An exploratory study on the preparedness of advanced life support paramedics for the neonatal transfer process

Abstract

The inter-healthcare transfer of a critically ill neonate is a crucial aspect of larger neonatal intensive care, as it influences the safe transport of neonates from the receiving to the referring hospital. Specialised teams, particularly well trained advanced life support (ALS) paramedics are critical to ensure that they can deal with clinical emergencies as they arise within the transfer process. The study reports findings related to the preparedness of ALS paramedics for the neonatal transfer process among purposively selected participants in five provinces of South Africa. The objective was therefore to investigate the preparedness of ALS paramedics to effect neonatal transfers and to ascertain what needed to be done to strengthen the competence of those in the field. A qualitative, explorative and descriptive design was used to guide the study. Forty-three ALS paramedics and twenty-one emergency medical care lecturers were purposively sampled from KwaZulu- Natal, the Free State, Gauteng and the Western Cape provinces to participate in the study. Data were collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, and subsequently analysed thematically. A huge gap in the knowledge and practical training as part of the preparedness of ALS paramedics for neonatal clinical emergencies and transfers was uncovered. Developing a specialised module on neonatal transfers, internships within the neonatal context, and continuous professional development could facilitate the preparedness of paramedics involved in neonatal transfers.

Keywords: Neonates, transfers, ALS paramedics, emergency medical care, curricula.