Integration of Patient Care Operations with Emergency Ambulance Service.
Integration in operations between 1990 Suwa Seriya ambulance service and A&E services of hospitals in Sri Lanka was assessed qualitatively using the Mini Focus Group Discussion (Mini-FGD) technique and applying a Likert scale survey. Agreed group-perceived satisfaction of the A&E staff was recorded based on identified thematic areas. The technique of patient handling, reliability of vital sign recording, providing random blood sugar reading, and professional relationship with hospital staff of Suwa Seriya emergency ambulance service were the thematic areas that recorded positive agreed group-perceived satisfaction indicating a potential to broaden integration process with the A&E operations of the country. Quality of providing clinical history, administration of medication, and awareness of A&E operations of emergency ambulance service indicated least agreed group-perceived satisfaction. Moreover, providing clinical notes and investigation records such as electrocardiogram, sharing feedback about the patient, prehospital triaging, and pre-alert system were found to be non-operational. The health-care policymakers of Sri Lanka should exploit the positives and explore the negatives of the A&E staff perception on 1990 Suwa Seriya ambulance service, focusing on widening the integration process.
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