The trials and tribulations of pre-hospital research

This UK-based study investigates Paramedics' perceptions of research in pre-hospital settings with a particular emphasis on clinical trials.

Five paramedics participated in semi-structured interviews which focused on participants' opinions about the value and use of clinical trials, the challenges encountered when undertaking pre-hospital clinical trials, and possible ways to manage these challenges. The themes that emerged through processes of thematic analysis informed the development of a survey questionnaire which, subsequently, was distributed to 300 paramedics in the Yorkshire Ambulance Service.

The survey used both open and closed questions and was structured into five sections: 1) demographic data and information about clinical experience and training/education; 2) participants' knowledge and experience in clinical trials and their access to and use of published literature; 3) attitudes toward evidence based practice; 4) issues surrounding strategies for randomisation within pre-hospital clinical trials; 5) gaining consent, preparing Paramedics to participate in research, and practicalities involved with pre-hospital clinical trials.