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Introduction of non-transport guidelines into an ambulance service: a retrospective review
1Yorkshire Ambulance Service (South), Fairfields, Moorgate Road, Rotherham, S60 2BQ, UK. james.gray@yas.nhs.uk
Background:
Recent government policy has looked at improving the role of ambulance services in delivering alternative care models for patients.
Objective:
To review the outcomes of the introduction of some specific non-transport guidelines into an ambulance service.
Methods:
A retrospective review was undertaken of the documentation produced from the use of these protocols in the first 4 months following introduction for appropriateness of use, and potential for risk of adverse outcome.
Results:
Of 354 uses of the guidelines, 140 (39.5%) were considered inappropriate. A large number of these were cases where the issue was refusal of transport rather than a use of the guideline. Of the rest the more focused guidelines showed better adherence (hypoglycaemia 2/69 inappropriate, epilepsy 1/23 inappropriate) than the more non-specific guidelines (no apparent injury 17/84 inappropriate, minor limb injury 28/58 inappropriate).
Conclusions:
This short study suggests that focused guidelines can help support ambulance staff decision making; however, care must be taken to ensure safe practice and that these guidelines are not used to add legitimacy to poor practice.
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