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The ambulance nurse experiences of non‐conveying patients
Author(s) -
Höglund Erik,
Schröder Agneta,
Möller Margareta,
AnderssonHagiwara Magnus,
OhlssonNevo Emma
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of clinical nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.94
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1365-2702
pISSN - 0962-1067
DOI - 10.1111/jocn.14626
Subject(s) - checklist , mandate , relevance (law) , nursing , referral , qualitative research , medicine , health care , psychology , medical emergency , social science , sociology , political science , law , economics , cognitive psychology , economic growth
Aims and objectives To explore ambulance nurses' ( AN s) experiences of non‐conveying patients to alternate levels of care. Background Increases in ambulance utilisation and in the number of patients seeking ambulance care who do not require medical supervision or treatment during transport have led to increased nonconveyance ( NC ) and referral to other levels of care. Design A qualitative interview study was conducted using an inductive research approach. Methods The study was conducted in a region in the middle of Sweden during 2016–2017. Twenty nurses were recruited from the ambulance departments in the region. A conventional content analysis was used to analyse the interviews. The study followed the COREQ checklist. Results The AN s experienced NC as a complex and difficult task that carried a large amount of responsibility. They wanted to be professional, spend time with the patient and find the best solution for him or her. These needs conflicted with the AN s' desire to be available for assignments with a higher priority. The AN s could feel frustrated when they perceived that ambulance resources were being misused and when it was difficult to follow the NC guidelines. Conclusion If AN s are expected to nonconvey patients seeking ambulance care, they need a formal mandate, knowledge and access to primary health care. Relevance to clinical practice This study provides new knowledge regarding the work situation of AN s in relation to NC . These findings can guide future research and can be used by policymakers and ambulance organisations to highlight areas that need to evolve to improve patient care.