Research

STUDY OBJECTIVE: In the context of calls to develop better systems for out-of-hospital clinical research, we seek to understand paramedics' perceptions of involvement in research and the barriers and facilitators to that involvement. METHODS: This was a qualitative study using semistructured focus groups with 58 United Kingdom paramedics and interviews with 30 US firefighter-paramedics. The study focused on out-of-hospital research (trials of out-of-hospital treatment for stroke), whereby paramedics identified potential study subjects or obtained consent and administered study treatment in the field...

BACKGROUND: Clinical trials are required to strengthen the evidence base for prehospital care. This questionnaire study aimed to explore paramedics' perceptions of prehospital research and barriers to conducting prehospital clinical trials. METHODS: A self-completed questionnaire was developed to explore paramedic perceptions and barriers to undertaking prehospital trials based upon a review of existing research and semistructured qualitative interviews with five paramedics...