Pre-hospital patient safety : perceptions of Maltese EARs

Abstract

Background: No previously conducted studies have investigated factors related to pre-hospital patient safety within the local Emergency Ambulance Responders (EARs) population. This dissertation aimed to explore the current local population of EARs’ perceptions towards patient safety within the pre-hospital setting and factors that might alter safety behaviours. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional design was employed. All 50 EARs working within the local acute hospital at the time of conduction of this study were invited to participate. The research tool consisted of a paper-based questionnaire formulated by Prof. Paul Daniel Patterson (2008). A total of four intermediaries were recruited in order to distribute the questionnaires. Findings: EARs encompass a positive attitude and moderate intentions towards patient safety in the pre-hospital setting but lack control over their intentions to conduct the target safety behaviour. Factors hindering safety outcomes were organisation related, shifting the focus on perceptions of management. Conclusion: Positive attitudes and intentions towards safety are present within the local EAR population. A strong association between five out of the six main domains studied shows promising results if minimal change is done within one domain.