Overview
The primary goal of this study is to find out if patients who speak with an EMS physician over the phone are less likely to refuse care compare to patients who do not speak with an EMS physician.
Description
This study aims to assess the impact of direct physician communication on patients' decisions to refuse EMS transport. The research approach is designed to measure the influence of physician interaction on patient transport decisions in a prospective model. By conducting this research, the study team hopes to provide evidence-based recommendations for EMS protocols regarding patient engagement and refusal management.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
• Adult patients ≥18 years old in care of Mecklenburg EMS (MEDIC) on an emergency basis (911 call) who wish to refuse transportation to the hospital in whom MEDIC has, via existing processes and decision-making, engaged online medical control EMS Physicians for further guidance
Exclusion Criteria:
- Patients \<18 years old.
- Patient refuses to speak with online medical control EMS Physicians. MEDIC or patient requests to have primary care physician.
- Lack of clinical capacity.
- Incarcerated population.
