Emergency Response Protocols for Cardiac Events: Assessing the Protocols, Training, And Preparedness in Diverse Healthcare Settings
/ 0
- Details
- Category: Vol. 82, December 2014
- Hits: 79
Emergency Response Protocols for Cardiac Events: Assessing the Protocols, Training, And Preparedness in Diverse Healthcare Settings
Abstract
Background: Patients may not receive the appropriate treatment when there is a disconnect between clinical practice and established standards or procedures. Understanding profes-sionals’ adherence to (inter)national guidelines in emergency care settings is crucial for ensuring optimal patient outcomes. Aim of Work: The primary goals of this systematic review were twofold: (1) to provide a comprehensive summary of professionals’ compliance with (inter)national guidelines and protocols in the emergency medical dispatch, prehospital, and emergency department (ED) contexts, and (2) to examine the factors identified in studies reporting on adherence and their impact on compliance. Methods: A thorough and methodical search was con-ducted across several databases, including PubMed (including MEDLINE), CINAHL, EMBASE, and the Cochrane database for systematic reviews. Reference lists of included papers were also examined for relevant research. Studies published from 1990 onwards that reported on adherence in the specified con-texts were included. Each paper was screened based on its title, abstract, and publication year. The final evaluation focused on the quality of reporting in the selected studies, with each step carried out by two independent researchers. Results: Out of thirty-five publications identified, none fo-cused on the emergency medical dispatch setting or procedures. The median adherence in the prehospital scenario varied be-tween 7.8% and 95%, while in the ED setting, it ranged from 0% to 98%. Monitoring suggestions in the prehospital scenario
showed higher median adherence percentages compared to treatment recommendations. Both contexts exhibited relatively low median adherence rates for cardiac therapy recommenda-tions. Eight studies identified patient and organizational charac-teristics that impact adherence. Conclusion: The findings indicate significant variability in professionals’ compliance with (inter)national recommenda-tions for prehospital and emergency department care. However, there is a lack of data on adherence in the emergency medical dispatch environment. Given the limited understanding of the variables influencing adherence in emergency care settings, fu-ture research should focus on uncovering these characteristicsto develop methods that enhance adherence and ultimately im-prove the quality of treatment.