Badryah Alshehri - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Badryah Alshehri

Research paper thumbnail of Communication and information exchange between Emergency Medical Teams during emergency situations in Riyadh, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: An explorative qualitative study

Research Square (Research Square), Apr 19, 2022

There is a lack of knowledge regarding communication and information exchange between the emergen... more There is a lack of knowledge regarding communication and information exchange between the emergency medical teams (EMTs) during emergencies, particularly in the Riyadh region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The aim of this study is to explore EMTs' experiences of communication and information exchange during di cult emergency situations in the city of Riyadh. A qualitative exploratory study was undertaken to explore the experiences of 62 respondents from the Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) and emergency departments (EDs): a total of 18 were SRCA staff (three call takers, four dispatchers, three eld supervisors and eight paramedics), and a total of 44 from hospital EDs, comprising 19 ED nurse managers, 12 ED physician consultants and 13 ED paramedics. Semi-structured interviews were held with the participants, who all had the experience of responding to emergencies and had the authority to communicate with one another. The interviews were tape-recorded and transcribed verbatim and the transcripts were analysed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis [1]. NVIVO 11 was used to aid data management. Three themes were identi ed comprising central factors that in uence coordination and communication between the participants. These themes were (1) the emotional impact on SRCA staff performance, (2) the effectiveness of the emergency response, and (3) perceptions of emergencies preparation. The rst theme highlighted important factors related to emotional and well-being, which impact the performance of the SRCA operation centre staff and have an impact on the information shared with other relevant staff. In the second theme, issues that emerged that related to the effectiveness of the emergency response, coordination and communication between the EMTs were highlighted to be limited in effectiveness. Although several communication systems were used, some of them were not formally sanctioned and some were technical issues related to the systems used. The third theme explored participants' perceptions of emergencies preparation, and again the ndings demonstrated limited evidence of disaster management training or preparation particularly between EMTs. The training in communication among EMTs staff in preparing for disasters was similarly found to have de cits and could be improved. Finally, the ndings from this study demonstrated that the level of debrie ng that was put in place following an incident could be substantially improved. Communication between EMTs not only involves the use of advanced technology but also requires improvements in coordinated communication within and between EMTs in relation to an effective response to emergencies and disasters. This could be achieved if the directors, managers and policymakers appreciated more fully the importance of the factors to be considered in relation to the effective use of ICT, the adverse impact of the ineffective use of communications systems, and how the coordination of services could be improved during emergency situations. Road tra c incidents (RTIs) account for 4.7 per cent of all fatalities in the KSA [5]. According to Al-Wathinani et al., (2021) the KSA has one of the highest rates of RTI mortality and morbidity in the world. Riyadh has witnessed terrorist incidents and riots in past years which have resulted in large-scale deaths and injuries. According to Alamri, (2010), in 2003, three residential compounds in Riyadh were targeted by terrorists, killing 40 people and seriously injuring over 160. In the following year, another residential compound was targeted, causing 17 deaths and 122 injuries [6] and in 2003 the Ministry of the Interior was subject to an attack that left ve dead and 145 injured including a number of police o cers [7]. Other forms of human activity have caused unintentional death and injury. In 2012, a fuel-truck accident caused 23 deaths and 139 injuries (Reuters, 2012). In 2013, riots by illegal immigrants from Ethiopia resulted in a number of deaths and injuries [9]. Riyadh experiences severe annual climate events such as oods and sandstorms which affect patients who suffer from acute reactive lung diseases such as asthma (Alangari et al., 2015). As a result, the number of patients seeking care in the ED increases during these adverse weather events and can sometimes lead to death [11]. In the event of an emergency, victims are treated by EMTs, which includes two organizations: EMS and ED personnel [12]. A growing body of literature has recognized the importance of patient information being up-todate, accurate and communicated e ciently between EMTs following emergency situations and during the transportation of the injured to hospital [13]. Ineffective communication between EMS and hospital staff during emergencies, according to numerous studies (Rowlands, 2003; Pun et al., 2015; Meisel et al., 2015), could result in extra di culties such as the risk of medical errors, which can result in more injuries or deaths. If communication between EMS and ED workers fails during an incident, critical information may be altered, lost or otherwise unavailable to emergency physicians or advanced practice providers (Martin et al.,2018) Studies have been already conducted to assess the effectiveness of information sharing in busy environments such as an ED, particularly during the handover between EMS and EDs, and have concluded that challenges exist [18-20]. Evans et al.,(2010) found that some information, such as patient demographics, allergy status and mechanism of injury, was not documented by trauma team members or paramedics, and that information was frequently lost during handovers. A quantitative study conducted by Kalyani et al., (2017) discovered that communication and information sharing between EMS and ED staff was regarded as a problem. That study showed that factors such as overcrowding in the ED, distractions and a lack of effective listening during face-toface handovers all have an effect on the quality of clinical handover and can result in the loss of critical patient information [20]. According to Bost et al., (2010), communication and information loss during patient handover can cause paramedics to have to remain in the ED longer than necessary, impacting upon them being able to conduct their primary role of protecting patients. Effective communication between EMS and ED personnel during and after emergency situations can signi cantly reduce fatalities in the rst 24 hours [21]. Martin et al., (2018) indicated that ICTs could help to improve communication and collaboration and facilitate the transition between EMS and ED personnel, as well as help to assess their needs and ensure that adequate resources are available. The use of advanced communication systems, according to Beul, et al., (2010), can facilitate the transmission of patient data to receiving hospitals. As a result, it is necessary to consider the use of ICTs by various emergency organizations in terms of how systems can most effectively support information exchange and coordination between EMTs under time constraints (Abbas, Norris, Parry, 2018). ICT used in healthcare systems during emergency situations Page 4/50 There are numerous examples of information-sharing systems used by EMTs during emergencies and disasters. The use of mobile phones and landlines enables medical staff to access updated data and disseminate information in life-threatening situations [24], as does the use of a two-way transmitter and receiver such as the Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) (Protogerakis et al., 2011;Kunavut, 2014). TETRA enables effective and safe wireless communication for all authorities involved in emergency communications, such as ambulance, police, re and rescue services [27]. The use of computer-based systems has brought about signi cant change and plays a critical role in the operation of healthcare systems because of the ability to transfer and store considerable amounts of data and monitor transactions in real-time through software systems (Ferreira, 2011; Fragkiadakis et al., 2011). Electronic health records accessible by hospital staff provide an example of communication-based systems. Vos et al., (2020), stated that electronic health records facilitate coordination, cooperation and joint decision-making. These resources have enabled real-time sharing of integrated patient information between HCPs, enabling the provision of high-value care [31]. In the EMS, Staff in the emergency communication centre use software called computer-aided dispatch (CAD) to determine the location of an incident through a global positioning system (GPS), record the status of a patient or injured person, and triage casualties effectively ([32, 33]. The role of EMTs and the emergency noti cation process in the KSA Emergencies responses are not limited just to the use of ICT; each medical team has a role to play to respond more effectively. Effective emergency management, from a healthcare perspective, requires collaboration between EMS and ED with the primary goal of saving lives during and following an emergency [34, 35]. In addition, EMS responders are the rst HCPs on the scene following an event [36]. When EMS workers transfer patients to receiving hospitals, the EMS is responsible for patient care until the patients arrive at the hospital's ED. Thus, the EMS is an essential component of health care since it is instrumental in saving lives and reducing mortality and morbidity rates (Aringhieri et al., 2017). In healthcare systems, noti cation processes begin with emergency control room staff such as call-takers and medical dispatchers, whose job is to receive and distribute information to the appropriate personnel (Clawson, and Dernocoeur, 2014).Call-takers are tasked with the responsibility for gathering critical information about patients' condition and location from callers and then entering it into a CAD system, and then emergency medical dispatchers classify the reported...

Research paper thumbnail of Experiences of Non-ICU Nurses’ Redeployment in ICU during Covid-19 Pandemic

Pakistan Journal of Medical and Health Sciences

Background: Staff that were redeployed from different departments to the intensive care unit (ICU... more Background: Staff that were redeployed from different departments to the intensive care unit (ICU) dealing with COVID-19 infected patients have had social, psychological, and physical effects as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: To evaluated the challenges and experiences of the non-ICU nursing staff when they were redeployed during the current pandemic. Study Design: Place and Duration of Study: Riyadh Healthcare from 1st July 2021 to 31st December 2021 Methodology: Two hundred and thirty-eight respondents were enrolled. Results: 70.6% of redeployed staff claimed very satisfied with neutral behaviour. 80.7% of nurses had the choice before redeployment, and 33.6% of staff felt happy to be redeployed to the ICU. 26.9% were neutral, while only 16.8% of nurses reported feeling very unhappy. Orientation was attended by 81.5% of staff, 54.6 % found it uses full. 50% of participants said they had the same workload as their previous departments, but only 5% of staff complained ...

Research paper thumbnail of Medical-Surgical Nurses’ Experiences of Calling a Rapid Response Team in a Hospital Setting : A Literature Review

Middle East Journal of Nursing, 2015

Background: The rapid response team (RRT) decreases rates of mortality and morbidity in hospital ... more Background: The rapid response team (RRT) decreases rates of mortality and morbidity in hospital and decreases the number of patient readmissions to the intensive care unit. This team helps patients before they have any signs of deterioration related to cardiac or pulmonary arrest. The aim of the RRT is to accelerate recognition and treatment of a critically ill patient. In addition, in order to be ready to spring into action without delay, the RRT must be on site and accessible, with good skills and training for emergency cases. It has been reported that many hospitals are familiar with the concept of RRTs. There is a difference between this team and a cardiac arrest team, since the RRT intervenes before a patient experiences cardiac or respiratory arrest. Aim: To describe current knowledge about medicalsurgical nurses' experiences when they call an RRT to save patients' lives. Method: The method used by the author was a literature review. The PubMed search database was used and 15 articles were selected, all of which were primary academic studies. Articles were analysed and classified according to specified guidelines; only articles of grades I and II were included. Results: Years of experience and qualifications characterise the ability of a medical-surgical nurse to decide whether or not to call the RRT. Knowledge and skills are also important; some hospitals provide education about RRTs, while others do not. Teamwork between bedside nurses and RRTs is effective in ensuring quality care. There are some challenges that might affect the outcome of patient care: The method of communication is particularly important in highlighting what nurses need RRTS to do in order to have fast intervention. Conclusion: Medical-surgical nurses call RRTs to help save patients' lives, and depend on their experience when they call RRTs. Both medicalsurgical nurses and RRTs need to collaborate during the delivery of care to the patient. Good knowledge and communication skills are important in delivering fast intervention to a critically ill patient, so that deteriorating clinical signs requiring intervention can be identified.

Research paper thumbnail of Emergency nurses’ preparedness for disaster in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Journal of Nursing Education and Practice, 2016

Background and objective: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has recently faced many man-made and natura... more Background and objective: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has recently faced many man-made and natural disasters. Since disaster victims are transferred to hospitals, nurses are among the first health care providers to respond to an emergency. Therefore, to improve disaster management it is essential to examine the current state of nurses' preparedness. The aim of the study was attempts to determine the disaster preparedness of emergency nurses in Saudi Arabia. Methods: The study data were collected using two survey tools from the research literature, and 72 participants were recruited from two government hospitals in Riyadh. The response rate was 31.7%. Results: The study revealed that most nurses understood their roles after reading the disaster plan. Although half of the respondents had completed training in the previous 12 months, only 60% answered the item related to confidence after training. There was a significant difference between the confidence of those who had participated in a disaster or mass casualties training program and that of those who had not. Only 26% answered the item related to confidence after being involved in a real disaster, and no significant difference was found between the confidence of those who had attended a real disaster or mass casualties event and that of those who had not. Conclusions: The study found that respondents had minimal and limited disaster experience, as reflected in their low levels of confidence after being involved in real disaster events. This highlights the need for continued efforts to expand disaster training and ensure that nurses are appropriately prepared.

Research paper thumbnail of The use of information and communication technology between emergency medical teams in emergency situations: A systematic review

Following an emergency incident, critically injured patients are often treated by multiple health... more Following an emergency incident, critically injured patients are often treated by multiple healthcare professionals from Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs) over a short period of time. The process of transportation from the site of an incident to definitive health care therefore depends on coordination and information-sharing which is reliant on the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). ICT is essential to ensure the necessary organizational responses to emergency situations by facilitating information-sharing, sustained coordination and collaboration to protect and save the injured. This literature review provides a broad overview which can facilitate an understanding of the experiences between EMTs in emergencies using ICT by systematically finding, reviewing, assessing and synthesizing current evidence. A systematic search guided by PRISMA was performed using relevant electronic databases and manual searches. Studies were limited to original research and only article...

Research paper thumbnail of Communication and information exchange between Emergency Medical Teams during emergency situations in Riyadh, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: An explorative qualitative study

Research Square (Research Square), Apr 19, 2022

There is a lack of knowledge regarding communication and information exchange between the emergen... more There is a lack of knowledge regarding communication and information exchange between the emergency medical teams (EMTs) during emergencies, particularly in the Riyadh region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The aim of this study is to explore EMTs' experiences of communication and information exchange during di cult emergency situations in the city of Riyadh. A qualitative exploratory study was undertaken to explore the experiences of 62 respondents from the Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) and emergency departments (EDs): a total of 18 were SRCA staff (three call takers, four dispatchers, three eld supervisors and eight paramedics), and a total of 44 from hospital EDs, comprising 19 ED nurse managers, 12 ED physician consultants and 13 ED paramedics. Semi-structured interviews were held with the participants, who all had the experience of responding to emergencies and had the authority to communicate with one another. The interviews were tape-recorded and transcribed verbatim and the transcripts were analysed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis [1]. NVIVO 11 was used to aid data management. Three themes were identi ed comprising central factors that in uence coordination and communication between the participants. These themes were (1) the emotional impact on SRCA staff performance, (2) the effectiveness of the emergency response, and (3) perceptions of emergencies preparation. The rst theme highlighted important factors related to emotional and well-being, which impact the performance of the SRCA operation centre staff and have an impact on the information shared with other relevant staff. In the second theme, issues that emerged that related to the effectiveness of the emergency response, coordination and communication between the EMTs were highlighted to be limited in effectiveness. Although several communication systems were used, some of them were not formally sanctioned and some were technical issues related to the systems used. The third theme explored participants' perceptions of emergencies preparation, and again the ndings demonstrated limited evidence of disaster management training or preparation particularly between EMTs. The training in communication among EMTs staff in preparing for disasters was similarly found to have de cits and could be improved. Finally, the ndings from this study demonstrated that the level of debrie ng that was put in place following an incident could be substantially improved. Communication between EMTs not only involves the use of advanced technology but also requires improvements in coordinated communication within and between EMTs in relation to an effective response to emergencies and disasters. This could be achieved if the directors, managers and policymakers appreciated more fully the importance of the factors to be considered in relation to the effective use of ICT, the adverse impact of the ineffective use of communications systems, and how the coordination of services could be improved during emergency situations. Road tra c incidents (RTIs) account for 4.7 per cent of all fatalities in the KSA [5]. According to Al-Wathinani et al., (2021) the KSA has one of the highest rates of RTI mortality and morbidity in the world. Riyadh has witnessed terrorist incidents and riots in past years which have resulted in large-scale deaths and injuries. According to Alamri, (2010), in 2003, three residential compounds in Riyadh were targeted by terrorists, killing 40 people and seriously injuring over 160. In the following year, another residential compound was targeted, causing 17 deaths and 122 injuries [6] and in 2003 the Ministry of the Interior was subject to an attack that left ve dead and 145 injured including a number of police o cers [7]. Other forms of human activity have caused unintentional death and injury. In 2012, a fuel-truck accident caused 23 deaths and 139 injuries (Reuters, 2012). In 2013, riots by illegal immigrants from Ethiopia resulted in a number of deaths and injuries [9]. Riyadh experiences severe annual climate events such as oods and sandstorms which affect patients who suffer from acute reactive lung diseases such as asthma (Alangari et al., 2015). As a result, the number of patients seeking care in the ED increases during these adverse weather events and can sometimes lead to death [11]. In the event of an emergency, victims are treated by EMTs, which includes two organizations: EMS and ED personnel [12]. A growing body of literature has recognized the importance of patient information being up-todate, accurate and communicated e ciently between EMTs following emergency situations and during the transportation of the injured to hospital [13]. Ineffective communication between EMS and hospital staff during emergencies, according to numerous studies (Rowlands, 2003; Pun et al., 2015; Meisel et al., 2015), could result in extra di culties such as the risk of medical errors, which can result in more injuries or deaths. If communication between EMS and ED workers fails during an incident, critical information may be altered, lost or otherwise unavailable to emergency physicians or advanced practice providers (Martin et al.,2018) Studies have been already conducted to assess the effectiveness of information sharing in busy environments such as an ED, particularly during the handover between EMS and EDs, and have concluded that challenges exist [18-20]. Evans et al.,(2010) found that some information, such as patient demographics, allergy status and mechanism of injury, was not documented by trauma team members or paramedics, and that information was frequently lost during handovers. A quantitative study conducted by Kalyani et al., (2017) discovered that communication and information sharing between EMS and ED staff was regarded as a problem. That study showed that factors such as overcrowding in the ED, distractions and a lack of effective listening during face-toface handovers all have an effect on the quality of clinical handover and can result in the loss of critical patient information [20]. According to Bost et al., (2010), communication and information loss during patient handover can cause paramedics to have to remain in the ED longer than necessary, impacting upon them being able to conduct their primary role of protecting patients. Effective communication between EMS and ED personnel during and after emergency situations can signi cantly reduce fatalities in the rst 24 hours [21]. Martin et al., (2018) indicated that ICTs could help to improve communication and collaboration and facilitate the transition between EMS and ED personnel, as well as help to assess their needs and ensure that adequate resources are available. The use of advanced communication systems, according to Beul, et al., (2010), can facilitate the transmission of patient data to receiving hospitals. As a result, it is necessary to consider the use of ICTs by various emergency organizations in terms of how systems can most effectively support information exchange and coordination between EMTs under time constraints (Abbas, Norris, Parry, 2018). ICT used in healthcare systems during emergency situations Page 4/50 There are numerous examples of information-sharing systems used by EMTs during emergencies and disasters. The use of mobile phones and landlines enables medical staff to access updated data and disseminate information in life-threatening situations [24], as does the use of a two-way transmitter and receiver such as the Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) (Protogerakis et al., 2011;Kunavut, 2014). TETRA enables effective and safe wireless communication for all authorities involved in emergency communications, such as ambulance, police, re and rescue services [27]. The use of computer-based systems has brought about signi cant change and plays a critical role in the operation of healthcare systems because of the ability to transfer and store considerable amounts of data and monitor transactions in real-time through software systems (Ferreira, 2011; Fragkiadakis et al., 2011). Electronic health records accessible by hospital staff provide an example of communication-based systems. Vos et al., (2020), stated that electronic health records facilitate coordination, cooperation and joint decision-making. These resources have enabled real-time sharing of integrated patient information between HCPs, enabling the provision of high-value care [31]. In the EMS, Staff in the emergency communication centre use software called computer-aided dispatch (CAD) to determine the location of an incident through a global positioning system (GPS), record the status of a patient or injured person, and triage casualties effectively ([32, 33]. The role of EMTs and the emergency noti cation process in the KSA Emergencies responses are not limited just to the use of ICT; each medical team has a role to play to respond more effectively. Effective emergency management, from a healthcare perspective, requires collaboration between EMS and ED with the primary goal of saving lives during and following an emergency [34, 35]. In addition, EMS responders are the rst HCPs on the scene following an event [36]. When EMS workers transfer patients to receiving hospitals, the EMS is responsible for patient care until the patients arrive at the hospital's ED. Thus, the EMS is an essential component of health care since it is instrumental in saving lives and reducing mortality and morbidity rates (Aringhieri et al., 2017). In healthcare systems, noti cation processes begin with emergency control room staff such as call-takers and medical dispatchers, whose job is to receive and distribute information to the appropriate personnel (Clawson, and Dernocoeur, 2014).Call-takers are tasked with the responsibility for gathering critical information about patients' condition and location from callers and then entering it into a CAD system, and then emergency medical dispatchers classify the reported...

Research paper thumbnail of Experiences of Non-ICU Nurses’ Redeployment in ICU during Covid-19 Pandemic

Pakistan Journal of Medical and Health Sciences

Background: Staff that were redeployed from different departments to the intensive care unit (ICU... more Background: Staff that were redeployed from different departments to the intensive care unit (ICU) dealing with COVID-19 infected patients have had social, psychological, and physical effects as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: To evaluated the challenges and experiences of the non-ICU nursing staff when they were redeployed during the current pandemic. Study Design: Place and Duration of Study: Riyadh Healthcare from 1st July 2021 to 31st December 2021 Methodology: Two hundred and thirty-eight respondents were enrolled. Results: 70.6% of redeployed staff claimed very satisfied with neutral behaviour. 80.7% of nurses had the choice before redeployment, and 33.6% of staff felt happy to be redeployed to the ICU. 26.9% were neutral, while only 16.8% of nurses reported feeling very unhappy. Orientation was attended by 81.5% of staff, 54.6 % found it uses full. 50% of participants said they had the same workload as their previous departments, but only 5% of staff complained ...

Research paper thumbnail of Medical-Surgical Nurses’ Experiences of Calling a Rapid Response Team in a Hospital Setting : A Literature Review

Middle East Journal of Nursing, 2015

Background: The rapid response team (RRT) decreases rates of mortality and morbidity in hospital ... more Background: The rapid response team (RRT) decreases rates of mortality and morbidity in hospital and decreases the number of patient readmissions to the intensive care unit. This team helps patients before they have any signs of deterioration related to cardiac or pulmonary arrest. The aim of the RRT is to accelerate recognition and treatment of a critically ill patient. In addition, in order to be ready to spring into action without delay, the RRT must be on site and accessible, with good skills and training for emergency cases. It has been reported that many hospitals are familiar with the concept of RRTs. There is a difference between this team and a cardiac arrest team, since the RRT intervenes before a patient experiences cardiac or respiratory arrest. Aim: To describe current knowledge about medicalsurgical nurses' experiences when they call an RRT to save patients' lives. Method: The method used by the author was a literature review. The PubMed search database was used and 15 articles were selected, all of which were primary academic studies. Articles were analysed and classified according to specified guidelines; only articles of grades I and II were included. Results: Years of experience and qualifications characterise the ability of a medical-surgical nurse to decide whether or not to call the RRT. Knowledge and skills are also important; some hospitals provide education about RRTs, while others do not. Teamwork between bedside nurses and RRTs is effective in ensuring quality care. There are some challenges that might affect the outcome of patient care: The method of communication is particularly important in highlighting what nurses need RRTS to do in order to have fast intervention. Conclusion: Medical-surgical nurses call RRTs to help save patients' lives, and depend on their experience when they call RRTs. Both medicalsurgical nurses and RRTs need to collaborate during the delivery of care to the patient. Good knowledge and communication skills are important in delivering fast intervention to a critically ill patient, so that deteriorating clinical signs requiring intervention can be identified.

Research paper thumbnail of Emergency nurses’ preparedness for disaster in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Journal of Nursing Education and Practice, 2016

Background and objective: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has recently faced many man-made and natura... more Background and objective: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has recently faced many man-made and natural disasters. Since disaster victims are transferred to hospitals, nurses are among the first health care providers to respond to an emergency. Therefore, to improve disaster management it is essential to examine the current state of nurses' preparedness. The aim of the study was attempts to determine the disaster preparedness of emergency nurses in Saudi Arabia. Methods: The study data were collected using two survey tools from the research literature, and 72 participants were recruited from two government hospitals in Riyadh. The response rate was 31.7%. Results: The study revealed that most nurses understood their roles after reading the disaster plan. Although half of the respondents had completed training in the previous 12 months, only 60% answered the item related to confidence after training. There was a significant difference between the confidence of those who had participated in a disaster or mass casualties training program and that of those who had not. Only 26% answered the item related to confidence after being involved in a real disaster, and no significant difference was found between the confidence of those who had attended a real disaster or mass casualties event and that of those who had not. Conclusions: The study found that respondents had minimal and limited disaster experience, as reflected in their low levels of confidence after being involved in real disaster events. This highlights the need for continued efforts to expand disaster training and ensure that nurses are appropriately prepared.

Research paper thumbnail of The use of information and communication technology between emergency medical teams in emergency situations: A systematic review

Following an emergency incident, critically injured patients are often treated by multiple health... more Following an emergency incident, critically injured patients are often treated by multiple healthcare professionals from Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs) over a short period of time. The process of transportation from the site of an incident to definitive health care therefore depends on coordination and information-sharing which is reliant on the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). ICT is essential to ensure the necessary organizational responses to emergency situations by facilitating information-sharing, sustained coordination and collaboration to protect and save the injured. This literature review provides a broad overview which can facilitate an understanding of the experiences between EMTs in emergencies using ICT by systematically finding, reviewing, assessing and synthesizing current evidence. A systematic search guided by PRISMA was performed using relevant electronic databases and manual searches. Studies were limited to original research and only article...