Understanding Why Patients Refuse to Travel After Calling an Ambulance
Author Information
Author(s): Shaw Deborah, Dyas Jane V, Middlemass Jo, Spaight Anne, Briggs Maureen, Christopher Sarah, Siriwardena A Niroshan
Primary Institution: East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust
Hypothesis
What are the reasons behind patients refusing to travel after an emergency ambulance call?
Conclusion
A standardized system for recording refusal to travel information is needed to better understand and address the issue.
Supporting Evidence
- Only 8% of patients were recorded as refusing to travel against advice.
- Over half of the refusals were due to non-injury or minor injury.
- Many patients arranged alternative supervision or follow-up care.
Takeaway
Sometimes, people who call an ambulance decide not to go to the hospital because they feel better or have other plans, and we need to understand why.
Methodology
The study analyzed written records from ambulance crews for patients who were not transported to the hospital following emergency calls.
Potential Biases
The interpretation of patient reasons was sometimes brief and may not accurately reflect their true motivations.
Limitations
The study relied on written clinical records, which may not capture the full context of patient reasons for refusal.
Participant Demographics
Patients from a rural county in Lincolnshire, UK, with a focus on those who called for emergency services.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website