title: EMS providers and exception from informed consent research: benefits, ethics, and community consultation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  As attention to, and motivation for, emergency medical services (EMS)-related research continues to grow, particularly exception from informed consent (EFIC) research, it is important to understand the thoughts, beliefs, and experiences of EMS providers who are actively engaged in the research.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We explored the attitudes, beliefs, and experiences of EMS providers regarding their involvement in prehospital emergency research, particularly EFIC research.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using a qualitative design, 24 participants were interviewed including nationally registered paramedics and Virginia-certified emergency medical technicians employed at Richmond Ambulance Authority, the participating EMS agency. At the time of our interviews, the EMS agency was involved in an EFIC trial. Transcribed interview data were coded and analyzed for themes. Findings were presented back to the EMS agency for validation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall, there appeared to be support for prehospital emergency research. Participants viewed research as necessary for the advancement of the field of EMS. Improvement in patient care was identified as one of the most important benefits. A number of ethical considerations were identified: individual risk versus public good and consent. The EMS providers in our study were open to working with EMS researchers throughout the community consultation and public disclosure process.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The EMS providers in our study valued research and were willing to participate in studies. Support for research was balanced with concerns and challenges regarding the role of providers in the research process.
authors: Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, USA. eripley@mcvh-vcu.edu
authors: Elizabeth
authors: E
authors: Ripley
authors: Cornelia
authors: C
authors: Ramsey
authors: Amy
authors: A
authors: Prorock-Ernest
authors: Rebecca
authors: R
authors: Foco
authors: Solomon
authors: S
authors: Luckett
authors: Joseph P
authors: JP
authors: Ornato
mesh_terms: D035843:Biomedical Research; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000941:ethics*; D004634:Emergency Medical Technicians / Q000941:ethics*; D032984:Ethics, Research; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000941:ethics*; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D036301:Qualitative Research; D014481:United States; D014768:Virginia