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Rapid response and learning for later: establishing high quality information networks and evaluation frameworks for the National Ambulance Service response to COVID-19

The National Ambulance Service (NAS) is to the forefront of the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As directed in Ireland’s National Action Plan, NAS have significantly expanded their prehospital services. Additionally, most other health services rely on NAS’s capacity to assess, transport and/or treat COVID-19 patients. A climate of innovation and adaptation means NAS needs to learn from other ambulance services, and effectively share the Irish experience. An evaluation method for COVID-19 imposed change is needed so planning for subsequent waves or pandemics is built on evidence, and to identify innovative practice for mainstreaming into routine service provision. This research aims to provide the information networks and evaluation tools that will help NAS meet these requirements.
The first work package of this research will be on existing/ongoing work, producing ambulance-specific research and information updates for NAS. Secondly, an international network of senior ambulance and research personnel will be established (‘AMBULANCE+COVID19’ network) and a short-survey instrument, the Emergency Medical Services Five Question Survey (EMS-5QS), will be developed. The EMS-5QS will enable AMBULANCE+COVID19 participants to nominate a topic for which they would like to hear about the experience and practice of other ambulance services. Multiple surveys covering a range of topics will run over the course of the research. Finally, an evaluation framework will be developed to enable NAS determine innovations: (1) for reactivation in a subsequent wave or new pandemic; (2) to be sustained as part of routine service. The framework will be developed with the collaboration of NAS and the HSE Quality Improvement Division.
The Research Team includes expertise from academia, ambulance services and the National Public Health Emergency Team. Ability to mobilise resources quickly and utilise ready-made international networks will ensure a successful project that can inform future information sharing methodologies and pandemic planning for ambulance services internationally.