Emergency medical technicians' experience of managing patients' pain during hospital transport: A qualitative study

Abstract

This study aimed to explore and elucidate the experiences of emergency medical technicians concerning the pain management of patients during hospital transfers. By delving into their feelings, thoughts, and attitudes, the study sought to provide valuable insights to address the challenges faced in this critical aspect of patient care. In this qualitative study, targeted sampling was employed to recruit 10 emergency medical technicians as participants. Data were gathered through interviews and subsequently transcribed onto paper. The collected information was then subjected to analysis using the conventional content analysis method. The analysis of the collected data and the resulting findings revealed the presence of several barriers, including limited options for pain management, concerns about drug side effects, fear of potential repercussions, and the lack of readily available medical support for emergency medical technicians. The study's findings highlight the multitude of barriers and challenges in managing patients' pain, underscoring the paramount importance of pain relief as a critical issue. This significance becomes even more apparent in underserved and remote regions with limited treatment resources, where emergency medical technicians must prioritize this matter as a vital concern.