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Cooper A, Edwards M, Davies F, Price D, Anderson P, Carson-Stevens A, Cooke M, Dale J, Donaldson L, Evans BA, Harrington B, Hepburn J, Hibbert P, Hughes TC, Porter A, Siriwardena AN, Watkins A, Snooks H, Edwards A. Programme theories to describe how different general practitioner service models work in different contexts in or alongside emergency departments (GP-ED): realist evaluation. Emerg Med J 2024; 41:287-295. [PMID: 38649248 PMCID: PMC11041563 DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2023-213426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Addressing increasing patient demand and improving ED patient flow is a key ambition for NHS England. Delivering general practitioner (GP) services in or alongside EDs (GP-ED) was advocated in 2017 for this reason, supported by £100 million (US$130 million) of capital funding. Current evidence shows no overall improvement in addressing demand and reducing waiting times, but considerable variation in how different service models operate, subject to local context. METHODS We conducted mixed-methods analysis using inductive and deductive approaches for qualitative (observations, interviews) and quantitative data (time series analyses of attendances, reattendances, hospital admissions, length of stay) based on previous research using a purposive sample of 13 GP-ED service models (3 inside-integrated, 4 inside-parallel service, 3 outside-onsite and 3 with no GPs) in England and Wales. We used realist methodology to understand the relationship between contexts, mechanisms and outcomes to develop programme theories about how and why different GP-ED service models work. RESULTS GP-ED service models are complex, with variation in scope and scale of the service, influenced by individual, departmental and external factors. Quantitative data were of variable quality: overall, no reduction in attendances and waiting times, a mixed picture for hospital admissions and length of hospital stay. Our programme theories describe how the GP-ED service models operate: inside the ED, integrated with patient flow and general ED demand, with a wider GP role than usual primary care; outside the ED, addressing primary care demand with an experienced streaming nurse facilitating the 'right patients' are streamed to the GP; or within the ED as a parallel service with most variability in the level of integration and GP role. CONCLUSION GP-ED services are complex . Our programme theories inform recommendations on how services could be modified in particular contexts to address local demand, or whether alternative healthcare services should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Cooper
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Michelle Edwards
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Freya Davies
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Delyth Price
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Pippa Anderson
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Andrew Carson-Stevens
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Matthew Cooke
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Jeremy Dale
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | | | | - Barbara Harrington
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Julie Hepburn
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Peter Hibbert
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Alison Porter
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | | | - Alan Watkins
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Helen Snooks
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Adrian Edwards
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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Davies F, Edwards M, Price D, Anderson P, Carson-Stevens A, Choudhry M, Cooke M, Dale J, Donaldson L, Evans BA, Harrington B, Harris S, Hepburn J, Hibbert P, Hughes T, Hussain F, Islam S, Pockett R, Porter A, Siriwardena AN, Snooks H, Watkins A, Edwards A, Cooper A. Evaluation of different models of general practitioners working in or alongside emergency departments: a mixed-methods realist evaluation. Health Soc Care Deliv Res 2024; 12:1-152. [PMID: 38687611 DOI: 10.3310/jwqz5348] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Background Emergency healthcare services are under intense pressure to meet increasing patient demands. Many patients presenting to emergency departments could be managed by general practitioners in general practitioner-emergency department service models. Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness, safety, patient experience and system implications of the different general practitioner-emergency department models. Design Mixed-methods realist evaluation. Methods Phase 1 (2017-8), to understand current practice: rapid realist literature review, national survey and follow-up key informant interviews, national stakeholder event and safety data analysis. Phase 2 (2018-21), to collect and analyse qualitative (observations, interviews) and quantitative data (time series analysis); cost-consequences analysis of routine data; and case site data for 'marker condition' analysis from a purposive sample of 13 case sites in England and Wales. Phase 3 (2021-2), to conduct mixed-methods analysis for programme theory and toolkit development. Results General practitioners commonly work in emergency departments, but delivery models vary widely in terms of the scope of the general practitioner role and the scale of the general practitioner service. We developed a taxonomy to describe general practitioner-emergency department service models (Integrated with the emergency department service, Parallel within the emergency department, Outside the emergency department on the hospital site) and present a programme theory as principal output of the study to describe how these service models were observed to operate. Routine data were of variable quality, limiting our analysis. Time series analysis demonstrated trends across intervention sites for: increased time spent in the emergency department; increased emergency department attendances and reattendances; and mixed results for hospital admissions. Evidence on patient experience was limited but broadly supportive; we identified department-level processes to optimise the safety of general practitioner-emergency department models. Limitations The quality, heterogeneity and extent of routine emergency department data collection during the study period limited the conclusions. Recruitment was limited by criteria for case sites (time series requirements) and individual patients (with 'marker conditions'). Pandemic and other pressures limited data collection for marker condition analysis. Data collected and analysed were pre pandemic; new approaches such as 'telephone first' and their relevance to our findings remains unexplored. Conclusion Findings suggest that general practitioner-emergency department service models do not meet the aim of reducing the overall emergency department waiting times and improving patient flow with limited evidence of cost savings. Qualitative data indicated that general practitioners were often valued as members of the wider emergency department team. We have developed a toolkit, based on our findings, to provide guidance for implementing and delivering general practitioner-emergency department services. Future work The emergency care data set has since been introduced across England to help standardise data collection to facilitate further research. We would advocate the systematic capture of patient experience measures and patient-reported outcome measures as part of routine care. More could be done to support the development of the general practitioner in emergency department role, including a core set of competencies and governance structure, to reflect the different general practitioner-emergency department models and to evaluate the effectiveness and cost effectiveness to guide future policy. Study registration This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42017069741. Funding This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health and Social Care Delivery Research programme (NIHR award ref: 15/145/04) and is published in full in Health and Social Care Delivery Research; Vol. 12, No. 10. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freya Davies
- PRIME Centre Wales, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Michelle Edwards
- PRIME Centre Wales, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Delyth Price
- PRIME Centre Wales, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Pippa Anderson
- Bangor Institute for Health and Medical Research, Bangor University, Wales, UK
| | | | - Mazhar Choudhry
- PRIME Centre Wales, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Matthew Cooke
- Professor of Clinical Systems Design, Warwick Medical School, Warwick, UK
| | - Jeremy Dale
- Professor of Clinical Systems Design, Warwick Medical School, Warwick, UK
| | | | - Bridie Angela Evans
- PRIME Centre Wales, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | | | - Shaun Harris
- Swansea Centre for Health Economics, School of Health and Social Care, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Julie Hepburn
- PRIME Centre Wales, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | | | - Faris Hussain
- PRIME Centre Wales, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Saiful Islam
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Rhys Pockett
- Swansea Centre for Health Economics, School of Health and Social Care, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Alison Porter
- PRIME Centre Wales, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | | | - Helen Snooks
- PRIME Centre Wales, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Alan Watkins
- PRIME Centre Wales, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Adrian Edwards
- PRIME Centre Wales, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Alison Cooper
- PRIME Centre Wales, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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Leggat FJ, Heaton-Shrestha C, Fish J, Siriwardena AN, Domeney A, Rowe C, Patel I, Parsons J, Blair J, Jones F. An exploration of the experiences and self-generated strategies used when navigating everyday life with Long Covid. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:789. [PMID: 38481230 PMCID: PMC10938753 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18267-6] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Around one in ten people who contract Covid-19 report ongoing symptoms or 'Long Covid'. Without any known interventions to cure the condition, forms of self-management are routinely prescribed by healthcare professionals and described by people with the condition. However, there is limited research exploring what strategies are used to navigate everyday life with Long Covid, and experiences that initiate development of these strategies. Our study aimed to explore the range and influence of self-generated strategies used by people with Long Covid to navigate everyday life within the context of their own condition. METHODS Forming part of the Long Covid Personalised Self-managemenT support co-design and EvaluatioN (LISTEN) project, we conducted a qualitative study using narrative interviews with adults who were not hospitalised with Covid-19. Participants aged over 18 years, who self-identified with Long Covid, were recruited from England and Wales. Data were analysed with patient contributors using a reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Eighteen participants (mean age = 44 years, SD = 13 years) took part in interviews held between December 2021 and February 2022. Themes were constructed which depicted 1) the landscape behind the Long Covid experience and 2) the everyday experience of participants' Long Covid. The everyday experience comprised a combination of physical, emotional, and social factors, forming three sub-themes: centrality of physical symptoms, navigating 'experts' and the 'true colour' of personal communities, and a rollercoaster of psychological ambiguity). The third theme, personal strategies to manage everyday life was constructed from participants' unique presentations and self-generated solutions to manage everyday life. This comprised five sub-themes: seeking reassurance and knowledge, developing greater self-awareness through monitoring, trial and error of 'safe' ideas, building in pleasure and comfort, and prioritising 'me'. CONCLUSIONS Among this sample of adults with Long Covid, their experiences highlighted the unpredictable nature of the condition but also the use of creative and wide ranging self-generated strategies. The results offer people with Long Covid, and healthcare professionals supporting them, an overview of the collective evidence relating to individuals' self-management which can enable ways to live 'better' and regain some sense of identity whilst facing the impact of a debilitating, episodic condition. TRIAL REGISTRATION LISTEN ISRCTN36407216.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona J Leggat
- Population Health Research Institute, St George's, University of London, London, England, UK
- Centre for Applied Health and Social Care Research, Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, Kingston University, London, England, UK
| | - Celayne Heaton-Shrestha
- Centre for Applied Health and Social Care Research, Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, Kingston University, London, England, UK
| | - Jessica Fish
- Department of Clinical Neuropsychology & Clinical Health Psychology, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, England, UK
- Mental Health & Wellbeing, School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | | | - Anne Domeney
- LISTEN Lived Experience Advisory Group, London, UK
- Bridges Self-Management, London, England, UK
| | - Carol Rowe
- LISTEN Lived Experience Advisory Group, London, UK
| | - Ian Patel
- LISTEN Lived Experience Advisory Group, London, UK
| | | | - John Blair
- LISTEN Lived Experience Advisory Group, London, UK
| | - Fiona Jones
- Population Health Research Institute, St George's, University of London, London, England, UK.
- Centre for Applied Health and Social Care Research, Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, Kingston University, London, England, UK.
- Bridges Self-Management, London, England, UK.
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4
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Appleton JP, Woodhouse LJ, Anderson CS, Ankolekar S, Cala L, Dixon M, England TJ, Krishnan K, Mair G, Muir KW, Potter J, Price CI, Randall M, Robinson TG, Roffe C, Sandset EC, Saver JL, Shone A, Siriwardena AN, Wardlaw JM, Sprigg N, Bath PM. Prehospital transdermal glyceryl trinitrate for ultra-acute ischaemic stroke: data from the RIGHT-2 randomised sham-controlled ambulance trial. Stroke Vasc Neurol 2024; 9:38-49. [PMID: 37290930 PMCID: PMC10956104 DOI: 10.1136/svn-2022-001634] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effect of transdermal glyceryl trinitrate (GTN, a nitrovasodilator) on clinical outcome when administered before hospital admission in suspected stroke patients is unclear. Here, we assess the safety and efficacy of GTN in the prespecified subgroup of patients who had an ischaemic stroke within the Rapid Intervention with Glyceryl trinitrate in Hypertensive stroke Trial-2 (RIGHT-2). METHODS RIGHT-2 was an ambulance-based multicentre sham-controlled blinded-endpoint study with patients randomised within 4 hours of onset. The primary outcome was a shift in scores on the modified Rankin scale (mRS) at day 90. Secondary outcomes included death; a global analysis (Wei-Lachin test) containing Barthel Index, EuroQol-5D, mRS, telephone interview for cognitive status-modified and Zung depression scale; and neuroimaging-determined 'brain frailty' markers. Data were reported as n (%), mean (SD), median [IQR], adjusted common OR (acOR), mean difference or Mann-Whitney difference (MWD) with 95% CI. RESULTS 597 of 1149 (52%) patients had a final diagnosis of ischaemic stroke; age 75 (12) years, premorbid mRS>2 107 (18%), Glasgow Coma Scale 14 (2) and time from onset to randomisation 67 [45, 108] min. Neuroimaging 'brain frailty' was common: median score 2 [2, 3] (range 0-3). At day 90, GTN did not influence the primary outcome (acOR for increased disability 1.15, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.54), death or global analysis (MWD 0.00, 95% CI -0.10 to 0.09). In subgroup analyses, there were non-significant interactions suggesting GTN may be associated with more death and dependency in participants randomised within 1 hour of symptom onset and in those with more severe stroke. CONCLUSIONS In patients who had an ischaemic stroke, ultra-acute administration of transdermal GTN in the ambulance did not improve clinical outcomes in a population with more clinical and radiological frailty than seen in previous in-hospital trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Philip Appleton
- Stroke, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, UK
| | - Lisa J Woodhouse
- Stroke Trials Unit, Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Craig S Anderson
- Faculty of Medicine, The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The George Institute China at Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
- Neurology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Health Partners, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sandeep Ankolekar
- Department of Neurology, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Lesley Cala
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Mark Dixon
- Stroke Trials Unit, Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Timothy J England
- Stroke Trials Unit, Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Kailash Krishnan
- Stroke, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Grant Mair
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, Dementia Research Institute, Univeristy of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Keith W Muir
- Institute of Neurology and Psychology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - John Potter
- Bob Champion Research and Education Building, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | | | - Marc Randall
- Department of Neurology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Thompson G Robinson
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Christine Roffe
- Stroke Research in Stoke, Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, Keele University, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
| | - Else C Sandset
- Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Research and Development, Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jeffrey L Saver
- Department of Neurology and Comprehensive Stroke Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Angela Shone
- Research and Graduate Services, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Aloysius Niroshan Siriwardena
- East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
- Community and Health Research Unit, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Joanna M Wardlaw
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, Dementia Research Institute, Univeristy of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Nikola Sprigg
- Stroke Trials Unit, Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Stroke, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Philip M Bath
- Stroke Trials Unit, Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Stroke, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
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Armstrong S, Pattinson J, Siriwardena AN, Kyle SD, Bower P, Yu LM, Yang Y, Ogburn E, Begum N, Maurer L, Robinson B, Gardner C, Lee V, Gavriloff D, Espie CA, Aveyard P. Nurse-delivered sleep restriction therapy in primary care for adults with insomnia disorder: a mixed-methods process evaluation. Br J Gen Pract 2024; 74:e34-e40. [PMID: 38154945 PMCID: PMC10756002 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp.2023.0162] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleep restriction therapy (SRT) is a behavioural therapy for insomnia. AIM To conduct a process evaluation of a randomised controlled trial comparing SRT delivered by primary care nurses plus a sleep hygiene booklet with the sleep hygiene booklet only for adults with insomnia disorder. DESIGN AND SETTING A mixed-methods process evaluation in a general practice setting. METHOD Semi-structured interviews were conducted in a purposive sample of patients receiving SRT, the practice nurses who delivered the therapy, and also GPs or practice managers at the participating practices. Qualitative data were explored using framework analysis, and integrated with nurse comments and quantitative data, including baseline Insomnia Severity Index score and serial sleep efficiency outcomes to investigate the relationships between these. RESULTS In total, 16 patients, 13 nurses, six practice managers, and one GP were interviewed. Patients had no previous experience of behavioural therapy, needed flexible appointment times, and preferred face-to-face consultations; nurses felt prepared to deliver SRT, accommodating patient concerns, tailoring therapy, and negotiating sleep timings despite treatment complexity and delays between training and intervention delivery. How the intervention produced change was explored, including patient and nurse interactions and patient responses to SRT. Difficulties maintaining SRT, negative attitudes towards treatment, and low self-efficacy were highlighted. Contextual factors, including freeing GP time, time constraints, and conflicting priorities for nurses, with suggestions for alternative delivery options, were raised. Participants who found SRT a positive process showed improvements in sleep efficiency, whereas those who struggled did not. CONCLUSION SRT was successfully delivered by practice nurses and was generally well received by patients, despite some difficulties delivering and applying the intervention in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Armstrong
- Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Julie Pattinson
- Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | | | - Simon D Kyle
- Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Peter Bower
- National Institute for Health and Care Research School for Primary Care Research, Centre for Primary Care and Health Services Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ly-Mee Yu
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Yaling Yang
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Emma Ogburn
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nargis Begum
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Barbara Robinson
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Caroline Gardner
- Centre for Primary Care and Health Services Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Victoria Lee
- Centre for Primary Care and Health Services Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Dimitri Gavriloff
- Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Colin A Espie
- Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Paul Aveyard
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Porter L, Matvienko-Sikar K, Wharrad H, Spiby H, Siriwardena AN, Howitt C, Green K, Redsell S. Co-Design of a Reusable Learning Object (RLO) to Address Caregiver Responsive Infant Feeding Behaviours (CRIB) to Prevent Childhood Obesity: A Mixed-Method Protocol. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 12:29. [PMID: 38200934 PMCID: PMC10779008 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12010029] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Responsive infant feeding is a key strategy for childhood obesity prevention. Responsive feeding involves caregivers responding to infant hunger and satiety cues in a timely and developmentally appropriate manner. There is a dearth of evidence-based information and guidance for caregivers on how to responsively feed their infants. The aim of this research is to co-design a Reusable Learning Object (RLO) and guidance infographic to improve caregiver awareness, understanding and use of responsive infant feeding behaviours. The Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behaviour (COM-B) model of behaviour change and the Aim, Storyboarding, Populate specification, Implement media, Review and release prototype, and Evaluate (ASPIRE) approach for digital intervention co-design will be utilised. Four co-design workshops with caregivers of infants and healthcare professionals (HCPs) will determine priority RLO content. Content analysis will enable RLO development and process reporting. Formative and summative surveys will be conducted to evaluate the usability of the RLO, its impact on caregivers and its potential implementation into NHS care pathways. The output will be a RLO on responsive feeding for caregivers and an infographic for HCPs/support workers which will contribute to a future obesity prevention intervention. The findings will be disseminated to stakeholders and submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Porter
- School of Health Sciences, Queen’s Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2HA, UK; (H.W.); (H.S.); (K.G.)
| | - Karen Matvienko-Sikar
- School of Public Health, Western Gateway Building, University College Cork, T12 XF62 Cork, Ireland;
| | - Heather Wharrad
- School of Health Sciences, Queen’s Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2HA, UK; (H.W.); (H.S.); (K.G.)
| | - Helen Spiby
- School of Health Sciences, Queen’s Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2HA, UK; (H.W.); (H.S.); (K.G.)
| | | | - Ciara Howitt
- School of Health Sciences, Queen’s Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2HA, UK; (H.W.); (H.S.); (K.G.)
| | - Katie Green
- School of Health Sciences, Queen’s Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2HA, UK; (H.W.); (H.S.); (K.G.)
| | - Sarah Redsell
- School of Health Sciences, Queen’s Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2HA, UK; (H.W.); (H.S.); (K.G.)
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7
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Agarwal G, Siriwardena AN, McLeod B, Spaight R, Whitley GA, Ferron R, Pirrie M, Angeles R, Moore H, Gussy M. Development of indicators for avoidable emergency medical service calls by mapping paramedic clinical impression codes to ambulatory care sensitive conditions and mental health conditions in the UK and Canada. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e073520. [PMID: 38086589 PMCID: PMC10729076 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073520] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Paramedic assessment data have not been used for research on avoidable calls. Paramedic impression codes are designated by paramedics on responding to a 911/999 medical emergency after an assessment of the presenting condition. Ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs) are non-acute health conditions not needing hospital admission when properly managed. This study aimed to map the paramedic impression codes to ACSCs and mental health conditions for use in future research on avoidable 911/999 calls. DESIGN Mapping paramedic impression codes to existing definitions of ACSCs and mental health conditions. SETTING East Midlands Region, UK and Southern Ontario, Canada. PARTICIPANTS Expert panel from the UK-Canada Emergency Calls Data analysis and GEospatial mapping (EDGE) Consortium. RESULTS Mapping was iterative first identifying the common ACSCs shared between the two countries then identifying the respective clinical impression codes for each country that mapped to those shared ACSCs as well as to mental health conditions. Experts from the UK-Canada EDGE Consortium contributed to both phases and were able to independently match the codes and then compare results. Clinical impression codes for paramedics in the UK were more extensive than those in Ontario. The mapping revealed some interesting inconsistencies between paramedic impression codes but also demonstrated that it was possible. CONCLUSION This is an important first step in determining the number of ASCSs and mental health conditions that paramedics attend to, and in examining the clinical pathways of these individuals across the health system. This work lays the foundation for international comparative health services research on integrated pathways in primary care and emergency medical services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Agarwal
- Department of Family Medicine, Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Brent McLeod
- Hamilton Paramedic Service, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Richard Ferron
- Niagara Emergency Medical Services, Niagara, Ontario, Canada
| | - Melissa Pirrie
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ricardo Angeles
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Moore H, Hill B, Emery J, Gussy M, Siriwardena AN, Spaight R, Tanser F. An early warning precision public health approach for assessing COVID-19 vulnerability in the UK: the Moore-Hill Vulnerability Index (MHVI). BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2147. [PMID: 37919728 PMCID: PMC10623819 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17092-7] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most COVID-19 vulnerability indices rely on measures that are biased by rates of exposure or are retrospective like mortality rates that offer little opportunity for intervention. The Moore-Hill Vulnerability Index (MHVI) is a precision public health early warning alternative to traditional infection fatality rates that presents avenues for mortality prevention. METHODS We produced an infection-severity vulnerability index by calculating the proportion of all recorded positive cases that were severe and attended by ambulances at small area scale for the East Midlands of the UK between May 2020 and April 2022. We produced maps identifying regions with high and low vulnerability, investigated the accuracy of the index over shorter and longer time periods, and explored the utility of the MHVI compared to other common proxy measures and indices. Analysis included exploring the correlation between our novel index and the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD). RESULTS The MHVI captures geospatial dynamics that single metrics alone often overlook, including the compound health challenges associated with disadvantaged and declining coastal towns inhabited by communities with post-industrial health legacies. A moderate negative correlation between MHVI and IMD reflects spatial analysis which suggests that high vulnerability occurs in affluent rural as well as deprived coastal and urban communities. Further, the MHVI estimates of severity rates are comparable to infection fatality rates for COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS The MHVI identifies regions with known high rates of poor health outcomes prior to the pandemic that case rates or mortality rates alone fail to identify. Pre-hospital early warning measures could be utilised to prevent mortality during a novel pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harriet Moore
- Department of Geography, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
- Development, Inequalities, Resilience and Environments Research Group, Lincoln, United Kingdom
- EDGE Consortium, Lincoln, Ontario, United Kingdom, Canada
| | - Bartholomew Hill
- EDGE Consortium, Lincoln, Ontario, United Kingdom, Canada
- WATERWISER/WEDC, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Jay Emery
- Department of Geography, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
- Development, Inequalities, Resilience and Environments Research Group, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Gussy
- EDGE Consortium, Lincoln, Ontario, United Kingdom, Canada
- Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Aloysius Niroshan Siriwardena
- EDGE Consortium, Lincoln, Ontario, United Kingdom, Canada
- Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Spaight
- EDGE Consortium, Lincoln, Ontario, United Kingdom, Canada
- Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
- East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Nottingham, England
| | - Frank Tanser
- EDGE Consortium, Lincoln, Ontario, United Kingdom, Canada
- School for Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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9
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Fernandes DCR, Nelson D, Siriwardena AN, Law G, Andreyev HJN. Understanding colorectal cancer patient follow-up: a qualitative interview study. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:634. [PMID: 37843671 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-08108-4] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE There are increasing numbers of patients who have been treated for colorectal cancer (CRC) who struggle with ongoing physical and psychological symptoms. 'Cancer survivor' is often used to describe these patients but this terminology remains controversial. This study sought to understand the follow-up experience of CRC patients in the UK and identify the terminology they prefer following diagnosis and treatment. METHODS Purposeful sampling of patients from specialist CRC follow-up clinics was performed until data saturation was achieved. Two 1:1 semi-structured qualitative interviews were performed for each participant. Data were analysed thematically. RESULTS Seventeen participants, median age = 62, 53% male were interviewed. Several themes were identified. Of note, fear of cancer recurrence dominates patients' agendas at follow-up appointments. There are also clinical and administrative barriers to discussing symptoms including being embarrassed, feeling that their symptoms were not relevant or not having enough time to discuss issues. However, there are several methods which may improve this, such as through the use of video consultations and questionnaires. In addition, patients identified inadequate holistic support despite significant psychological and social distress. Our data suggest that labelling a diverse group of patients as 'cancer survivors' can be problematic. CONCLUSION It is important that clinicians systematically screen patients for symptoms that are known to occur following treatment. Clinicians and patients should have routine access to pathways and programmes that can support patients in navigating their life after cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren C R Fernandes
- The Department of Gastroenterology, United Lincolnshire NHS Trust, Lincoln County Hospital, Lincoln, UK.
- Community and Health Research Unit, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK.
| | - David Nelson
- Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
- Macmillan Cancer Support, London, UK
| | | | - Graham Law
- Lincoln Clinical Trials Unit, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
- School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - H Jervoise N Andreyev
- The Department of Gastroenterology, United Lincolnshire NHS Trust, Lincoln County Hospital, Lincoln, UK
- The Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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10
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Woodhouse LJ, Appleton JP, Ankolekar S, England TJ, Mair G, Muir K, Price CI, Pocock S, Randall M, Robinson TG, Roffe C, Sandset EC, Saver JL, Siriwardena AN, Sprigg N, Wardlaw JM, Bath PM. Prehospital transdermal glyceryl trinitrate in patients with ultra-acute presumed stroke (RIGHT-2): effects on outcomes at day 365 in a randomised, sham-controlled, blinded, phase III, superiority ambulance-based trial. BMJ Neurol Open 2023; 5:e000424. [PMID: 37564156 PMCID: PMC10410995 DOI: 10.1136/bmjno-2023-000424] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Rapid Intervention with Glyceryl Trinitrate in Hypertensive Stroke Trial-2 (RIGHT-2) reported no overall treatment difference between glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) and sham at day 90. Here we assess participants' outcomes 1 year after randomisation. Methods RIGHT-2 was an ambulance-based prospective randomised controlled trial where patients with presumed stroke and systolic blood pressure (BP) of >120 mm Hg received either GTN (5 mg/day) or sham patch. Centralised blinded telephone follow-up was performed at days 90 (primary endpoint) and 365 (secondary endpoint). The lead outcome was dependency assessed with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Results 1149 patients were recruited to RIGHT-2 between October 2015 and May 2018, and 1097 (95.5%) had outcome data recorded at day 365. At baseline, the patients were; female (48%), had a mean age of 73 (15) years, BP of 162 (25)/92 (18) mm Hg, onset to randomisation of 70 (45-115) min, diagnosis of ischaemic stroke (52%), intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) (13%), transient ischaemic attack (TIA) (9%) and mimics (26%). There was no effect of GTN on mRS score at day 365 in participants with confirmed stroke/TIA (adjusted common odds ratio (acOR) 1.10, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.42) or in all patients. In patients randomised to GTN, mRS at day 365 tended to be worse in those with ICH (acOR 1.65, 95% CI 0.84 to 3.25) and better in those with a mimic diagnosis (acOR 0.53, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.84). Conclusion At 1 year post randomisation, dependency did not differ between GTN and sham treatment in either the target population or overall. In prespecified subgroup analyses, GTN was associated with reduced dependency in participants with a final diagnosis of mimic and a non-significant worse outcome in participants with ICH. Trial registration number ISRCTN26986053.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa J Woodhouse
- Stroke Trials Unit, Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Jason P Appleton
- Stroke, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Sandeep Ankolekar
- Department of Neurology, King's College Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Timothy J England
- Vascular Medicine, Division of Medical Sciences and GEM, Royal Derby Hospital, Derby, UK
| | - Grant Mair
- UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Keith Muir
- Neurology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Stuart Pocock
- Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Marc Randall
- Department of Neurology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Thompson G Robinson
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, and NIHR Biomedical Research Unit for Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Christine Roffe
- Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, Keele University, Keele, UK
| | - Else C Sandset
- Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Research and Development, Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jeffrey L Saver
- Department of Neurology and Comprehensive Stroke Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | - Nikola Sprigg
- Stroke Trials Unit, Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Stroke, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Joanna M Wardlaw
- UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Philip M Bath
- Stroke Trials Unit, Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Stroke, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
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11
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Botan V, Williams N, Law GR, Siriwardena AN. The effect of specific learning difficulties on general practice written and clinical assessments. Med Educ 2023; 57:548-555. [PMID: 36518017 DOI: 10.1111/medu.15008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substantial numbers of medical students and doctors have specific learning difficulties (SpLDs) and failure to accommodate their needs can disadvantage them academically. Evidence about how SpLDs affect performance during postgraduate general practice (GP) specialty training across the different licencing assessments is lacking. We aimed to investigate the performance of doctors with SpLDs across the range of licencing assessments. METHODS We adopted the social model of disability as a conceptual framework arguing that problems of disability are societal and that barriers that restrict life choices for people with disabilities need to be addressed. We used a longitudinal design linking Multi-Specialty Assessment (MSRA) records from 2016 and 2017 with their Applied Knowledge Test (AKT), Clinical Skills Assessment (CSA), Recorded Consultation Assessment (RCA) and Workplace Based Assessment (WPBA) outcomes up to 2021. Multivariable logistic regression models accounting for prior attainment and demographics were used to determine the SpLD doctors' likelihood of passing licencing assessments. RESULTS The sample included 2070 doctors, with 214 (10.34%) declaring a SpLD. Candidates declaring a SpLD were significantly less likely to pass the CSA (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.26, 0.71, p = 0.001) but not the AKT (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.44, 2.09, p = 0.913) or RCA (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.35, 1.85, p = 0.615). Importantly, they were significantly more likely to have difficulties with WPBA (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.20, 0.40, p < 0.001). When looking at licencing tests subdomains, doctors with SpLD performed significantly less well on the CSA Interpersonal Skills (B = -0.70, 95% CI -1.2, -0.19, p = 0.007) and the RCA Clinical Management Skills (B = -1.68, 95% CI -3.24, -0.13, p = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS Candidates with SpLDs encounter difficulties in multiple domains of the licencing tests and during their training. More adjustments tailored to their needs should be put in place for the applied clinical skills tests and during their training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Botan
- Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Nicki Williams
- General Practice National Recruitment Office (GPNRO), Health Education, England, UK
| | - Graham R Law
- Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Aloysius Niroshan Siriwardena
- Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
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12
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Baghdadi F, Evans BA, Goodacre S, John PA, Hettiarachchi T, John A, Lyons RA, Porter A, Safari S, Siriwardena AN, Snooks H, Watkins A, Williams J, Khanom A. Building an understanding of Ethnic minority people's Service Use Relating to Emergency care for injuries: the BE SURE study protocol. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e069596. [PMID: 37185177 PMCID: PMC10151843 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069596] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Injuries are a major public health problem which can lead to disability or death. However, little is known about the incidence, presentation, management and outcomes of emergency care for patients with injuries among people from ethnic minorities in the UK. The aim of this study is to investigate what may differ for people from ethnic minorities compared with white British people when presenting with injury to ambulance and Emergency Departments (EDs). METHODS AND ANALYSIS This mixed methods study covers eight services, four ambulance services (three in England and one in Scotland) and four hospital EDs, located within each ambulance service. The study has five Work Packages (WP): (WP1) scoping review comparing mortality by ethnicity of people presenting with injury to emergency services; (WP2) retrospective analysis of linked NHS routine data from patients who present to ambulances or EDs with injury over 5 years (2016-2021); (WP3) postal questionnaire survey of 2000 patients (1000 patients from ethnic minorities and 1000 white British patients) who present with injury to ambulances or EDs including self-reported outcomes (measured by Quality of Care Monitor and Health Related Quality of Life measured by SF-12); (WP4) qualitative interviews with patients from ethnic minorities (n=40) and focus groups-four with asylum seekers and refugees and four with care providers and (WP5) a synthesis of quantitative and qualitative findings. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study received a favourable opinion by the Wales Research Ethics Committee (305391). The Health Research Authority has approved the study and, on advice from the Confidentiality Advisory Group, has supported the use of confidential patient information without consent for anonymised data. Results will be shared with ambulance and ED services, government bodies and third-sector organisations through direct communications summarising scientific conference proceedings and publications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Steve Goodacre
- School of Health and Health Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Paul Anthony John
- Research and Innovation Hub, Scottish Ambulance Service, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Ann John
- Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | | | | | - Solmaz Safari
- Public Contributor, c/o Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | | | | | | | - Julia Williams
- School of Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire, UK
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13
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Alotaibi A, Alghamdi A, Martin GP, Carlton E, Cooper JG, Cook E, Siriwardena AN, Phillips J, Thompson A, Bell S, Kirby KL, Rosser A, Pennington E, Body R. External validation of the Manchester Acute Coronary Syndromes ECG risk model within a pre-hospital setting. Emerg Med J 2023; 40:431-436. [PMID: 37068929 DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2022-212872] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The Manchester Acute Coronary Syndromes ECG (MACS-ECG) prediction model calculates a score based on objective ECG measurements to give the probability of a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). The model showed good performance in the emergency department (ED), but its accuracy in the pre-hospital setting is unknown. We aimed to externally validate MACS-ECG in the pre-hospital environment. METHODS We undertook a secondary analysis from the Pre-hospital Evaluation of Sensitive Troponin (PRESTO) study, a multi-centre prospective study to validate decision aids in the pre-hospital setting (26 February 2019 to 23 March 2020). Patients with chest pain where the treating paramedic suspected acute coronary syndrome were included. Paramedics collected demographic and historical data and interpreted ECGs contemporaneously (as 'normal' or 'abnormal'). After completing recruitment, we analysed ECGs to calculate the MACS-ECG score, using both a pre-defined threshold and a novel threshold that optimises sensitivity to differentiate AMI from non-AMI. This was compared with subjective ECG interpretation by paramedics. The diagnosis of AMI was adjudicated by two investigators based on serial troponin testing in hospital. RESULTS Of 691 participants, 87 had type 1 AMI and 687 had complete data for paramedic ECG interpretation. The MACS-ECG model had a C-index of 0.68 (95% CI: 0.61 to 0.75). At the pre-determined cut-off, MACS-ECG had 2.3% (95% CI: 0.3% to 8.1%) sensitivity, 99.5% (95% CI: 98.6% to 99.9%) specificity, 40.0% (95% CI: 10.2% to 79.3%) positive predictive value (PPV) and 87.6% (87.3% to 88.0%) negative predictive value (NPV). At the optimal threshold for sensitivity, MACS-ECG had 50.6% sensitivity (39.6% to 61.5%), 83.1% specificity (79.9% to 86.0%), 30.1% PPV (24.7% to 36.2%) and 92.1% NPV (90.4% to 93.5%). In comparison, paramedics had a sensitivity of 71.3% (95% CI: 60.8% to 80.5%) with 53.8% (95% CI: 53.8% to 61.8%) specificity, 19.7% (17.2% to 22.45%) PPV and 93.3% (90.8% to 95.1%) NPV. CONCLUSION Neither MACS-ECG nor paramedic ECG interpretation had a sufficiently high PPV or NPV to 'rule in' or 'rule out' NSTEMI alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Alotaibi
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- College of Applied Medical Science, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrhman Alghamdi
- College of Applied Medical Science, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Glen P Martin
- Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Science, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Edward Carlton
- Emergency Department, North Bristol NHS Trust, Westbury on Trym, UK
- School of Health and Social Care, University of the West of England Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jamie G Cooper
- Emergency Department, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, UK
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Eloïse Cook
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | | | - John Phillips
- The Ticker Club (A Cardiac Patient Support Group), Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Steve Bell
- North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Bolton, UK
| | - Kim Lucy Kirby
- Centre for Health and Clinical Research, School of Health and Social Wellbeing, University of the West of England - St Matthias Campus, Bristol, UK
| | - Andy Rosser
- West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, Brierley Hill, UK
| | | | - Richard Body
- Emergency Department, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
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14
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Whitley GA, Wijegoonewardene N, Nelson D, Curtis F, Ortega M, Siriwardena AN. Patient, family member, and ambulance staff experiences of prehospital acute pain management in adults: A systematic review and meta-synthesis. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open 2023; 4:e12940. [PMID: 37056718 PMCID: PMC10086522 DOI: 10.1002/emp2.12940] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background We aimed to synthesize the qualitative experiences of patients, their family members, and ambulance staff involved in the prehospital management of acute pain in adults and generate recommendations to improve the quality of care. Methods A systematic review was conducted following the enhancing transparency in reporting the synthesis of qualitative research (ENTREQ) guidelines. We searched from inception to June 2021: MEDLINE, CINAHL Complete, PsycINFO and Web of Science (search alerts were screened up to December 2021). Articles were eligible for inclusion if they reported qualitative data and were published in the English language. The Critical Appraisal Skills Program for qualitative studies checklist was used to assess risk of bias, thematic synthesis was performed on included studies and recommendations for clinical practice improvement were generated. Results Twenty-five articles were included in the review, representing over 464 patients, family members, and ambulance staff from 8 countries. Six analytical themes and several recommendations to improve clinical practice were generated. Strengthening the patient-clinician relationship by building trust, promoting patient empowerment, addressing patient needs and expectations, and providing a holistic approach to pain treatment is key to improving prehospital pain management in adults. Shared pain management guidelines and training across the prehospital and emergency department intersection should improve the patient journey. Conclusion Interventions and guidelines that strengthen the patient-clinician relationship and span the prehospital and emergency department phase of care are likely to improve the quality of care for adults suffering acute pain in the prehospital setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Adam Whitley
- Community and Health Research UnitUniversity of LincolnLincolnUK
- Clinical Audit and Research UnitEast Midlands Ambulance Service NHS TrustLincolnUK
| | - Nimali Wijegoonewardene
- Community and Health Research UnitUniversity of LincolnLincolnUK
- Healthcare Quality and SafetyMinistry of HealthColomboSri Lanka
| | - David Nelson
- Lincoln International Institute for Rural HealthUniversity of LincolnLincolnUK
| | - Ffion Curtis
- Centre for Ethnic Health ResearchEast Midlands Applied Research CollaborationUniversity of LeicesterLeicesterUK
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15
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Botan V, Asghar Z, Rowan E, Smith MD, Patel G, Phung VH, Trueman I, Spaight R, Brewster A, Mountain P, Orner R, Siriwardena AN. Community First Responders' Contribution to Emergency Medical Service Provision in the United Kingdom. Ann Emerg Med 2023; 81:176-183. [PMID: 35940990 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2022.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate community first responders' contribution to emergency care provision in terms of number, rate, type, and location of calls and characteristics of patients attended. METHODS We used a retrospective observational design analyzing routine data from electronic clinical records from 6 of 10 ambulance services in the United Kingdom during 2019. Descriptive statistics, including numbers and frequencies, were used to illustrate characteristics of incidents and patients that the community first responders attended first in both rural and urban areas. RESULTS The data included 4.5 million incidents during 1 year. The community first responders first attended a higher proportion of calls in rural areas compared with those in urban areas (3.90% versus 1.48 %). In rural areas, the community first responders also first attended a higher percentage of the most urgent call categories, 1 and 2. The community first responders first attended more than 9% of the total number of category 1 calls and almost 5% of category 2 calls. The community first responders also attended a higher percentage of the total number of cardiorespiratory and neurological/endocrine conditions. They first attended 6.5% of the total number of neurological/endocrine conditions and 5.9% of the total number of cardiorespiratory conditions. Regarding arrival times in rural areas, the community first responders attended higher percentages (more than 6%) of the total number of calls that had arrival times of less than 7 minutes or more than 60 minutes. CONCLUSION In the United Kingdom, community first responders contribute to the delivery of emergency medical services, particularly in rural areas and especially for more urgent calls. The work of community first responders has expanded from their original purpose-to attend to out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. The future development of community first responders' schemes should prioritize training for a range of conditions, and further research is needed to explore the contribution and potential future role of the community first responders from the perspective of service users, community first responders' schemes, ambulance services, and commissioners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Botan
- Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Zahid Asghar
- Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Elise Rowan
- Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Murray D Smith
- Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Gupteswar Patel
- Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Viet-Hai Phung
- Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Trueman
- Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Spaight
- East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Cross O'Cliff Court, Bracebridge Heath, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda Brewster
- Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Pauline Mountain
- Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Roderick Orner
- Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Aloysius Niroshan Siriwardena
- Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom.
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16
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Potter C, Leggat F, Lowe R, Pallmann P, Riaz M, Barlow C, Edwards A, Siriwardena AN, Sevdalis N, Sewell B, McRae J, Fish J, de Sousa de Abreu MI, Jones F, Busse M. Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a personalised self-management intervention for living with long COVID: protocol for the LISTEN randomised controlled trial. Trials 2023; 24:75. [PMID: 36726167 PMCID: PMC9890432 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07090-w] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals living with long COVID experience multiple, interacting and fluctuating symptoms which can have a dramatic impact on daily living. The aim of the Long Covid Personalised Self-managemenT support EvaluatioN (LISTEN) trial is to evaluate effects of the LISTEN co-designed self-management support intervention for non-hospitalised people living with long COVID on participation in routine activities, social participation, emotional well-being, quality of life, fatigue, and self-efficacy. Cost-effectiveness will also be evaluated, and a detailed process evaluation carried out to understand how LISTEN is implemented. METHODS The study is a pragmatic randomised effectiveness and cost-effectiveness trial in which a total of 558 non-hospitalised people with long COVID will be randomised to either the LISTEN intervention or usual care. Recruitment strategies have been developed with input from the LISTEN Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) advisory group and a social enterprise, Diversity and Ability, to ensure inclusivity. Eligible participants can self-refer into the trial via a website or be referred by long COVID services. All participants complete a range of self-reported outcome measures, online, at baseline, 6 weeks, and 3 months post randomisation (the trial primary end point). Those randomised to the LISTEN intervention are offered up to six one-to-one sessions with LISTEN-trained intervention practitioners and given a co-designed digital resource and paper-based book. A detailed process evaluation will be conducted alongside the trial to inform implementation approaches should the LISTEN intervention be found effective and cost-effective. DISCUSSION The LISTEN trial is evaluating a co-designed, personalised self-management support intervention (the LISTEN intervention) for non-hospitalised people living with long COVID. The design has incorporated extensive strategies to minimise participant burden and maximise access. Whilst the duration of follow-up is limited, all participants are approached to consent for long-term follow-up (subject to additional funding being secured). TRIAL REGISTRATION LISTEN ISRCTN36407216. Registered on 27/01/2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Potter
- grid.5600.30000 0001 0807 5670Centre for Trials Research, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales UK
| | - Fiona Leggat
- grid.264200.20000 0000 8546 682XPopulation Health Research Institute, St George’s University of London, London, England, UK ,grid.15538.3a0000 0001 0536 3773Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, Kingston University, London, London, England, UK
| | - Rachel Lowe
- grid.5600.30000 0001 0807 5670Centre for Trials Research, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales UK
| | - Philip Pallmann
- grid.5600.30000 0001 0807 5670Centre for Trials Research, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales UK
| | - Muhammad Riaz
- grid.5600.30000 0001 0807 5670Centre for Trials Research, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales UK
| | - Christy Barlow
- grid.5600.30000 0001 0807 5670Centre for Trials Research, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales UK
| | - Adrian Edwards
- grid.5600.30000 0001 0807 5670PRIME Centre Wales, Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales UK ,Wales COVID-19 Evidence Centre, Cardiff, Wales UK
| | | | - Nick Sevdalis
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Centre for Implementation Science, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Bernadette Sewell
- grid.4827.90000 0001 0658 8800Swansea Centre for Health Economics, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Jackie McRae
- grid.264200.20000 0000 8546 682XPopulation Health Research Institute, St George’s University of London, London, England, UK ,grid.15538.3a0000 0001 0536 3773Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, Kingston University, London, London, England, UK
| | - Jessica Fish
- grid.8756.c0000 0001 2193 314XDepartment of Clinical Neuropsychology & Clinical Health Psychology, St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Mental Health & Wellbeing, School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Maria Ines de Sousa de Abreu
- grid.439656.b0000 0004 0466 4605East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust Crisis Response Service, St. Annes House, St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex UK
| | - Fiona Jones
- grid.264200.20000 0000 8546 682XPopulation Health Research Institute, St George’s University of London, London, England, UK ,grid.15538.3a0000 0001 0536 3773Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, Kingston University, London, London, England, UK ,Bridges Self-Management, London, England, UK
| | - Monica Busse
- grid.5600.30000 0001 0807 5670Centre for Trials Research, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales UK
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Botan V, Laparidou D, Phung VH, Cheung P, Freeman A, Wakeford R, Denney M, Law GR, Siriwardena AN. Examiner perceptions of the MRCGP recorded consultation assessment for general practice licensing during COVID-19: cross-sectional study. BMC Med Educ 2023; 23:65. [PMID: 36703159 PMCID: PMC9879559 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-023-04027-4] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Recorded Consultation Assessment (RCA) was developed rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic to replace the Clinical Skills Assessment (CSA) for UK general practice licensing. Our aim was to evaluate examiner perceptions of the RCA. METHODS We employed a cross-sectional design using a questionnaire survey of RCA examiners with attitudinal (relating to examiners thoughts and perceptions of the RCA) and free text response options. We conducted statistical descriptive and factor analysis of quantitative data with qualitative thematic analysis of free text responses. RESULTS Overall, 182 of 260 (70%) examiners completed the questionnaire. Responders felt that consultations submitted were representative of the work of a typical GP during the pandemic and provided a good sample across the curriculum. They were also generally positive about the logistic, advisory and other support provided as well as the digital platform. Despite responders generally agreeing there was sufficient information available in video or audio consultations to judge candidates' data gathering, clinical management, and interpersonal skills, they were less confident about their ability to make judgments of candidates' performance compared with the CSA. The qualitative analysis of free text responses detailed the problems of case selection and content, explained examiners' difficulties when making judgments, and detailed the generally positive views about support, training and information technology. Responders also provided helpful recommendations for improving the assessment. CONCLUSION The RCA was considered by examiners to be feasible and broadly acceptable, although they experienced challenges from candidate case selection, case content and judgments leading to suggested areas for improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Botan
- Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, LN5 7AT, England
| | - Despina Laparidou
- Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, LN5 7AT, England
| | - Viet-Hai Phung
- Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, LN5 7AT, England
| | - Peter Cheung
- Royal College of General Practitioners, 30 Euston Square, London, NW1 2FB, UK
| | - Adrian Freeman
- University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, EX1 2HZ, England
| | - Richard Wakeford
- Hughes Hall, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB1 2EW, England
| | - Meiling Denney
- Royal College of General Practitioners, 30 Euston Square, London, NW1 2FB, UK
| | - Graham R Law
- Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, LN5 7AT, England
| | - Aloysius Niroshan Siriwardena
- Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, LN5 7AT, England.
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18
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Akanuwe JN, Siriwardena AN, Bidaut L, Mitchell P, Bird P, Lasserson D, Apenteng P, Lilford R. Practitioners' views on community implementation of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in the UK: a qualitative interview study. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:84. [PMID: 36698100 PMCID: PMC9876652 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09069-4] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Implementing Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in community practice could help to decide upon and prioritise initial treatment, procedures and appropriate specialist referral or conveyance to hospital. A recent literature review suggests that image quality, portability and cost of ultrasound devices are all improving with widening indications for community POCUS, but evidence about community POCUS use is needed in the UK. We aimed to explore views of clinical practitioners, actively using ultrasound, on their experiences of using POCUS and potential facilitators and barriers to its wider implementation in community settings in the UK. METHODS We conducted a qualitative interview study with practitioners from community and secondary care settings actively using POCUS in practice. A convenience sample of eligible participants from different clinical specialties and settings was recruited using social media adverts, through websites of relevant research groups and snowball sampling. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted online using Microsoft Teams. These were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using a Framework approach supported by NVivo 12. RESULTS We interviewed 16 practitioners aged between 40 and 62 years from different professional backgrounds, including paramedics, emergency physicians, general practitioners, and allied health professionals. Participants identified key considerations and facilitators for wider implementation of POCUS in community settings in the UK: resource requirements for deployment and support of working devices; sufficient time and a skilled workforce; attention to training, education and support needs; ensuring proper governance, guidelines and quality assurance; workforce considerations; enabling ease of use in assisting decision making with consideration of unintended consequences; and more robust evidence to support perceptions of improved patient outcomes and experience. CONCLUSIONS POCUS could be useful for improving patient journey and health outcomes in community care, but this requires further research to evaluate outcomes. The facilitators identified could help make community POCUS a reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph N.A Akanuwe
- grid.36511.300000 0004 0420 4262Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, England
| | - Aloysius Niroshan Siriwardena
- grid.36511.300000 0004 0420 4262Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, England
| | - Luc Bidaut
- grid.36511.300000 0004 0420 4262School of Computer Science, College of Science, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, England
| | - Pauline Mitchell
- grid.36511.300000 0004 0420 4262School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, England
| | - Paul Bird
- grid.412563.70000 0004 0376 6589Institute for Translational Medicine Research & Development, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, West Midlands Academic Health Science Network, Birmingham, England
| | - Daniel Lasserson
- grid.7372.10000 0000 8809 1613Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, England ,grid.410556.30000 0001 0440 1440Department of Gerontology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, England
| | | | - Richard Lilford
- grid.6572.60000 0004 1936 7486Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, England
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19
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Patel G, Phung VH, Trueman I, Orner R, Siriwardena AN. Common hierarchies, varied rules - the problem of governing community first responders in prehospital care for quality standards: documentary discourse analysis. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:38. [PMID: 36647122 PMCID: PMC9841939 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08960-w] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
A key focus is placed on engaging communities to become involved in making decisions to support health and care services in healthcare policies in England, UK. An example is the deployment of volunteers such as community first responders (CFRs), who are members of the public with basic life support skills, trained to intervene in emergency situations prior to the arrival of ambulance services. CFR policies have been devised by National Health Service (NHS) Trusts as a way of governing these and related activities. This paper critically examines the discourse around CFR policies to understand how CFR roles are organised and monitoring governance mechanisms are delineated in ensuring quality care delivery. We collected ten CFR policies from six ambulance services. Inductive analysis, guided by Foucault's theory, enabled the identification of themes and subthemes. We found that Trusts have a common goal to make care quality assurances to regulatory bodies on CFR roles, and this is depicted in common hierarchies of individual responsibilities across Trusts. However, policies that govern approaches to CFRs activity vary. Firstly, the paper highlights institutional approaches to ensuring public safety through the application of organised surveillance systems to monitor CFR activities, and draws parallels between such surveillance and Foucault's docile bodies. Secondly, the paper discusses how varying rules in the surveillance system compromises safety by decentralising knowledge to regulatory bodies to whom NHS Trusts must make safety assurances. We suggest that stronger interrelationships between Trusts in considering the CFR role has potential to increase public safety and outline a clearer direction for CFRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gupteswar Patel
- grid.36511.300000 0004 0420 4262Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Viet-Hai Phung
- grid.36511.300000 0004 0420 4262Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Ian Trueman
- grid.36511.300000 0004 0420 4262Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Roderick Orner
- grid.36511.300000 0004 0420 4262Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Aloysius Niroshan Siriwardena
- grid.36511.300000 0004 0420 4262Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK ,grid.36511.300000 0004 0420 4262LMS 3006, Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, 3006, LN6 7TS Lincoln, UK
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20
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Ridyard C, Smith M, Spaight R, Law GR, Siriwardena AN. Optimising ambulance conveyance rates and staff costs by adjusting proportions of rapid-response vehicles and dual-crewed ambulances: an economic decision analytical modelling study. J Accid Emerg Med 2023; 40:56-60. [PMID: 36357167 DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2021-212209] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
AIM To model optimum proportions of dual-crewed ambulances (DCAs) and rapid-response vehicles (RRVs) in Ambulance Trusts with a view to generating a policy brief for one Ambulance Trust and a modelling tool for other Trusts on the strategic procurement and allocation of emergency vehicle (EV) resources. METHODS Historical EV assignments for 12 months of emergency calls in 2019 were provided by an NHS Ambulance Trust and analysed for backup, see and treat, and patient to hospital conveyance. Unit costs were derived for paramedics and technicians using Agenda for Change pay rates. Time cycles were assigned for RRV and DCA attendances and unit costs assigned to these. Information was put into a decision analytical model to estimate the costs and numbers of vehicles attending incidents based on relative proportions of available RRVs and DCAs. RESULTS Of 711 992 calls attended by 837 107 EVs, 514 766 (72.3%) required at least one emergency department conveyance. The rate of conveyance was significantly lower when RRVs arrived first on the scene. 27 883 out of 529 693 (5.3%) DCAs first arriving at an incident required some backup, and this was also factored into the model. Modelling demonstrated high conveyance rates were counterproductive when increasing the relative proportions of RRVs to DCAs. For example, with conveyance rates of 65%, increasing the RRVs increased the cost and numbers of vehicles attending per incident. At lower conveyance rates, however, there was a levelling around 30% where it could become cost-effective to increase the relative proportions of RRVs to DCAs. CONCLUSION At current overall conveyance rates, there is no benefit in increasing the relative proportions of RRVs to DCAs unless additional benefits can be realised that bring the conveyance rates down.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Ridyard
- Community and Health Research Unit, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Murray Smith
- Community and Health Research Unit, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Robert Spaight
- Clnical Audit and Research Unit, East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
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21
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Dixon M, Appleton JP, Scutt P, Woodhouse LJ, Haywood LJ, Havard D, Williams J, Siriwardena AN, Bath PM. Time intervals and distances travelled for prehospital ambulance stroke care: data from the randomised-controlled ambulance-based Rapid Intervention with Glyceryl trinitrate in Hypertensive stroke Trial-2 (RIGHT-2). BMJ Open 2022; 12:e060211. [PMID: 36410799 PMCID: PMC9680177 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-060211] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Ambulances offer the first opportunity to evaluate hyperacute stroke treatments. In this study, we investigated the conduct of a hyperacute stroke study in the ambulance-based setting with a particular focus on timings and logistics of trial delivery. DESIGN Multicentre prospective, single-blind, parallel group randomised controlled trial. SETTING Eight National Health Service ambulance services in England and Wales; 54 acute stroke centres. PARTICIPANTS Paramedics enrolled 1149 patients assessed as likely to have a stroke, with Face, Arm, Speech and Time score (2 or 3), within 4 hours of symptom onset and systolic blood pressure >120 mm Hg. INTERVENTIONS Paramedics administered randomly assigned active transdermal glyceryl trinitrate or sham. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOMES Modified Rankin scale at day 90. This paper focuses on response time intervals, distances travelled and baseline characteristics of patients, compared between ambulance services. RESULTS Paramedics enrolled 1149 patients between September 2015 and May 2018. FINAL DIAGNOSIS intracerebral haemorrhage 13%, ischaemic stroke 52%, transient ischaemic attack 9% and mimic 26%. Timings (min) were (median (25-75 centile)): onset to emergency call 19 (5-64); onset to randomisation 71 (45-116); total time at scene 33 (26-46); depart scene to hospital 15 (10-23); randomisation to hospital 24 (16-34) and onset to hospital 97 (71-141). Ambulances travelled (km) 10 (4-19) from scene to hospital. Timings and distances differed between ambulance service, for example, onset to randomisation (fastest 53 min, slowest 77 min; p<0.001), distance from scene to hospital (least 4 km, most 20 km; p<0.001). CONCLUSION We completed a large prehospital stroke trial involving a simple-to-administer intervention across multiple ambulance services. The time from onset to randomisation and modest distances travelled support the applicability of future large-scale paramedic-delivered ambulance-based stroke trials in urban and rural locations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN26986053.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Dixon
- Division of Mental Health and Clinical Neuroscience, University of Nottingham Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Nottingham, UK
- Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland Division, East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Jason P Appleton
- Stroke, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Polly Scutt
- Division of Mental Health and Clinical Neuroscience, University of Nottingham Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Nottingham, UK
| | - Lisa J Woodhouse
- Division of Mental Health and Clinical Neuroscience, University of Nottingham Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Nottingham, UK
| | - Lee J Haywood
- Division of Mental Health and Clinical Neuroscience, University of Nottingham Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Nottingham, UK
| | - Diane Havard
- Division of Mental Health and Clinical Neuroscience, University of Nottingham Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Nottingham, UK
| | - Julia Williams
- Division of Paramedic Science, School of Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK
| | | | - Philip M Bath
- Division of Mental Health and Clinical Neuroscience, University of Nottingham Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Nottingham, UK
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22
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Rodgers S, Taylor AC, Roberts SA, Allen T, Ashcroft DM, Barrett J, Boyd MJ, Elliott RA, Khunti K, Sheikh A, Laparidou D, Siriwardena AN, Avery AJ. Scaling-up a pharmacist-led information technology intervention (PINCER) to reduce hazardous prescribing in general practices: Multiple interrupted time series study. PLoS Med 2022; 19:e1004133. [PMID: 36383560 PMCID: PMC9718399 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We previously reported on a randomised trial demonstrating the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a pharmacist-led information technology intervention (PINCER). We sought to investigate whether PINCER was effective in reducing hazardous prescribing when rolled out at scale in UK general practices. METHODS AND FINDINGS We used a multiple interrupted time series design whereby successive groups of general practices received the PINCER intervention between September 2015 and April 2017. We used 11 prescribing safety indicators to identify potentially hazardous prescribing and collected data over a maximum of 16 quarterly time periods. The primary outcome was a composite of all the indicators; a composite for indicators associated with gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding was also reported, along with 11 individual indicators of hazardous prescribing. Data were analysed using logistic mixed models for the quarterly event numbers with the appropriate denominator, and calendar time included as a covariate. PINCER was implemented in 370 (94.1%) of 393 general practices covering a population of almost 3 million patients in the East Midlands region of England; data were successfully extracted from 343 (92.7%) of these practices. For the primary composite outcome, the PINCER intervention was associated with a decrease in the rate of hazardous prescribing of 16.7% (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80 to 0.86) at 6 months and 15.3% (aOR 0.85, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.90) at 12 months postintervention. The unadjusted rate of hazardous prescribing reduced from 26.4% (22,503 patients in the numerator/853,631 patients in the denominator) to 20.1% (11,901 patients in the numerator/591,364 patients in the denominator) at 6 months and 19.1% (3,868 patients in the numerator/201,992 patients in the denominator). The greatest reduction in hazardous prescribing associated with the intervention was observed for the indicators associated with GI bleeding; for the GI composite indicator, there was a decrease of 23.9% at both 6 months (aOR 0.76, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.80) and 12 months (aOR 0.76, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.82) postintervention. The unadjusted rate of hazardous prescribing reduced from 31.4 (16,185 patients in the numerator/515,879 patients in the denominator) to 21.2% (7,607 patients in the numerator/358,349 patients in the denominator) at 6 months and 19.5% (2,369 patients in the numerator/121,534 patients in the denominator). We adjusted for calendar time and practice, but since this was an observational study, the findings may have been influenced by unknown confounding factors or behavioural changes unrelated to the PINCER intervention. Data were also not collected for all practices at 6 months and 12 months postintervention. CONCLUSIONS The PINCER intervention, when rolled out at scale in routine clinical practice, was associated with a reduction in hazardous prescribing by 17% and 15% at 6 and 12 months postintervention. The greatest reductions in hazardous prescribing were for indicators associated with risk of GI bleeding. These findings support the wider national rollout of PINCER in England.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Rodgers
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- PRIMIS, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Amelia C Taylor
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen A Roberts
- Centre for Biostatistics, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Allen
- Manchester Centre for Health Economics, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Danish Centre for Health Economics, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Darren M Ashcroft
- Centre for Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - James Barrett
- PRIMIS, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew J Boyd
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel A Elliott
- Manchester Centre for Health Economics, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Kamlesh Khunti
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Aziz Sheikh
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Despina Laparidou
- Community and Health Research Unit, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | | | - Anthony J Avery
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
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23
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Patel G, Phung VH, Julie Pattinson J, Trueman I, Ørner R, Botan V, Asghar Z, Smith MD, Ridyard C, Rowan E, Brewster A, Mountain P, Evans J, Spaight R, Niroshan Siriwardena A. PP21 Factors affecting community first responders’ role in rural emergencies: a qualitative interview study. J Accid Emerg Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2022-999.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundCommunity first responders (CFRs) are volunteers delivering emergency medical assistance and maintaining a patient’s condition until an ambulance arrives. Previous research has highlighted the CFR role and relationships, motivations, practice and perceptions, and need for mental health support. However, factors influencing CFR practise in the field are a relatively underexplored area. We aimed to explore the factors embedded in CFR implementation processes that either facilitated or hindered CFRs’ activities and practice in the UK.MethodIn a qualitative study, we conducted interviews with CFRs and CFR leads, paramedics and ambulance clinicians, commissioners, patients and relatives across six English ambulance service regions. Thematic analysis, supported by NVivo, enabled the identification codes and themes.ResultOverall, 47 participants were interviewed including CFR leads (15), CFRs (21), ambulance staff (4), and commissioners (2) from six ambulance services with patients and relatives (5) from the same regions. The findings revealed multi-layered factors influencing effective CFR functioning at three levels, namely individual, institutional, and societal. CFRs’ local expertise helped them to navigate operational challenges. Use of a personal vehicle and navigation software aided CFRs’ ability to respond promptly. Continuing training improved CFRs’ skills. CFR functioning was facilitated by positive relationships with ambulance crews. Identification and recognition by patients were important and aided by wearing uniforms. Community support was a facilitator for CFR activities in rural areas. In contrast, limited communication in remote regions, long waits for an ambulance, and reliance on community donations impeded CFRs’ care function. Volunteer shortages and lack of access to a blue light while using trusts’ car hindered CFRs’ ability to respond quickly. Negative relationships with ambulance crews also hampered CFRs’ involvement.ConclusionThis study highlights factors associated with effective CFR functioning and the requirement for supportive institutional and societal contexts for CFRs to assist patients in medical emergencies.
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Laparidou D, Botan V, Law GR, Rowan E, Smith MD, Brewster A, Spaight R, Spurr K, Mountain P, Dunmore S, James J, Roberts L, Khunti K, Niroshan Siriwardena A. 04 People with diabetes and ambulance staff perceptions of a booklet-based intervention for diabetic hypoglycaemia, ‘hypos can strike twice’: a mixed methods process evaluation. J Accid Emerg Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2022-999.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundHypoglycaemia is a potentially serious condition, characterised by lower-than-normal blood glucose levels, common in people with diabetes (PWD). It can be prevented and self-managed if expert support (e.g., education on lifestyle and treatment) is provided. Our aim was to conduct a process evaluation to investigate how ambulance staff and PWD perceived the ‘Hypos can strike twice’ booklet-based ambulance clinician intervention.MethodsWe used an explanatory sequential design with a self-administered questionnaire study followed by interviews of PWD and ambulance staff. We followed the Medical Research Council framework for process evaluations of complex interventions to guide data collection and analysis. Following descriptive analysis and exploratory factor analysis, multiple regression models were fitted to identify demographic predictors of overall and subscale scores.Results113 ambulance staff members and 46 PWD completed the survey. We conducted interviews with four ambulance staff members and five PWD who had been attended by an ambulance for a hypoglycaemic event. Overall, there were positive attitudes to the intervention from both ambulance staff and PWD. Although the intervention was not always implemented, most staff members and PWD found the booklet informative, easy to read and to use/explain. PWD who completed the survey reported that receiving the booklet reminded and/or encouraged them to test their blood glucose more often, adjust their diet, and have a chat/check up with their diabetes consultant. Interviewed PWD felt that the booklet intervention would be more valuable to less experienced patients or those who cannot manage their diabetes well. Participants felt that the intervention could be beneficial but were uncertain about whether it can prevent a second hypoglycaemic event and/or reduce the number of repeat ambulance attendances.ConclusionsThe ‘Hypos may strike twice’ intervention was found to be feasible, acceptable to PWD and staff, prompting reported behaviour change and help-seeking from primary care.
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Orsi A, Watson A, Botan V, Wijegoonewardene N, Lloyd D, Dunbar N, Asghar Z, Siriwardena AN. PP25 Activities and experiences of medical student first responders: a mixed methods study. Emerg Med J 2022. [DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2022-999.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundMedical Student First Responder (MSFR) schemes provide a Community First Responder (CFR) resource to their local ambulance Trust and experience for students. We aimed to investigate the contribution of these schemes and perceptions of students taking part in them.MethodsIn this convergent mixed methods study, we analysed dispatch data from two regional ambulance services and used propensity score matching to adjust for rurality and timing of attendance. MSFR attendances were compared with CFR and ambulance attendances. Multinomial logistic regression identified predictors of MSFR attendance compared with CFR and ambulance staff whilst accounting for confounders. We combined this with semistructured interviews of MSFRs from five schemes across the two regions. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using the Framework approach supported by NVivo. Final themes and categories were agreed through consensus.ResultsWe included MSFR attendances from 2019 (n = 5817). MSFRs were more likely to attend urgent category 1 and 2 calls (vs ambulance category 3: RRR 4.67, 95%CI 3.08 - 7.07 or category 4: RRR 8.85, 95%CI 1.09 - 71.75) and cardiorespiratory (vs ambulance RRR 0.44, 95%CI 0.35 - 0.56) or neurological/endocrine calls (vs ambulance RRR 0.55, 95%CI 0.41 - 0.74). MSFRs were more likely, compared to CFRs and ambulance staff, to be dispatched to younger patients, those from ethnic minorities and deprived areas.We interviewed 16 MSFRs from 5 medical schools. Participants described routes, requirements and challenges to recruitment. Training, mentorship, shadowing and debriefing were helpful to the role. Despite the risks and stress, most MSFRs enjoyed and valued their experience for enhancing clinical knowledge and skills in emergency care and understanding the wider context of care delivery. MSFRs’ experience also helped prepare for a future career involving emergency care.ConclusionsMSFR schemes provide a valuable contribution to prehospital care and beneficial experiences for medical students.
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Sumera K, Ilczak T, Lane JD, Bakkerud M, Pallas J, Martorell SO, Quinn T, Sandars J, Siriwardena AN. PP23 Improving CPR quality by the innovative use of a CPR quality officer: a simulation randomised control trial. J Accid Emerg Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2022-999.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundAmbulance services around the world play a pivotal role in the delivery of advanced life support (ALS) in an out of hospital setting. The European Resuscitation Council guidelines highlight the importance of high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and early defibrillation for out-of-hospital advanced life support, with the quality of CPR associated with patient outcomes. Despite this importance, research suggests that there is variable quality of ALS in out of hospital settings.MethodsA multicentre simulation randomised controlled trial was conducted to measure the effectiveness of introducing a CPR quality officer role in supervising and maintaining the quality of CPR in ALS. The data was collected by a research team that undertook training from the principal researcher.The participants were ALS trained paramedic students who had experience responding to out of hospital cardiac arrests. The participants were randomised into an intervention and control group and asked to undertake two simulated scenarios, one employing the CPR quality officer, the other without.The primary outcome measure was the compression score calculated by Laerdal QCPR® software. The score was represented as an overall percentage, illustrating the quality of performed chest compressions, interruptions, and chest recoil.ResultsThis is a work in progress, with full data collection now completed. The trial pilot results produced reported an increased overall QCPR score, reduced interruptions, improved chest recoil and an improved chest compression fraction.Qualitative data from focus groups identified that participants were supportive of the inclusion of the CPR quality officer and did not feel the role interfered with their ALS efforts.ConclusionsThe addition of a designated CPR quality officer addresses a fundamental component within the chain of survival. High-quality sustained CPR positively correlates with patient outcomes. Furthermore, assigning a designated CPR officer affords other team members to focus on their tasks. This inclusion is simple, cost-effective and can be utilised in an array of healthcare settings.
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Akanuwe J, Niroshan Siriwardena A, Bidaut L, Mitchell P, Bird P, Lasserson D, Lilford R. PP33 Use of point of care ultrasound in prehospital care: an interview study. Emerg Med J 2022. [DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2022-999.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundPoint of Care Ultrasound (PoCUS) is a currently available and rapidly developing technology but still not widely used in the UK. Prehospital PoCUS could help to prioritise initial treatment, procedures and appropriate patient conveyance.A recent literature review suggests that the image quality, portability and cost of ultrasound devices are improving with widening indications for prehospital PoCUS but evidence of prehospital use and impact is needed in the UK. We aimed to explore the views of practitioners (who use ultrasound in practice) on the potential role of PoCUS and the facilitators associated with its use in prehospital care.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative interview study using purposive sampling through social media and a snowballing technique to recruit eligible participants. Individual interviews were conducted online via Microsoft Teams. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using a Thematic Framework approach assisted by NVivo 12 software until data saturation.ResultsIn total, 16 practitioners aged between 36 and 62 years, with a range of professional backgrounds including paramedics and prehospital emergency physicians, participated in interviews. Participants identified several facilitators to support a widespread implementation of PoCUS in prehospital care: resource requirements for purchase and deployment of devices, sufficient time and a skilled workforce; paying special attention to training, education and support needs; ensuring there is proper organisational governance, guidelines and quality assurance; and including supportive staff, champions and leadership in workforce considerations. Enabling ease of use in aiding decision making and taking unintended consequences or incidental findings into consideration; and more robust evidence to support perceptions of improved patient outcomes and experience, were also identified as facilitators.ConclusionsPrehospital PoCUS could be a useful intervention for improving care processes and patient health outcomes. However, the facilitators identified should be considered for a widespread implementation of prehospital PoCUS.
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Botan V, Asghar Z, Rowan E, Smith MD, Patel G, Phung VH, Trueman I, Spaight R, Brewster A, Mountain P, Orner R, Siriwardena AN. EP10 Community first responders‘ contribution to rural emergency medical service provision in the UK. J Accid Emerg Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2022-999.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundCommunity First Responders (CFRs) are volunteers dispatched by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to potentially life-threatening emergencies to provide care until the ambulance staff arrive. Previous qualitative research described CFRs’ role, perceptions, and motivations, but quantitative evidence on their contribution to rural healthcare provision is lacking. We aimed to investigate the number, types, and location of calls (rural or urban), and characteristics of patients attended.MethodsWe used a retrospective observational design analysing routine data from six of ten ambulance services in England during 2019. Descriptive statistics were used to directly compare incidents where CFRs attended first with attendances from ambulance staff. A multiple logistic regression model was used to identify the main predictors of CFR attendance.ResultsThe data included 4.5 million incidents over one year. CFRs attended first a significantly higher proportion of calls in rural areas compared to urban areas (3.90% vs 1.48%, p<0.05). The main predictors of CFR presence were rurality (Odds Ratio [OR] 2.05, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.99-2.11, p<0.001), conditions including cardiorespiratory (OR 9.20, 95%CI 5.08-16.64, p<0.001) or neurological/endocrine (OR 9.26, 95%CI 5.12-16.77, p<0.001) and the most urgent call category 1 (OR 5.19, 95%CI 3.86-6.99, p<0.001) and call category 2 (OR 4.44, 95%CI 3.31-5.96 p<0.001). CFRs were also less likely to attend patients from minority ethnic backgrounds, those younger than 39 years, and incidents in more deprived areas.ConclusionsCFRs play an important role in EMS delivery, supporting the work of ambulance services, especially in rural areas. The work of CFRs has expanded from its original purpose to attend out-of-hospital cardiac arrest to more types of emergencies. Future development of CFR schemes should prioritise training for a range of conditions, and access to more deprived and ethnically diverse areas.
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Moore HE, Siriwardena AN, Gussy M, Spaight R. Mental health emergencies attended by ambulances in the United Kingdom and the implications for health service delivery: A cross-sectional study. J Health Serv Res Policy 2022; 28:138-146. [PMID: 35975884 DOI: 10.1177/13558196221119913] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In the context of increasing demand for ambulance services, emergency mental health cases are among the most difficult for ambulance clinicians to attend, partly because the cases often involve referring patients to other services. We describe the characteristics of mental health emergencies in the East Midlands region of the United Kingdom. We explore the association between 999 (i.e. emergency) call records, the clinical impressions of ambulance clinicians attending emergencies and the outcomes of ambulance attendance. We consider the implications of our results for optimizing patient care and ambulance service delivery. METHODS We conducted a retrospective observational study of records of all patients experiencing mental health emergencies attended by ambulances between 1 January 2018 and 31 July 2020. The records comprised details of 103,801 '999' calls (Dispatch), the preliminary diagnoses by ambulance clinicians on-scene (Primary Clinical Impression) and the outcomes of ambulance attendance for patients (Outcome). RESULTS A multinomial regression analysis found that model fit with Outcome data was improved with the addition of Dispatch and Primary Clinical Impression categories compared to the fit for the model containing only the intercept and Outcome categories (Chi-square = 18,357.56, df = 180, p < 0.01). Dispatch was a poor predictor of Primary Clinical impression. The most common predictors of Outcome care pathways other than 'Treated and transported' were records of respiratory conditions at Dispatch and anxiety reported by clinicians on-scene. CONCLUSIONS Drawing on the expertise of mental health specialists may help '999' dispatchers distinguish between physical and mental health emergencies and refer patients to appropriate services earlier in the response cycle. Further investigation is needed to determine if training Dispatch operatives for early triage and referral can be appropriately managed without compromising patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aloysius Niroshan Siriwardena
- Professor of Primary and Pre-hospital Healthcare, Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, 4547University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Mark Gussy
- Global Professor of Rural Health and Social Care, Lincoln Institute of Rural Health, 4547University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Robert Spaight
- Head of Clinical Research and Audit, 9819East Midlands Ambulance NHS Trust, Nottinghamshire, UK
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Kingston M, Jones J, Black S, Evans B, Ford S, Foster T, Goodacre S, Jones ML, Jones S, Keen L, Longo M, Lyons RA, Pallister I, Rees N, Siriwardena AN, Watkins A, Williams J, Wilson H, Snooks H. Clinical and cost-effectiveness of paramedic administered fascia iliaca compartment block for emergency hip fracture (RAPID 2)-protocol for an individually randomised parallel-group trial. Trials 2022; 23:677. [PMID: 35978361 PMCID: PMC9385096 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06522-3] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Approximately 75,000 people fracture a hip each year in the UK. This painful injury can be devastating—with a high associated mortality rate—and survivors likely to be more dependent and less mobile. Pain relief at the scene of injury is known to be inadequate. Intravenous morphine is usually given by paramedics, but opioids are less effective for dynamic pain and can cause serious side effects, including nausea, constipation, delirium and respiratory depression. These may delay surgery, require further treatment and worsen patient outcomes. We completed a feasibility study of paramedic-provided fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB), testing the intervention, trial methods and data collection. The study (RAPID) demonstrated that a full trial was feasible. In this subsequent study, we aim to test safety, clinical and cost-effectiveness of paramedic-provided FICB as pain relief to patients with suspected hip fracture in the prehospital environment. Methods We will conduct a pragmatic multi-centre individually randomised parallel-group trial, with a 1:1 allocation between usual care (control) and FICB (intervention). Hospital clinicians in five sites (paired ambulance services and receiving hospitals) in England and Wales will train 220 paramedics to administer FICB. The primary outcome is change in pain score from pre-randomisation to arrival at the emergency department. One thousand four hundred patients are required to find a clinically important difference between trial arms in the primary outcome (standardised statistical effect ~ 0.2; 90% power, 5% significance). We will use NHS Digital (England) and the SAIL (Secure Anonymised Information Linkage) databank (Wales) to follow up patient outcomes using routine anonymised linked data in an efficient study design, and questionnaires to capture patient-reported outcomes at 1 and 4 months. Secondary outcomes include mortality, length of hospital stay, job cycle time, prehospital medications including morphine, presence of hip fracture, satisfaction, mobility, and NHS costs. We will assess safety by monitoring serious adverse events (SAEs). Discussion The trial will help to determine whether paramedic administered FICB is a safe, clinically and cost-effective treatment for suspected hip fracture in the pre-hospital setting. Impact will be shown if and when clinical guidelines either recommend or reject the use of FICB in routine practice in this context. Trial registration ISRCTN15831813. Registered on 22 September 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sarah Black
- South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK
| | | | - Simon Ford
- Swansea Bay University Health Board, Port Talbot, UK
| | - Theresa Foster
- East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Melbourn, UK
| | | | | | | | - Leigh Keen
- Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust, St Asaph, UK
| | | | | | - Ian Pallister
- Swansea Bay University Health Board, Port Talbot, UK
| | - Nigel Rees
- Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust, St Asaph, UK
| | | | | | - Julia Williams
- South East Coast Ambulance Services NHS Foundation Trust, Crawley, UK
| | - Helen Wilson
- Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, UK
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Whitley GA, Hemingway P, Law GR, Siriwardena AN. Improving ambulance care for children suffering acute pain: a qualitative interview study. BMC Emerg Med 2022; 22:96. [PMID: 35659188 PMCID: PMC9164349 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-022-00648-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pain is a highly complex sensory and emotional experience. When a child suffers acute pain through illness or injury, they are often transported to hospital by ambulance. Pre-hospital pain management in children is poor, with 61% of children receiving suboptimal pain management. Consequences of poor pain management include the risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder and altered pain perception. We aimed to identify clinicians’ perceptions of barriers, facilitators and potential improvements for the management of pre-hospital acute pain in children. Methods Qualitative face to face semi-structured recorded interviews were performed in one large UK ambulance service. Audio files were transcribed verbatim with thematic analysis used to generate themes. NVivo 12 was used to support data analysis. Findings were combined with existing evidence to generate a driver diagram. Results Twelve ambulance clinicians participated, including 9 registered paramedics and 3 emergency medical technicians. Median (IQR) age was 43.50 (41.50, 45.75) years, 58% were male, median (IQR) experience was 12 (4.25, 15.50) years and 58% were parents. Several themes relating to barriers and facilitators were identified, including physical, emotional, social, organisational, environmental, management, knowledge and experience. Improvement themes were identified relating to management, organisation and education. These data were combined to create a driver diagram; the three primary drivers were 1) explore methods to increase rates of analgesic administration, including utilising intranasal or inhaled routes; 2) reduce fear and anxiety in children, by using child friendly uniform, additional non-pharmacological techniques and more public interaction and 3) reduce fear and anxiety in clinicians, by enhancing training and optimising crew mix. Conclusions The quality of care that children receive for acute pain in the ambulance service may be improved by increasing rates of analgesic administration and reducing the fear and anxiety experienced by children and clinicians. Future research involving children and parents would be useful to determine the most important outcome measures and facilitate intervention development. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12873-022-00648-y.
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Moore HE, Hill B, Tanser F, Siriwardena AN, Gussy M, Cutts M, Spaight R. Characterizing Unusual Spatial Clusters of Male Mental Health Emergencies Occurring During the First National COVID-19 "Lockdown" in the East Midlands Region, UK: A Geospatial Analysis of Ambulance 999 Data. Am J Mens Health 2022; 16:15579883221097539. [PMID: 35579400 PMCID: PMC9118447 DOI: 10.1177/15579883221097539] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The widespread psychological effects of contagion mitigation measures associated with the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are well known. Phases of “lockdown” have increased levels of anxiety and depression globally. Most research uses methods such as self-reporting that highlight the greater impact of the pandemic on the mental health of females. Emergency medical data from ambulance services may be a better reflection of male mental health. We use ambulance data to identify unusual clusters of high rates of male mental health emergencies occurring in the East Midlands of the United Kingdom during the first national “lockdown” and to explore factors that may explain clusters. Analysis of more than 5,000 cases of male mental health emergencies revealed 19 unusual spatial clusters. Binary logistic regression analysis (χ2 = 787.22, df = 20, p ≤ .001) identified 16 factors that explained clusters, including proximity to “healthy” features of the physical landscape, urban and rural dynamics, and socioeconomic condition. Our findings suggest that the factors underlying vulnerability of males to severe mental health conditions during “lockdown” vary within and between rural and urban spaces, and that the wider “hinterland” surrounding clusters influences the social and physical access of males to services that facilitate mental health support. Limitations on social engagement to mitigate effects of the pandemic are likely to continue. Our approach could inform delivery of emergency services and the development of community-level services to support vulnerable males during periods of social isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bartholomew Hill
- Water WISER CDT, University of Loughborough, Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK
| | - Frank Tanser
- Lincoln Institute for Rural Health, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | | | - Mark Gussy
- Lincoln Institute for Rural Health, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Morgan Cutts
- Department of Geography, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Robert Spaight
- East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
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Mason R, Roberts A, Spaight R, Shaw D, Whitley GA, Hogue TE, Siriwardena AN, Rogers J, Law GR. Ambulance attendance for substance and/or alcohol use in a pandemic: Interrupted time series analysis of incidents. Drug Alcohol Rev 2022; 41:932-940. [PMID: 35231136 PMCID: PMC9111577 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The ambulance attendance for substance and/or alcohol use in a pandemic (ASAP) study explores incidents during the COVID-19 lockdown in the East Midlands region of the United Kingdom (23 March-4 July 2020). METHOD Retrospective cross-sectional count per day of ambulance attendances from the East Midlands Ambulance Service Trust. Ambulance attendances relating to alcohol or other drug use in the year prior, during lockdown and weeks following, were examined using interrupted time series analysis by patient demographics and geographical location. RESULTS A total of 36 104 records were identified (53.7% male, 84.5% ethnicity classified as White, mean age 38.4 years). A significant drop in the number of attendances per day at the start of lockdown (-25.24, confidence interval - 38.16, -12.32) was observed, followed by a gradual increase during the ongoing lockdown period (0.36, confidence interval 0.23, 0.46). Similar patterns were found across genders, age groups 16-64 and urban/rural locations. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The pattern of ambulance attendances for alcohol or other drug use changed during the COVID-19 lockdown period. Lockdown significantly affected the use of ambulances for incidents involving alcohol or other drug use, impacting on health-care services. Further research into hazardous use of alcohol or other drugs during the lockdown periods is needed to inform policy, planning and public health initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Mason
- School of Health and Social CareCollege of Social Science, University of LincolnLincolnUK
| | - Amanda Roberts
- School of PsychologyCollege of Social Science, University of LincolnLincolnUK
| | | | - Debbie Shaw
- East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS TrustLincolnUK
| | - Gregory Adam Whitley
- School of Health and Social CareCollege of Social Science, University of LincolnLincolnUK,East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS TrustLincolnUK
| | - Todd E. Hogue
- School of PsychologyCollege of Social Science, University of LincolnLincolnUK
| | | | - Jim Rogers
- School of Health and Social CareCollege of Social Science, University of LincolnLincolnUK
| | - Graham R. Law
- School of Health and Social CareCollege of Social Science, University of LincolnLincolnUK
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Edwards M, Cooper A, Hughes T, Davies F, Price D, Anderson P, Evans B, Carson-Stevens A, Dale J, Hibbert P, Harrington B, Hepburn J, Niroshan Siriwardena A, Snooks H, Edwards A. The effectiveness of primary care streaming in emergency departments on decision-making and patient flow and safety - A realist evaluation. Int Emerg Nurs 2022; 62:101155. [PMID: 35339107 DOI: 10.1016/j.ienj.2022.101155] [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] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Primary care streaming was implemented in UK Emergency Departments (EDs) to manage an increasing demand for urgent care. We aimed to explore its effectiveness in EDs with different primary care models and identify contexts and mechanisms that influenced outcomes: streaming patients to the most appropriate clinician or service, ED flow and patient safety. METHOD We observed streaming and interviewed ED and primary care staff during case study visits to 10 EDs in England. We used realist methodology, synthesising a middle-range theory with our qualitative data to refine and create a set of theories that explain relationships between contexts, mechanisms and outcomes. RESULTS Mechanisms contributing to the effectiveness of primary care streaming were: quality of decision-making, patient flow, redeploying staff, managing patients across streams, the implementation of governance protocols, guidance, training, service evaluation and quality improvement efforts. Experienced nurses and good teamworking and strategic and operational management were key contextual factors. CONCLUSION We recommend service improvement strategies, operational management, monitoring, evaluation and training to ensure that ED nurses stream patients presenting at an ED seeking urgent care to the most appropriate clinicians for their needs in a safe and efficient manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Edwards
- Division of Population Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK.
| | - Alison Cooper
- Division of Population Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
| | - Thomas Hughes
- Emergency Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Freya Davies
- Division of Population Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
| | - Delyth Price
- Division of Population Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
| | - Pippa Anderson
- Swansea Centre for Health Economics, College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea. UK
| | - Bridie Evans
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | | | - Jeremy Dale
- Academic Primary Care, Warwick University, Coventry, UK
| | - Peter Hibbert
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Australia
| | - Barbara Harrington
- Division of Population Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
| | - Julie Hepburn
- Division of Population Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Helen Snooks
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Adrian Edwards
- Division of Population Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
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Curtis F, Jayawickrama WIU, Laparidou D, Weligamage D, Kumarawansha WKWS, Ortega M, Siriwardena AN. Corrigendum to: Perceptions and experiences of residents and relatives of emergencies in care homes: a systematic review and metasynthesis of qualitative research. Age Ageing 2022; 51:6544235. [PMID: 35275204 PMCID: PMC8915879 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afab238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ffion Curtis
- Lincoln International Institute of Rural Health, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, UK
| | - Withanage Iresha Udayangani Jayawickrama
- Community and Health Research Unit and Lincoln Clinical Trials Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, UK
- Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Despina Laparidou
- Community and Health Research Unit and Lincoln Clinical Trials Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, UK
| | - Dedunu Weligamage
- Community and Health Research Unit and Lincoln Clinical Trials Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, UK
- Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Weerapperuma Kankanamge Wijaya Sarathchandra Kumarawansha
- Community and Health Research Unit and Lincoln Clinical Trials Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, UK
- Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | | | - Aloysius Niroshan Siriwardena
- Community and Health Research Unit and Lincoln Clinical Trials Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, UK
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Moore HE, Siriwardena AN, Gussy M, Hill B, Tanser F, Spaight R. Exploring the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Male Mental Health Emergencies Attended by Ambulances During the First National "Lockdown" in the East Midlands of the United Kingdom. Am J Mens Health 2022; 16:15579883221082428. [PMID: 35246002 PMCID: PMC8902032 DOI: 10.1177/15579883221082428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and associated mitigation strategies such as “lockdown” are having widespread adverse psychological effects, including increased levels of anxiety and depression. Most research using self-reported data highlights the pandemic’s impact on the psychological well-being of females, whereas data for mental health emergency presentations may reflect the impact on male mental health more accurately. We analyzed records of male mental health emergencies occurring in the East Midlands of the United Kingdom during the first national “lockdown.” We computed two binary logistic regression models to (a) compare male mental health emergencies occurring during “lockdown,” 2020 (5,779) with those occurring in the same period in 2019 (N = 4,744) and (b) compare male (N = 5,779) and female (N = 7,695) mental health emergencies occurring during “lockdown.” Comparisons considered the characteristics of mental health emergencies recorded by ambulance clinicians (Primary Impressions), and the socioeconomic characteristics of communities where emergencies use the Index of Multiple Deprivation. We found that during “lockdown,” male emergencies were more likely to involve acute anxiety (odds ratio [OR]: 1.42) and less likely to involve intentional drug overdose (OR: 0.86) or attempted suicide (OR: 0.71) compared with 2019. Compared with females, male emergencies were more likely to involve acute behavioral disturbance (OR: 1.99) and less likely to involve anxiety (OR: 0.67), attempted suicide (OR: 0.83), or intentional drug overdose (OR: 0.76). Compared with 2019, and compared with females, males experiencing mental health emergencies during “lockdown” were more likely to present in areas of high deprivation. Understanding the presentation of male mental health emergencies could inform improved patient care pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mark Gussy
- Lincoln Institute of Rural Health, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | | | - Frank Tanser
- Lincoln Institute of Rural Health, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Robert Spaight
- East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
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Price D, Edwards M, Davies F, Cooper A, McFadzean J, Carson-Stevens A, Cooke M, Dale J, Evans BA, Harrington B, Hepburn J, Siriwardena AN, Snooks H, Edwards A. Patients’ experiences of attending emergency departments where primary care services are located: qualitative findings from patient and clinician interviews from a realist evaluation. BMC Emerg Med 2022; 22:12. [PMID: 35065616 PMCID: PMC8783419 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-021-00562-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patient experience is an important outcome and indicator of healthcare quality, and patient reported experiences are key to improving quality of care. While patient experience in emergency departments (EDs) has been reported in research, there is limited evidence about patients’ specific experiences with primary care services located in or alongside EDs. We aim to identify theories about patient experience and acceptability of being streamed to a primary care clinician in an ED. Methods Using theories from a rapid realist review as a basis, we interviewed 24 patients and 106 staff members to generate updated theories about patient experience and acceptability of streaming to primary care services in EDs. Feedback from 56 stakeholders, including clinicians, policymakers and patient and public members, as well as observations at 13 EDs, also contributed to the development of these theories, which we present as a programme theory. Results We found that patients had no expectations or preferences for which type of clinician they were seen by, and generally found being streamed to a primary care clinician in the ED acceptable. Clinicians and patients reported that patients generally found primary care streaming acceptable if they felt their complaint was dealt with suitably, in a timely manner, and when clinicians clearly communicated the need for investigations, and how these contributed to decision-making and treatment plans. Conclusions From our findings, we have developed a programme theory to demonstrate that service providers can expect that patients will be generally satisfied with their experience of being streamed to, and seen by, primary care clinicians working in these services. Service providers should consider the potential advantages and disadvantages of implementing primary care services at their ED. If primary care services are implemented, clear communication is needed between staff and patients, and patient feedback should be sought.
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Moore HE, Hill B, Siriwardena AN, Tanser F, Spaight R. Rethinking the health implications of society-environment relationships in built areas: An assessment of the access to healthy and hazards index in the context of COVID-19. Landsc Urban Plan 2022; 217:104265. [PMID: 34629576 PMCID: PMC8493417 DOI: 10.1016/j.landurbplan.2021.104265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Urban environments have been evolving to mitigate threats to the health and wellbeing of societies for thousands of years, including establishing open spaces to combat bubonic plague, improving waste management in the 20th century, and more recently retrofitting urban landscapes with green space to promote physical exercise. In the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic there is a need to rethink how societies interact with space in built environments to prevent contagion at the same time as facilitating health behaviours, such as exercise. Previously, we examined the spatial relationship between features of urban landscapes that are commonly considered to be 'hazardous' and 'healthy' and unusual clusters of COVID-19 cases in the East Midlands of the UK using ambulance data. Here, we consider the nature of social engagement that these features of urban landscapes facilitate and identify society-environment interactions that may increase risk of exposure to the virus. In some cases, spaces that are commonly thought to promote health behaviour may increase exposure. Contagion hot-spots occur at the nexus of exposure and underlying susceptibility. The viral-host dynamics of infectious disease are changing. Now, as in past eras, societies are required to evolve and adapt to the new challenges presented by emerging infectious diseases in the modern world.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Frank Tanser
- Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health, University of Lincoln, UK
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Roberts A, Rogers J, Mason R, Siriwardena AN, Hogue T, Whitley GA, Law GR. Alcohol and other substance use during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 229:109150. [PMID: 34749198 PMCID: PMC8559994 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.109150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although evidence suggests substance and alcohol use may change during the Covid-19 pandemic there has been no full review of the evidence around this. METHODS A systematic review of all available evidence was carried out to document and interpret the frequency and severity of alcohol and other substance use during the Covid-19 pandemic and their relationship to demographic and mental health variables that may suggest further clinical implications. Peer reviewed articles in MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL complete and Sociological Abstracts were searched from December 2019 until November 2020. RESULTS The search and screening identified 45 articles from 513 deduplicated records. The evidence suggests a mixed picture for alcohol use. Overall, there was a trend towards increased alcohol consumption. The proportion of people consuming alcohol during the pandemic ranged from 21.7% to 72.9% in general population samples. Unlike alcohol use, there was a clear trend towards increased use of other substances use during the COVID-19 pandemic. The proportion of people consuming other substances during the pandemic ranged from 3.6% to 17.5% in the general population. Mental health factors were the most common correlates or triggers for increased use of both alcohol and other substances. CONCLUSION There is an increased need for treatment for alcohol and other substance use related problems during the pandemic. Increased targeting and evidence-based interventions will also be important in the period which follows this pandemic, to improve the quality of life for individuals and families, but also to prevent additional costs to society and health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Roberts
- School of Psychology, College of Social Science, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN6 7TS, UK.
| | - Jim Rogers
- Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Rachael Mason
- Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Aloysius Niroshan Siriwardena
- Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Todd Hogue
- School of Psychology, College of Social Science, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Gregory Adam Whitley
- Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Graham R Law
- Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN6 7TS, UK
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Cooper A, Carson-Stevens A, Edwards M, Davies F, Donaldson LJ, Anderson P, Cooke M, Dale J, Evans BA, Harrington B, Hepburn J, Hibbert P, Hughes T, Porter A, Siriwardena AN, Snooks H, Edwards A. Identifying safe care processes when GPs work in or alongside emergency departments: a realist evaluation. Br J Gen Pract 2021; 71:e931-e940. [PMID: 34048363 PMCID: PMC8544118 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp.2021.0090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing pressure on emergency services has led to the development of different models of care delivery including GPs working in or alongside emergency departments (EDs), but with a lack of evidence for patient safety outcomes. AIM This study aimed to explore how care processes work and how patient safety incidents associated with GPs working in ED settings may be mitigated. DESIGN AND SETTING Realist methodology with a purposive sample of 13 EDs in England and Wales with different GP service models. The study sought to understand the relationship between contexts, mechanisms, and outcomes to develop theories about how and why patient safety incidents may occur, and how safe care was perceived to be delivered. METHOD Qualitative data were collected (observations, semi-structured audio-recorded staff interviews, and local patient safety incident reports). Data were coded using 'if, then, because' statements to refine initial theories developed from an earlier rapid realist literature review and analysis of a sample of national patient safety incident reports. RESULTS The authors developed a programme theory to describe how safe patient care was perceived to be delivered in these service models, including: an experienced streaming nurse using local guidance and early warning scores; support for GPs' clinical decision making, with clear governance processes relevant to the intended role (traditional GP approach or emergency medicine approach); and strong clinical leadership to promote teamwork and improve communication between services. CONCLUSION The findings of this study can be used as a focus for more in-depth human factors investigations to optimise work conditions in this complex care delivery setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Cooper
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Andrew Carson-Stevens
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Michelle Edwards
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Freya Davies
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | | | - Matthew Cooke
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, Coventry, UK
| | - Jeremy Dale
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, Coventry, UK
| | | | | | | | - Peter Hibbert
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Australia
| | | | - Alison Porter
- Institute of Life Science 2, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, UK
| | | | - Helen Snooks
- Institute of Life Science 2, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, UK
| | - Adrian Edwards
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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Curtis F, Jayawickrama WIU, Laparidou D, Weligamage D, Kumarawansha WKWS, Ortega M, Siriwardena AN. Perceptions and experiences of residents and relatives of emergencies in care homes: a systematic review and metasynthesis of qualitative research. Age Ageing 2021; 50:1925-1934. [PMID: 34591971 PMCID: PMC8581376 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afab182] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background the perceptions and experiences of care home residents and their families are important for understanding and improving the quality of emergency care. Methods we conducted a systematic review and metasynthesis to understand the perceptions and experiences of care home residents and their family members who experienced medical emergencies in a care home setting. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020167018). We searched five electronic databases, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed, Cochrane Library and PsycINFO, supplemented with internet searches and forward and backward citation tracking from included studies and review articles. Data were synthesised thematically following the Thomas and Harden approach. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme qualitative checklist was used to assess the quality of studies included in this review. Results of the 6,140 references retrieved, 10 studies from four countries (Australia, Canada, UK and USA) were included in the review and metasynthesis. All the included studies were assessed as being of good quality. Through an iterative approach, we developed six analytical themes: (i) infrastructure and process requirements in care homes to prevent and address emergencies; (ii) the decision to transfer to hospital; (iii) experiences of transfer and hospitalisation for older patients; (iv) good communication is vital for desirable outcomes; (v) legal, regulatory and ethical concerns and (vi) trusting relationships enabled residents to feel safe. Conclusions the emergency care experience for care home residents can be enhanced by ensuring resources, staff capacity and processes for high quality care and trusting relationships between staff, patients and relatives, underpinned by good communication and attention to ethical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ffion Curtis
- Lincoln International Institute of Rural Health, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, UK
| | - Withanage Iresha Udayangani Jayawickrama
- Community and Health Research Unit and Lincoln Clinical Trials Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, UK
- Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Despina Laparidou
- Community and Health Research Unit and Lincoln Clinical Trials Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, UK
| | - Dedunu Weligamage
- Community and Health Research Unit and Lincoln Clinical Trials Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, UK
- Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Weerapperuma Kankanamge Wijaya Sarathchandra Kumarawansha
- Community and Health Research Unit and Lincoln Clinical Trials Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, UK
- Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | | | - Aloysius Niroshan Siriwardena
- Community and Health Research Unit and Lincoln Clinical Trials Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, UK
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Siriwardena AN, Akanuwe JNA, Botan V, Laparidou D, Curtis F, Jackson J, Asghar ZB, Hodgson TL. Patient-reported symptoms and experience following Guillain-Barré syndrome and related conditions: Questionnaire development and validation. Health Expect 2021; 25:223-231. [PMID: 34597442 PMCID: PMC8849366 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13367] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare inflammatory peripheral nerve disorder with variable recovery. Evidence is lacking on experiences of people with GBS and measurement of these experiences. Objective We aimed to develop and validate an instrument to measure experiences of people with GBS. Design We used a cross‐sectional design and online self‐administered questionnaire survey. Question domains, based on a previous systematic review and qualitative study, covered experiences of GBS, symptom severity at each stage, healthcare and factors supporting or hindering recovery. Descriptive, exploratory factor and reliability analyses and multivariable regression analysis were used to investigate the relationships between variables of interest, explore questionnaire reliability and validity and identify factors predicting recovery. Setting and Participants People with a previous diagnosis of GBS were recruited through a social media advert. Results A total of 291 responders, of different sexes, and marital statuses, were included, with most diagnosed between 2015 and 2019. Factor analysis showed four scales: symptoms, information provided, factors affecting recovery and care received. Positive social interactions, physical activity including physiotherapy and movement, changes made at home and immunoglobulin treatment were important for recovery. Multivariable models showed that immunoglobulin and/or plasma exchange were significant predictors of recovery. Employment and recovery factors (positive interactions, work support and changes at work or home, physical activity and therapy), though associated with recovery, did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion The questionnaire demonstrated good internal reliability of scales and subscales and construct validity for people following GBS. Patient Contribution Patients were involved in developing and piloting the questionnaire.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joseph N A Akanuwe
- Community and Health Research Unit (CaHRU), School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Vanessa Botan
- Community and Health Research Unit (CaHRU), School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Despina Laparidou
- Community and Health Research Unit (CaHRU), School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Ffion Curtis
- Centre for Ethnic Health Research, Leicester Diabetes Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Jennifer Jackson
- Community Orgnisation Group, Lincoln International Business School, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Zahid B Asghar
- Community and Health Research Unit (CaHRU), School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Timothy L Hodgson
- Perception Action Cognition, School of Psychology, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
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Asghar ZB, Wankhade P, Bell F, Sanderson K, Hird K, Phung VH, Siriwardena AN. Trends, variations and prediction of staff sickness absence rates among NHS ambulance services in England: a time series study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e053885. [PMID: 34588266 PMCID: PMC8483034 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-053885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Our aim was to measure ambulance sickness absence rates over time, comparing ambulance services and investigate the predictability of rates for future forecasting. SETTING All English ambulance services, UK. DESIGN We used a time series design analysing published monthly National Health Service staff sickness rates by gender, age, job role and region, comparing the 10 regional ambulance services in England between 2009 and 2018. Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) and Seasonal ARIMA (SARIMA) models were developed using Stata V.14.2 and trends displayed graphically. PARTICIPANTS Individual participant data were not available. The total number of full-time equivalent (FTE) days lost due to sickness absence (including non-working days) and total number of days available for work for each staff group and level were available. In line with The Data Protection Act, if the organisation had less than 330 FTE days available during the study period it was censored for analysis. RESULTS A total of 1117 months of sickness absence rate data for all English ambulance services were included in the analysis. We found considerable variation in annual sickness absence rates between ambulance services and over the 10-year duration of the study in England. Across all the ambulance services the median days available were 1 336 888 with IQR of 548 796 and 73 346 median days lost due to sickness absence, with IQR of 30 551 days. Among clinical staff sickness absence varied seasonally with peaks in winter and falls over summer. The winter increases in sickness absence were largely predictable using seasonally adjusted (SARIMA) time series models. CONCLUSION Sickness rates for clinical staff were found to vary considerably over time and by ambulance trust. Statistical models had sufficient predictive capability to help forecast sickness absence, enabling services to plan human resources more effectively at times of increased demand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahid B Asghar
- Community and Health Research Unit, Lincoln Medical School, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln-Brayford Campus, Lincoln, UK
| | - Paresh Wankhade
- Business School, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, Liverpool, UK
| | - Fiona Bell
- Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Wakefield, UK
| | - Kristy Sanderson
- School of Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Kelly Hird
- Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Wakefield, UK
| | - Viet-Hai Phung
- Community and Health Research Unit, Lincoln Medical School, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln-Brayford Campus, Lincoln, UK
| | - Aloysius Niroshan Siriwardena
- Community and Health Research Unit, Lincoln Medical School, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln-Brayford Campus, Lincoln, UK
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Laparidou D, Curtis F, Udayangani Jayawickrama WI, Weligamage D, Ortega M, Siriwardena AN. EP13 Perceptions and experiences of residents and relatives of emergencies in care homes: systematic review and meta-synthesis. Arch Emerg Med 2021. [DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2021-999.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundMedical emergencies in care homes, both residential and nursing care homes, are common and costly, often resulting in calls to an out-of-hours general practitioner (GP) or Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Ambulance attendance frequently results in conveyance to hospital and the concomitant high costs and risks of, often prolonged, hospitalisation. Previous reviews have focussed on various stakeholder perceptions of transfer to hospital. The aim of this systematic review was to provide a comprehensive synthesis of the perceptions and experiences of care home residents and their family members, who have experienced medical emergencies in a care home setting.MethodsWe searched five electronic databases, supplemented with internet searches and forward and backward citation tracking from the included studies and review articles. Data were synthesised thematically following the Thomas and Harden approach. The CASP Qualitative Checklist was used to assess the quality of the included studies of this review.ResultsThe search strategy identified 6,140 citations. After removing duplicates and excluding citations based on title and abstract, and full-text screening, ten studies from four countries (Australia, Canada, UK, and US) were included in the review and meta-synthesis. All included studies were considered of acceptable quality. Through an iterative approach, we developed six analytical themes. 1. Infrastructure and process requirements in care homes to prevent and address emergencies; 2. The decision to transfer to hospital – a perfect storm; 3. Challenges of transfer and hospitalisation for older patients; 4. Good communication vital for desirable outcomes; 5. Legal, regulatory and ethical concerns; and 6. Trusting relationships enabled residents to feel safe.ConclusionsThe emergency care experience for care home residents can be enhanced by ensuring resources, staff capacity and processes for high quality care. Building trusting relationships underpinned by good communication and attention to ethical practice were also identified as important factors.
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Smith MD, Siriwardena AN, Spaight R, Rowan E. OP07 On the effectiveness and costs of inhaled methoxyflurane versus usual analgesia for prehospital injury and trauma. Arch Emerg Med 2021. [DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2021-999.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundAcute pain is often inadequately treated in adults with traumatic injury. Inhaled methoxyflurane, newly licensed in Europe for this indication, has limited evidence of clinical effectiveness in the prehospital setting. We aimed to investigate clinical effectiveness and costs of methoxyflurane administered by ambulance staff compared with usual analgesic practice (UAP) for patients with trauma.MethodsWe used a non-randomised control group pragmatic design comparing methoxyflurane versus Entonox® and parenteral analgesics. Verbal numerical pain scores (VNPS) were gathered over time in adults with moderate to severe trauma pain attended by ambulance staff trained in administering and supplied with methoxyflurane. Comparator VNPS were obtained from database records of UAP in similar patients. Clinical efficacy was tested using an Ordered Probit panel regression model of pain linked by observational rules to VNPS. Scenario analyses were used to compare durations under analgesia spent in severe pain, and costs.ResultsOver 12 months, 96 trained paramedics and technicians prepared 510 doses of methoxyflurane for administration to 483 patients. 32 patients reported side-effects, 19 of whom discontinued early. 13 patients, 10 aged over 75 years, were nonadherent to inhaler use instructions.Modelling results showed statistically significant clinical effectiveness of methoxyflurane over each comparator (all p-values<0.001). Methoxyflurane’s time to achieve maximum pain relief was significantly faster (all p-values<0.001): 26.4 mins (95%CI 25.0-27.8) versus Entonox® 44.4 (39.5-49.3); 26.5 (25.0-27.9) versus IV morphine sulfate 41.8 (38.9-44.7); 26.5 (25.1-28.0) versus IV paracetamol 40.8 (34.7-46.9).Scenario analyses of durations spent in severe pain were significantly less for methoxyflurane to comparators. Benefits of methoxyflurane were achieved at higher cost to comparators.ConclusionsMethoxyflurane reduced pain more rapidly and to a greater extent than Entonox® and more quickly than parenteral analgesics in adults with moderate or severe pain due to trauma attended by ambulance clinicians. Methoxyflurane provides a useful addition to prehospital analgesia.
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Edwards M, Cooper A, Stevens AC, Edwards A, Hughes T, Snooks H, Anderson P, Porter A, Evans B, Dale J, Cooke M, Hibbert P, Siriwardena AN. PP18 Is there provider induced demand at emergency departments with primary care services? Patient, local and wider system factors described to influence demand for primary care in emergency departments: realist evaluation. Arch Emerg Med 2021. [DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2021-999.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundEvidence from evaluations of emergency departments (EDs) with co-located primary care services suggests that they influence additional demand for non-urgent care (provider-induced demand). In a realist review of the literature on the effects of primary care services in EDs we proposed a theory that when primary care services are distinct at an ED they may encourage additional primary care demand and when primary care clinicians work indistinctly in the ED there is no additional demand. We aimed to explore evidence for this theory and explain contexts, mechanisms and outcomes that influence such demand.MethodsWe used realist evaluation methodology and carried out observations of key processes. We interviewed 23 patients, 21 ED clinical directors, 26 other ED staff members and 26 GPs at 13 EDs (England & Wales). Field notes and audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed by creating context, mechanism and outcome configurations to refine and develop theories relating to provider induced demand.ResultsEDs with distinct primary care services were perceived to attract more demand for primary care than EDs where primary care clinicians worked indistinctly because the primary care service was visible, widely known about, enabled direct access, and received NHS 111 referrals. Other influences on demand were patients’ experiences of accessing primary care, the capacity for urgent care in the community, location of the ED and public transport links, service design and developments (new buildings, renovations) and population characteristics (unfamiliarity with local healthcare services, not registered with a GP or different cultural perceptions of seeking health care).ConclusionsA range of patient, local-system and wider-system factors contribute to additional demand at an ED with co-located primary care services. Our findings can inform providers and policymakers in developing strategies to limit the effect of these influences on additional demand.
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Botan V, Law GR, Laparidou D, Rowan E, Smith MD, Ridyard C, Brewster A, Spaight R, Spurr K, Mountain P, Dunmore S, James J, Roberts L, Khunti K, Siriwardena AN. 01 The effects of a leaflet-based intervention, ‘hypos can strike twice’, on recurrent hypoglycaemic attendances by ambulance services: a non-randomised stepped wedge study. Arch Emerg Med 2021. [DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2021-999.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundHypoglycaemia is a common complication of diabetes therapy needing prompt recognition and treatment. It often results in ambulance attendance incurring health services costs and patient morbidity. Patient education is important for maintaining glycaemic control and preventing recurrent hypoglycaemia. We aimed to investigate the effect of an intervention in which ambulance staff were trained to provide advice supported by a booklet – ‘Hypos can strike twice’- issued following a hypoglycaemic event to prevent future attendances.MethodsWe used a non-randomised stepped wedge-controlled design. The intervention was introduced at different times (steps) in different areas (clusters) of operation of East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EMAS). During the first step (T0) no clusters were exposed to the intervention and during the last step (T3) all clusters were exposed. The main outcome was the number of unsuccessful ambulance attendances (i.e. attendances followed by a repeat attendance). Data were analysed using a general linear mixed model (GLMM) and an interrupted-time series analysis (ITSA).ResultsThe study included 4825 patients (mean age= 65.42, SD=19.42; 2166 females) experiencing hypoglycaemic events attended by EMAS. GLMM indicated a reduction in the number of unsuccessful attendances in the final step of the intervention when compared to the first (OR: 0.50, 95%CI: 0.33-0.76, p=0.001). ITSA indicated a significant decrease in repeat ambulance attendances for hypoglycaemia – relative to the pre-intervention trend (p=0.008). The hypoglycaemia care bundle (i.e. blood glucose recorded before and after treatment for hypoglycaemia) was delivered in 66% of attendances during the intervention period, demonstrating a significant level of practice change (χ2=30.16, p<0.001).ConclusionsThe ‘Hypos can strike twice’ intervention had a positive effect on reducing numbers of repeat attendances for hypoglycaemia and in achieving the care bundle. The study supports the use of informative booklets by ambulance clinicians to prevent future attendances for recurrent hypoglycaemic events.
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Edwards M, Cooper A, Davies F, Stevens AC, Edwards A, Hughes T, Snooks H, Anderson P, Porter A, Evans B, Dale J, Cooke M, Hibbert P, Siriwardena AN. PP19 Primary care streaming in emergency departments- contexts and mechanisms associated with perceived effectiveness outcomes: a realist evaluation. Arch Emerg Med 2021. [DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2021-999.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundRecent policy has encouraged emergency departments (EDs) to deploy nurses to stream patients from the ED front door to GPs working in a separate GP service operating within or alongside an ED. We aimed to describe mechanisms relating to effectiveness of streaming in different primary care service models identified in EDs. We explored perceptions of whether patients were perceived to be appropriately streamed to emergency care, primary care, other hospital services or community primary care services; and effects on patient flow (waiting times and length of stay in the ED); and safe streaming outcomes.MethodsWe used realist evaluation methodology to explore perceived streaming effectiveness. We visited 13 EDs with different primary care service models (purposively selected across England & Wales; 8 streamed primary care patients to a primary care clinician) and carried out observations of triage/streaming and patient flow and interviews with key members of staff (consultants, GPs, nurses). Field notes and audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed by creating context, mechanism and outcome configurations to refine and develop theories relating to streaming effectiveness.ResultsWe identified five contexts (nurses’ knowledge and experience, streaming guidance, teamwork and communication, operational management and strategic management) that facilitated mechanisms that influenced the effectiveness of streaming (streaming to an appropriate service, patient flow, delivering safe care). We integrated a middle range psychological theory (cognitive continuum theory) with our findings to recommend a focus for training nurses in streaming and service improvements.ConclusionsWe identified key mechanisms relating to the effectiveness of primary care streaming in different models of service. We recommend a collaborative approach to service development, guidance and training (including input from ED clinicians and primary care clinicians) and a range of training strategies that are suitable for less experienced junior nurses and more experienced senior nurses and nurse practitioners.
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Botan V, Laparidou D, Phung VH, Cheung P, Freeman A, Wakeford R, Denney M, Law GR, Siriwardena AN. Candidate perceptions of the UK Recorded Consultation Assessment: cross-sectional data linkage study. Educ Prim Care 2021; 33:32-40. [PMID: 34459709 DOI: 10.1080/14739879.2021.1970630] [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: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The Recorded Consultation Assessment (RCA) was rapidly developed to replace the Clinical Skills Assessment (CSA) for UK general practice licencing during COVID-19. We aimed to evaluate candidate perceptions of the RCA and relationships with performance. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of RCA candidates with attitudinal, demographic, and free text response options, undertaking descriptive and factor analysis of quantitative data with qualitative thematic analysis of free text. Binomial regression was used to estimate associations between RCA pass, candidate characteristics and questionnaire responses.645 of 1551 (41.6%) candidates completed a questionnaire; 364 (56.4%) responders permitted linkage with performance and demographic data. Responders and non-responders were similar in exam performance, gender and declared disability but were significantly more likely to be UK graduates (UKG) or white compared with international medical (IMG) or ethnic minority graduates. Responders were positive about the digital platform and support resources. A small overall majority regarded the RCA as a fair assessment; a larger majority reported difficulty collecting, selecting, and submitting cases or felt rushed during recording.Logistic regression showed that ethnicity (white vs minority ethnic: odds ratio [OR] 2.99,95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23, 7.30, p = 0.016), training (UK vs IMG: OR 6.88, 95% CI 2.79, 16.95, p < 0.001), and English as first language (OR 5.11, 0% CI 2.08, 12.56, p < 0.001) were associated with exam success but questionnaire subscales, consultation type submitted, or extent of trainer review were not. The RCA was broadly acceptable but experiences were variable. Candidates experienced challenges and suggested areas for improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Botan
- Post-doctoral Research Associate in Statistics, Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Despina Laparidou
- Research Assistant, Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Viet-Hai Phung
- Research Assistant, Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Cheung
- Examinations, Royal College of General Practitioners, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian Freeman
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Wakeford
- RCA Psychometrician, Hughes Hall, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Meiling Denney
- Examinations, Royal College of General Practitioners, London, United Kingdom
| | - Graham R Law
- Professor of Medical Statistics, Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Aloysius Niroshan Siriwardena
- Professor of Primary and Prehospital Health Care, Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
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Snooks H, Watkins AJ, Bell F, Brady M, Carson‐Stevens A, Duncan E, Evans BA, England L, Foster T, Gallanders J, Gunson I, Harris‐Mayes R, Kingston M, Lyons R, Miller E, Newton A, Porter A, Quinn T, Rosser A, Siriwardena AN, Spaight R, Williams V. Call volume, triage outcomes, and protocols during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom: Results of a national survey. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open 2021; 2:e12492. [PMID: 34378000 PMCID: PMC8328888 DOI: 10.1002/emp2.12492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom (UK), to describe volume and pattern of calls to emergency ambulance services, proportion of calls where an ambulance was dispatched, proportion conveyed to hospital, and features of triage used. METHODS Semistructured electronic survey of all UK ambulance services (n = 13) and a request for routine service data on weekly call volumes for 22 weeks (February 1-July 3, 2020). Questionnaires and data request were emailed to chief executives and research leads followed by email and telephone reminders. The routine data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and questionnaire data using thematic analysis. RESULTS Completed questionnaires were received from 12 services. Call volume varied widely between services, with a UK peak at week 7 at 13.1% above baseline (service range -0.5% to +31.4%). All services ended the study period with a lower call volume than at baseline (service range -3.7% to -25.5%). Suspected COVID-19 calls across the UK totaled 604,146 (13.5% of all calls), with wide variation between services (service range 3.7% to 25.7%), and in service peaks of 11.4% to 44.5%. Ambulances were dispatched to 478,638 (79.2%) of these calls (service range 59.0% to 100.0%), with 262,547 (43.5%) resulting in conveyance to hospital (service range 32.0% to 53.9%). Triage models varied between services and over time. Two primary call triage systems were in use across the UK. There were a large number of products and arrangements used for secondary triage, with services using paramedics, nurses, and doctors to support decision making in the call center and on scene. Frequent changes to triage processes took place. CONCLUSIONS Call volumes were highly variable. Case mix and workload changed significantly as COVID-19 calls displaced other calls. Triage models and prehospital outcomes varied between services. We urgently need to understand safety and effectiveness of triage models to inform care during further waves and pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fiona Bell
- Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS TrustWakefieldUK
| | - Mike Brady
- Welsh Ambulance Services NHS TrustTrust HeadquartersDenbighshireWalesUK
| | | | - Edward Duncan
- Nursing Midwifery and Allied Health Professions Research UnitUniversity of StirlingStirlingUK
| | | | | | - Theresa Foster
- East of England Ambulance Service NHS TrustMelbournCambridgeshireUK
| | - John Gallanders
- Swansea University Medical SchoolSwanseaUK
- Unaffiliated ‐ Patient and Public Contributor
| | - Imogen Gunson
- West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS TrustWest MidlandsUK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Tom Quinn
- Kingston University and St George'sUniversity of LondonLondonUK
| | - Andy Rosser
- West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS TrustWest MidlandsUK
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