1. Opportunities and barriers for prehospital emergency medical services research in the Netherlands; results of a mixed-methods consensus study.
- Author
-
Vianen, Niek J., Maissan, Iscander M., den Hartog, Dennis, Stolker, Robert J., Houmes, Robert J., Gommers, Diederik A. M. P. J., Van Meeteren, Nico L. U., Hoeks, Sanne E., Van Lieshout, Esther M. M., Verhofstad, Michael H. J., Van Vledder, Mark G., Alsma, Jelmer, Baden, David N., Bevelander, Timo, Bierens, Joost, Bollen, Jan, Bosch, Jan, Dercksen, Bert, Duvekot, Johannes J., and Gaakeer, Menno I.
- Subjects
MEDICAL care research ,HEALTH services accessibility ,CONSENSUS (Social sciences) ,CORPORATE culture ,FOCUS groups ,INTERVIEWING ,STATISTICAL sampling ,EMERGENCY medicine ,EMERGENCY medical services ,HOSPITAL emergency services ,JUDGMENT sampling ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,THEMATIC analysis ,ATTITUDES of medical personnel ,RESEARCH methodology ,ACQUISITION of data ,QUALITY assurance ,STAKEHOLDER analysis ,DELPHI method ,DATA analysis software - Abstract
Introduction: Quality improvement in prehospital emergency medical services (EMS) can only be achieved by high-quality research and critical appraisal of current practices. This study examines current opportunities and barriers in EMS research in the Netherlands. Methods: This mixed-methods consensus study consisted of three phases. The first phase consisted of semi-structured interviews with relevant stakeholders. Thematic analysis of qualitative data derived from these interviews was used to identify main themes, which were subsequently discussed in several online focus groups in the second phase. Output from these discussions was used to shape statements for an online Delphi consensus study among relevant stakeholders in EMS research. Consensus was met if 80% of respondents agreed or disagreed on a particular statement. Results: Forty-nine stakeholders participated in the study; qualitative thematic analysis of the interviews and focus group discussions identified four main themes: (1) data registration and data sharing, (2) laws and regulations, (3) financial aspects and funding, and (4) organization and culture. Qualitative data from the first two phases of the study were used to construct 33 statements for an online Delphi study. Consensus was reached on 21 (64%) statements. Eleven (52%) of these statements pertained to the storage and use of EMS patient data. Conclusion: Barriers for prehospital EMS research in the Netherlands include issues regarding the use of patient data, privacy and legislation, funding and research culture in EMS organizations. Opportunities to increase scientific productivity in EMS research include the development of a national strategy for EMS data and the incorporation of EMS topics in research agendas of national medical professional associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF