Ambulance professionals' perspectives on telemedicine: a qualitative study to inform user-centred implementation

Telemedicine enabling real-time video communication between ambulance professionals and hospital specialists may enhance assessment accuracy and collaboration in acute care. Yet, little is known about how ambulance professionals perceive this technology. Understanding their perspectives during the development phase is essential to inform user-centred implementation strategies.

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 ambulance professionals from a regional ambulance service in the Netherlands as part of the development phase of a larger regional innovation project preparing for the implementation of telemedicine in ambulance care. Data were analysed inductively using reflexive thematic analysis, informed by the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability.

Three themes captured the anticipated acceptability of telemedicine: [1] Quality of care, highlighting expectations around improved patient assessment, decision-making, and patient responses; [2] Personal values and motivation, reflecting the importance of autonomy, role clarity, and mutual respect in the acute care chain; and [3] Practical considerations, including the need for integration into routine workflows, reliable technology, and training.

Ambulance professionals view telemedicine as a potentially valuable addition to prehospital care. Acceptance depends on perceived clinical benefit, alignment with professional values, and operational feasibility. Implementation strategies should therefore extend beyond the technical deployment of telemedicine and actively engage end users to ensure alignment with the realities of prehospital acute care.

Not applicable.