Challenges of Organisational Structure and Human Resources in Pre Hospital Emergency Medical Systems for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Introduction: Studies about Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in pre hospital setting in Iran is limited. Despite the importance of this issue, numerous challenges in this area are left unattended. Aim: To explore the challenges of the organisational structure and the human resources in pre hospital Emergency Medical Systems (EMSs) for CPR. Materials and Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using content analysis approach. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews in 2020, until saturation was achieved. The participants were 16 Iranian emergency medical staff who were selected through a purposive sampling method. Data were analysed based on the Graneheim UH and Lundman B approach. Results: Thirteen participants were males and the rest were females. The mean age of the participants was 33.06±7.85 years and their mean work experience was 10.62±6.63 years. By analysing the data, the information was placed in two main categories- “the challenges of human resources” which includes four sub categories (lack of experience and skills, intrapersonal challenges, non targeted performance and weakness in education as the existing challenges), and “the challenges of organisational structure” which includes three sub categories (improper structure and access, lack of organisational support and shortages of the facilities and the equipment as the existing challenges). Conclusion: Results from the present study revealed that pre hospital EMSs staff had to face various problems, challenges and limitations in CPR. Therefore, the ability of these staff to manage these challenges should be increased through the opportunity to acquire clinical knowledge and skills in order to improve patient-centered services.