A comparison of handover communication in NHS and military emergency care

Authors: Slope, R., Pope, C., Crouch, R. and Bernthal, E.M.M.

Journal: Journal of Paramedic Practice: the clinical monthly for emergency care professionals

Volume: 12

Issue: 4

Publisher: Mark Allen Healthcare

ISSN: 1759-1376

DOI: 10.12968/jpar.2020.12.4.151

Abstract:

Abstract Background: There is a gap in the literature comparing communication during handover between military and NHS emergency care settings.

Objectives: This study aimed to explore differences in handover communication in the NHS and the military, and to understand how paramedics manage the transition between settings.

Design: This was a qualitative study for which 13 paramedics were interviewed. It focused on handover communication in NHS emergency care settings and Camp Bastion Hospital, Afghanistan.

Methods: Interviews were conducted with regular and reservist paramedics serving in the Royal Air Force who had undertaken a deployment with the Medical Emergency Response Team. Semi-structured interviews were recorded, transcribed, coded and subjected to a thematic analysis.

Results: Three principal themes were identified: differences between handover communication; standardisation; and the challenge of transition.

Conclusion: Participants were most concerned about standardisation. Transition theory and resilience may account for the difficulties encountered when transitioning between different care settings.

https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/full/10.12968/jpar.2020.12.4.151

Source: Manual