Applying Crew Resource Management tools in Emergency Response Driving and patient transport-Finding consensus through a modified Delphi study

Antti Jakonen; Minna Mänty; Hilla Nordquist

doi:10.1016/j.ienj.2023.101318

Applying Crew Resource Management tools in Emergency Response Driving and patient transport-Finding consensus through a modified Delphi study

Int Emerg Nurs. 2023 Sep:70:101318. doi: 10.1016/j.ienj.2023.101318. Epub 2023 Jul 28.

Authors

Antti Jakonen¹, Minna Mänty², Hilla Nordquist³

Affiliations

¹ RDI Sustainable Wellbeing, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, 48220 Kotka, Finland; Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00140 Helsinki, Finland. Electronic address: antti.jakonen@xamk.fi.
² Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00140 Helsinki, Finland; Unit of Strategy and Research, City of Vantaa, 01300 Vantaa, Finland.
³ Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00140 Helsinki, Finland; Department of Healthcare and Emergency Care, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, 48220 Kotka, Finland; Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.

PMID: 37517359
DOI: 10.1016/j.ienj.2023.101318

Abstract

Background: Emergency Response Driving (ERD) comprises a significant risk to safety in Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Crew Resource Management (CRM) tools play a major role in securing actions in high-risk procedures. The aim of this study was to find consensus on the important factors to consider when applying CRM tools in ERD and patient transport.

Methods: ERD experts (n = 50) were recruited for a modified three-round Delphi study. Round 1 was based on previous research. The experts evaluated the items as important, neutral, or not important. The predetermined level of consensus was set at ≥ 80%. Answers given to the open-ended questions were analyzed using inductive content analysis.

Results: Predetermined consensus was reached on 64 of 86 presented items (74.4 %). The mean values of items reaching consensus varied between 3.81 and 4.86 on a five-point Likert scale. The items where consensus was reached were rated as "important" on a trichotomized scale.

Conclusion: Multiple important factors to consider when applying CRM tools to ERD and patient transport were highlighted. This study provides valuable information to consider regarding EMS safety improvements. Further scientific research is needed to develop comprehensive recommendations.

Keywords: Ambulance; Checklists; Communication; Crew Resource Management; Emergency medical services; Safety intervention.

MeSH terms

Consensus
Delphi Technique
Emergency Medical Services*
Humans
Surveys and Questionnaires