The management of pelvic injuries in the prehospital environment: a qualitative study

Ward, Richard ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8776-0824 (2011) The management of pelvic injuries in the prehospital environment: a qualitative study. Undergraduate dissertation, University of Hertfordshire.

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Abstract

This research proposal is looking into the perceptions UK paramedics have on their role in managing a pelvic injury in the pre hospital environment. Currently there is no research on paramedics perceptions into pelvic injuries and their vital role in managing these injuries. The pelvic cavity has a vast amount of space for blood to haemorrhage into following a pelvic injury. 60% of these injuries are caused by road traffic collisions (RTCs) (Frakes & Evans, 2004) and on arrival at an emergency department the patient can have up to a 50% chance of mortality (Lee & Porter, 2006). The guidance given to UK paramedics by JRCALC (2009) suggests that an appropriate pelvic splint should be applied to the patient with a suspected pelvic splint. The guidelines reference suggested pelvic splints or circumferential pelvic belts to be used in this situation however very few ambulance services carry such equipment. Therefore it is the paramedic’s decision as to what equipment on the ambulance such as a triangular bandage or a blanket could be used to replicate a pelvic splint (JRCALC, 2009). However these methods can lead to complications such as over compression of the pelvis (Krieg et al, 2006). This research proposes the use of UK paramedics to take part in a series of focus groups to gain insights into their opinions and experiences of managing a pelvic injury. This method allows for deep discussion within a group to ascertain the various different opinions each participant may have increasing the credibility of the suggested study. These opinions will be recorded and trends between them are made when analysing the data (Griffiths, 2009). The research will use 6 focus groups, one which will be a pilot test that will each have 12 participants within them. Purposive sampling will be used to increase confirmability and transferability of the results. 5 ambulance trusts across the UK will be represented in this study aiming to gain a wider variety of insights and experiences (Morgan & Scannell, 1998). After consent and ethical approval is gained the focus groups will be conducted by two moderators. Once the study is complete thematic analysis will be applied to the transcribed results and patterns will be recorded. The results aim to fulfil the objectives of the study and will be released to the participants, various journals and professional bodies. The results can be used to ascertain the best evidence based practice for patients in the UK., by possibly identifying training needs for UK paramedics.

Item Type:	Thesis/Dissertation (Undergraduate)
Departments:	Institute of Health > Centre for Excellence in Paramedic Practice
Additional Information:	Undergraduate research proposal, BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science.
Depositing User:	Richard Ward
Date Deposited:	13 Apr 2023 12:36
Last Modified:	12 Jan 2024 10:01
URI:	https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/7037

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