing EMS through private sector are essential in order to make fundamental reforms in providing emergency medical services in Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadkarim Bahadori
- Health Management Research Centre, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
- Corresponding author: Mohammadkarim Bahadori, Health Management Research Centre, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran. Tell: +98-2182482416, Fax: +98-2188057022, E-mail:
| | - Ramin Ravangard
- School of Management and Medical Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS), Shiraz, IR Iran
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Ong MEH, Cho J, Ma MHM, Tanaka H, Nishiuchi T, Al Sakaf O, Abdul Karim S, Khunkhlai N, Atilla R, Lin CH, Shahidah N, Lie D, Shin SD. Comparison of emergency medical services systems in the pan-Asian resuscitation outcomes study countries: Report from a literature review and survey. Emerg Med Australas 2012; 25:55-63. [DOI: 10.1111/1742-6723.12032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jungheum Cho
- College of Medicine; Seoul National University; Seoul; Korea
| | | | - Hideharu Tanaka
- Department of Emergency System; Graduate School of Sport System; Kokushikan University; Tokyo; Japan
| | - Tatsuya Nishiuchi
- Department of Critical Care and Emergency Medicine; Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine; Osaka; Japan
| | - Omer Al Sakaf
- Technical Support Department; Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services; Dubai; United Arab Emirates
| | - Sarah Abdul Karim
- Emergency and Trauma Department; Hospital Kuala Lumpur; Kuala Lumpur; Malaysia
| | - Nalinas Khunkhlai
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Rajavithi Hospital; Bangkok; Thailand
| | - Ridvan Atilla
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Dokuz Eylul University Hospital; Izmir; Turkey
| | | | - Nur Shahidah
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Singapore General Hospital; Singapore
| | | | - Sang Do Shin
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Seoul National University Hospital; Seoul; Korea
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15
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An international fellowship training program in pediatric emergency medicine: establishing a new subspecialty in the Land of the Dragon. Pediatr Emerg Care 2011; 27:1208-12. [PMID: 22158289 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0b013e31823ecea3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The health care system reform in the People's Republic of China has brought plans for establishment of a universal coverage for basic health services, including services for children. This effort demands significant change in health care planning. Pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) is not currently identified as a specialty in China, and emergency medicine systems suffer from lack of appropriate training.In 2006, the Centre for International Child Health and the Department of Pediatrics, British Columbia Children's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada, initiated a fellowship training program in PEM for pediatricians working in emergency departments or critical care settings with the Children's Hospital of Fudan University, China. The main objective was to upgrade the professional and clinical experience of emergency physicians practicing PEM and build PEM capacity throughout China by training the future trainers. METHODS After selecting trainees, the program included a structured curriculum over 2 years of training in China by Canadian and Australian PEM faculty and then practical exposure to PEM in Canada. All trainees underwent a structured evaluation after their final rotation in Canada. RESULTS A total of 12 trainees completed the first 2 program cycles. The trainees considered the "overall rating of the training experience" as "excellent" (10/12) or "good" (2/12). All trainees considered the program as a relevant training to their practice and felt it will change their practice. They reported the program to be effective, with excellent complexity of content. DISCUSSION Despite its current success, the program faces challenges in the development of the new subspecialty and ensuring its acceptance among other health care providers and decision makers. Identification and preparation of a capable training force to lead educational activities in China are daunting tasks. Time constraints, funding, and language barriers are other challenges. Future effort should be focused on improving and sustaining resuscitation capacity and enhancing triage systems.
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Ong MEH, Shin SD, Tanaka H, Ma MHM, Khruekarnchana P, Hisamuddin N, Atilla R, Middleton P, Kajino K, Leong BSH, Khan MN. Pan-Asian Resuscitation Outcomes Study (PAROS): rationale, methodology, and implementation. Acad Emerg Med 2011; 18:890-7. [PMID: 21843225 DOI: 10.1111/j.1553-2712.2011.01132.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Disease-based registries can form the basis of comparative research to improve and inform policy for optimizing outcomes, for example, in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Such registries are often lacking in resource-limited countries and settings. Anecdotally, survival rates for OHCA in Asia are low compared to those in North America or Europe, and a regional registry is needed. The Pan-Asian Resuscitation Outcomes Study (PAROS) network of hospitals was established in 2009 as an international, multicenter, prospective registry of OHCA across the Asia-Pacific region, to date representing a population base of 89 million in nine countries. The network's goal is to provide benchmarking against established registries and to generate best practice protocols for Asian emergency medical services (EMS) systems, to impact community awareness of prehospital emergency care, and ultimately to improve OHCA survival. Data are collected from emergency dispatch, ambulance providers, emergency departments, and in-hospital collaborators using standard protocols. To date (March 2011), there are a total of 9,302 patients in the database. The authors expect to achieve a sample size of 13,500 cases over the next 2 years of data collection. The PAROS network is an example of a low-cost, self-funded model of an Asia-Pacific collaborative research network with potential for international comparisons to inform OHCA policies and practices. The model can be applied across similar resource-limited settings.
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Chew KS, Yazid MNA. The willingness of final year medical and dental students to perform bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation in an Asian community. Int J Emerg Med 2008; 1:301-9. [PMID: 19384646 PMCID: PMC2657260 DOI: 10.1007/s12245-008-0070-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2008] [Accepted: 09/17/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the importance of early effective chest compressions to improve the chance of survival of an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victim, it is still largely unknown how willing our Malaysian population is to perform bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). AIMS We conducted a voluntary, anonymous self-administered questionnaire survey of a group of 164 final year medical students and 60 final year dental students to unravel their attitudes towards performing bystander CPR. METHODS Using a 4-point Likert scale of "definitely yes," "probably yes," "probably no," and "definitely no," the students were asked to rate their willingness to perform bystander CPR under three categories: chest compressions with mouth-to-mouth ventilation (CC + MMV), chest compressions with mask-to-mouth ventilation (CC + PMV), and chest compressions only (CC). Under each category, the students were given ten hypothetical victim scenarios. Categorical data analysis was done using the McNemar test, chi-square test, and Fisher exact test where appropriate. For selected analysis, "definitely yes" and "probably yes" were recoded as a "positive response." RESULTS Generally, we found that only 51.4% of the medical and 45.5% of the dental students are willing to perform bystander CPR. When analyzed under different hypothetical scenarios, we found that, except for the scenario where the victim is their own family member, all other scenarios showed a dismally low rate of positive responses in the category of CC + MMV, but their willingness was significantly improved under the CC + PMV and CC categories. CONCLUSION This study shows that there are unique sociocultural factors that contribute to the reluctance of our students to perform CC + MMV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keng Sheng Chew
- Emergency Medicine Department, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
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