Qualitative Theme Analysis on Perception of Practice Scope among Emergency Medical Service Providers: Focused on Registered Nurses

Abstract

This study aims to explore how emergency medical service (EMS) providers with registered nurses perceive their practice scope in Korea. This qualitative study analyzed the interview data of nine EMS providers with registered nurses using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis. Three themes and 10 subthemes were revealed. Theme 1 was “not clearly knowing the scope.” They perceived their scope as similar to that of a first-grade emergency medical technicians (EMTs), as wider than that of EMTs' scope, as focused on the controversial scope, it is determined according to the medical director. Theme 2 was “anxiety and distrust.” They were concerned whether they can be protected legally by the practice guideline, showed no confidence in the legal protection of the practice guideline, and were confused about their professional identity. Theme 3 was “different strengths in practices.” They reported that EMTs are more experienced and skillful in the prehospital field, as nurses lack education on prehospital emergency. However, they have different strengths from the beginning such as patient’s care. For ensuring stability of and consistency in the provided service, the practice scope of EMS providers with registered nurses needs to be clearly stipulated.