Paramedic and family care decisions of an unwell child.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
What is the decision-making relationship between the paramedic and family during an emergency ambulance response to an acutely unwell child?
IRAS ID
286412
Contact name
Simon Robinson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Hertfordshire
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 3 months, 30 days
Research summary
Paramedics typically respond on an ambulance and have an obligation to care for their patients, some of which are children (0-17 years of age). Their role is to assess, advise, treat, discharge or where necessary, refer to an emergency department or GP. UK paramedics encounter children approximately 10% of the time, where acute presentations can range from upper respiratory infections, trauma including fractures, cuts and bruising, and general infections leading to febrile convulsions (hot fits) in the very young. Rarely, these may be life threatening such as meningitis, sepsis, major trauma, and choking. Little is understood on how paramedics assess the illness of a child and develop management and treatment plans with the child and family.
Likewise, parents/guardians are the primary caregivers for their children, yet their decision to request an ambulance and seek advice is poorly researched. Additionally, parents may not always be the most appropriate people to discuss a treatment plan, or make a decision. Indeed, all children ought to have the right to make a decision about themselves and the care they receive. For instance, older children such as adolescents above fourteen, might only require minimal involvement from parents in making decisions.
The purpose of this study is to explore how paramedics form decisions and what may influence the decision-making process when caring for children. In particular, the relationships formed between the paramedic and family during an encounter of an acutely unwell child. This will be achieved by assessing thirty family-paramedic encounters, predominantly by separate interviews (family or paramedic). Documentation will be analysed after an encounter and upon the child’s recovery.
Findings are expected to gain improved concepts of care delivery for future paramedic practice with children. A really important part of this study is also about giving the child a voice both in research and paramedic science.REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/PR/0854
Date of REC Opinion
2 Sep 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion