A qualitative study of paramedics' attitudes to providing prehospital thrombolysis.
OBJECTIVE
To explore paramedics' attitudes to administering prehospital thrombolysis (PHT).


METHODS
In-depth interviews with 20 paramedics were recorded and transcribed and analysed for emergent themes using the constant comparative method.


RESULTS
Although there was a will to provide PHT because of its benefits to patients, its associated risks, aspects of pay and working conditions, and certain organisational factors undermined the willingness of some paramedics to administer thrombolysis. The eight minute response time standard is a competing imperative which can delay thrombolysis.


CONCLUSIONS
A minority of paramedics are likely to be unwilling to deliver PHT unless countervailing imperatives are addressed.
Price
L
L
Peninsula Research & Development Support Unit, Peninsula Medical School, Plymouth, Devon, UK.
Keeling
P
P
Brown
G
G
Hughes
D
D
Barton
A
A
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000379:methods*; D004634:Emergency Medical Technicians / Q000523:psychology*; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008297:Male; D016272:Occupational Health; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012456:Salaries and Fringe Benefits; D013222:State Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology*