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Exploring factors associated with paramedic work-related psychological injury through data linkage.

Authors :
Kearney, Jason
Muir, Carlyn
Smith, Karen
Meadley, Ben
Source :
Journal of Safety Research. Sep2023, Vol. 86, p213-225. 13p.
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

• First study to examine paramedic psychological injury through EMS data linkage. • Fatality and cardiac arrest cases increase the odds of psychological injury. • Lower patient age is associated with paramedic psychological injury. • Findings may help facilitate the provision of early interventions to those at risk. Introduction : In comparison to the general population and other emergency services workers, paramedics experience high rates of work-related psychological injury. However, there is limited understanding of the case and practitioner-related factors that increase the risk of psychological injury among these workers. This paper aims to identify case and practitioner-related factors associated with paramedic work-related psychological injury in Victoria, Australia, through data linkage. Methods : Data linkage of 7,223 paramedic injury reports with electronic patient care records, and paramedic demographic data from the single state-wide ambulance service in Victoria, Australia – Ambulance Victoria. Injuries reported between 1 January 2015 and 30 June 2020 were included. Factors associated with paramedic psychological injury were assessed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results : A total of 4,641 (64%) injury reports were successfully linked, of which, 244 (5%) were psychological injuries. Shift hours between 0401 and 0800 (AOR 1.83; 95%CI: 1.12–2.97), cardiac arrest or deceased patient attendances (AOR 2.15; 95%CI: 1.06–4.34), hospital or medical center case locations (AOR 2.44; 95%CI: 1.22–4.91), and Priority 0 (AOR 2.27; 95%CI: 1.26–4.09), Priority 2 (AOR 1.56; 95%CI: 1.04–2.33), and Priority 3 (AOR 1.95; 95%CI: 1.15–3.32) dispatch codes were associated with increased odds of psychological injury. Increasing patient age (AOR 0.98; 95%CI: 0.97–0.99), and the absence of other emergency services on scene (AOR 0.50; 95%CI: 0.34–0.72) were associated with decreased odds of paramedic psychological injury. Conclusions: This is the first study to collectively examine and identify EMS case and practitioner-related characteristics associated with paramedic psychological injury through data linkage of EMS agency-level data sources. Practical application: The findings of this study highlight the dispatch case characteristics that may increase the risk of a paramedic sustaining a work-related psychological injury, and consequently facilitate the early identification, intervention, and support of the individuals most at risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00224375
Volume :
86
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Journal of Safety Research
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
171990337
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsr.2023.05.012