The IMPACT Study [COVID-19]
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The IMPACT of Covid19 on the behaviour of patients accessing the ambulance service - a cross sectional study
IRAS ID
283063
Contact name
Karl Charlton
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 19 days
Research summary
Novel corona virus 2019 (covid-19) is a world wide threat and is changing the way patients require, and access, health services. The National Health Service (NHS) is under extreme pressure from a surge of patients requiring care. \nAmbulance services are no exception and have witnessed a significant increase in patient demand. Anecdotal data suggests in addition to an increase in demand, service users may be using the ambulance service differently, and those suffering from acute illness are choosing not to contact the ambulance care in the usual way. This may lead to poor outcomes for patients and service delivery problems for ambulance services.\n\nThis research aims to explore service user behaviour by analysing 999 and 111 calls for a range of emergency situations (such as breathing problems and chest pain) throughout March-May 2019 compared to the same time period during the pandemic. \nThis research will also explore the conveyance versus non-conveyance rates for patients in the same emergency situations over the same time periods. \n\nThis research will use anonymised electronic care record data only. The researchers will not approach any potential participants and it will not be possible to identify any individual from the data or any results. \nA6
REC name
Wales REC 7
REC reference
20/WA/0135
Date of REC Opinion
22 Apr 2020
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion