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Mapping the patient and family liaison role in UK helicopter emergency medical services: A service evaluation

Kirby, Kim; Caswell, Kirsty; Petheram, Joanna; Hyde, Philip; Crouch, Robert

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Authors

Kim Kirby

Kirsty Caswell

Joanna Petheram

Philip Hyde

Robert Crouch



Abstract

Objective: Patient and family liaison practitioners are a relatively recent addition to UK helicopter emergency medical services to support patients with their recovery. A service evaluation was completed that mapped the current provision of patient and family liaison practitioner roles in helicopter emergency medical services in the United Kingdom. Methods: An online survey was distributed to key stakeholders involved with UK helicopter emergency medical service patient and family liaison practitioner roles. Quantitative survey results were described, and open-ended questions were analyzed using content analysis. Results: Twenty UK helicopter emergency medical services responded to the survey. Nine of these services employ patient and family liaison practitioners with 4 additional helicopter emergency medical services planning to initiate the role. There is variation in the employment models used between the services. The patient and family liaison practitioner role provides important benefits to patients and their families, clinicians, and the helicopter emergency medical service. Conclusion: Nine UK helicopter emergency medical services employ patient and family liaison practitioners. This role benefits patients, their families, helicopter emergency medical service clinicians, and helicopter emergency medical service charities. Further research is required to understand how the role works in practice and to understand how to maximize the benefits to stakeholders.

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Apr 7, 2022
Online Publication Date May 28, 2022
Publication Date Sep 21, 2022
Deposit Date Nov 2, 2022
Publicly Available Date Nov 2, 2022
Journal Air Medical Journal
Print ISSN 1067-991X
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 41
Issue 5
Pages 458-462
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amj.2022.04.003
Keywords patient liaison, family liaison, UK helicopter emergency medical services, emergency medical services
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/10016850
Publisher URL https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1067991X22000736?via%3Dihub

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