Rapid response and learning for later: establishing high quality information networks and evaluation frameworks for the National Ambulance Service response to COVID-19 – the ENCORE COVID Project Protocol

Abstract

Background: The National Ambulance Service (NAS) is at the forefront of Ireland’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As directed in Ireland’s National Action Plan, NAS significantly expanded prehospital services, including provision of a novel home and community COVID-19 testing service. Additionally, other health services rely on NAS’s capacity to assess, transport and/or treat COVID-19 patients. In a climate of innovation and adaptation, NAS needs to learn from international ambulance services and share experience. Evaluation of the NAS response to COVID-19 is required to facilitate evidence-based planning for subsequent waves or future pandemics, and to identify innovative practice for mainstreaming into routine service provision. Aims: This project aims to provide information networks and evaluation tools that will help NAS meet these requirements. Methods: The first aim will be to produce ambulance-specific research and information updates for NAS. Secondly, an international network of senior ambulance and research personnel will be established (‘AMBULANCE+COVID19’ network) and a short-survey instrument, the Emergency Medical Services Five Question Survey (EMS-5QS), will be developed. The EMS-5QS will enable AMBULANCE+COVID19 participants to nominate a topic for which they would like to hear about the experience and practice of other ambulance services. Multiple surveys covering a range of topics will be carried out. Finally, an evaluation framework will be developed to enable NAS determine innovations: (1) for reactivation in another wave or new pandemic; (2) to be sustained as part of routine service. The framework will be developed in collaboration with NAS and the Health Service Executive National Quality Improvement Team. The Research Team includes expertise from academia, ambulance services and the National Public Health Emergency Team. Conclusions: Ability to mobilise resources quickly and utilise ready-made international networks will ensure a successful project than can inform future information sharing methodologies and pandemic planning for ambulance services internationally.