Internationally Informed Consensus on Research Priorities in Paramedicine and Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

Area of Science:

• Prehospital Emergency Care Research
• Global Health Systems Analysis
• Paramedicine Practice Development

Background:

• Prehospital emergency care (EMS) research agendas are often fragmented and nationally focused.
• A coordinated international research strategy is needed to advance evidence generation and investment in EMS and paramedicine.
• Existing research lacks a unified global perspective, hindering progress in prehospital emergency care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and validate internationally informed research priorities for paramedicine and prehospital EMS.
• To establish a consensus-driven framework for global prehospital emergency care research.
• To guide strategic investment and evidence generation across diverse EMS contexts.

Main Methods:

• A three-phase, mixed-methods study involving international prehospital stakeholders.
• Phase 1: Delphi survey to generate initial research priorities.
• Phases 2 & 3: Factor analysis (EFA and CFA) to validate and structure priorities among 1,299 participants.

Main Results:

• A validated model of 40 research priorities organized into nine interrelated factors.
• Key factors include operations, clinical governance, evidence-based practice, well-being, special care, culture, education, trauma, and clinical care.
• Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the robustness of the identified research priority structure.

Conclusions:

• Presents an internationally informed framework for prehospital emergency care research priorities.
• Provides a foundation for researchers, funders, and policymakers to align efforts and reduce duplication.
• Supports addressing high-impact research gaps while remaining responsive to local EMS needs.