The Canadian National EMS Research Agenda: a mixed methods consensus study

Jensen, Jan L., Bigham, Blair L., Blanchard, Ian E., Dainty, Katie N., Socha, Doug, Carter, Alix, Brown, Lawrence H., Travers, Andrew H., Craig, Alan M., Brown, Ryan, and Morrison, Laurie J. (2013) The Canadian National EMS Research Agenda: a mixed methods consensus study. Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine, 15 (2). pp. 73-82.

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Abstract

Introduction: Research is essential for the development of evidence-based emergency medical services (EMS) systems of care. When resources are scarce and gaps in evidence are large, a national agenda may inform the growth of EMS research in Canada. This mixed methods consensus study explores current barriers and existing strengths within Canadian EMS research, provides recommendations, and suggests EMS topics for future study.

Methods: Purposeful sampling was employed to invite EMS research stakeholders from various roles across the country. Study phases consisted of 1) baseline interviews of a subsample, 2) roundtable discussion, and 3) an online Delphi survey, in which participants scored each statement for importance. Consensus was defined a priori and met if 80% scored a statement as "important" or "very important."

Results: Fifty-three stakeholders participated, representing researchers (37.7%), EMS administrators (24.6%), clinicians/providers (20.7%), and educators (17.0%). Participation rates were as follows: interviews, 13 of 13 (100%); roundtable, 47 of 53 (89%); survey round 1, 50 of 53 (94%); survey round 2, 47 of 53 (89%); and survey round 3, 40 of 53 (75%). A total of 141 statements were identified as important: 20 barriers, 54 strengths/opportunities, 31 recommendations, and 36 suggested topics for future research. Like statements were synthesized, resulting in barriers (n = 10), strengths/opportunities (n = 24), and recommendations (n = 19), which were categorized as time, opportunities, and funding; education and mentorship; culture of research and collaboration; structure, process, and outcome of research; EMS and paramedic practice; and the future of the EMS Research Agenda.

Conclusion: Consensus-based key messages from this agenda should be considered when designing, funding, and publishing EMS research and will advance EMS research locally, regionally, and nationally.

Item ID: 32897
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1481-8043
Keywords: agenda, consensus, emergency medical services, mixed methods, research
Funders: EMS Chiefs of Canada, Paramedic Association of Canada, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation, Canadian Police Research Centre, Calgary EMS Foundation
Projects and Grants: Canadian Institutes of Health Research (KPE-112496), Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation (PSO-REDI-2010- 7142), Canadian Police Research Centre (W7714-125453)
Date Deposited: 30 Apr 2014 09:53
FoR Codes: 11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1117 Public Health and Health Services > 111799 Public Health and Health Services not elsewhere classified @ 100%
SEO Codes: 92 HEALTH > 9204 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) > 920499 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) not elsewhere classified @ 100%
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