CReD 

A Mixed methods study to develop a framework to improve medical documentation at a KZN ambulance service

art of patient care. Medical documentation prevents the loss of information and contributes towards improved ongoing medical care and can be referred to if there is a complaint regarding patients care, for research purposes and quality assurance. The purpose of this research, therefore, is to develop a framework, which can be used to improve the quality of medical documentation completed by PHECPs. This will require the identification of the information and knowledge gaps that PHECPS have regarding medical documentation and the manner in which they complete medical documentation. Solutions to the identified gaps will be provided by interviewing industry experts and reviewing current literature. The identified solutions will be used to create a clinical framework, which can be implemented to improve the quality of medical documentation recorded by PHECPs. This research will utilise a four-phase sequential explanatory mixed methodology. Phase one- quantitative phase: The PHECPS knowledge and perceptions of medical documentation will be assessed using a questionnaire with a quantitative design. Phase two, quantitative phase - Common problems and trends in medical documentation will be identified and quantitatively analysed on completed PRFs using a previously developed tool. Phase three - qualitative phase: Qualitative, semi structured interviews will be conducted to gain a greater understanding of the points identified in phase one and two of the research. Phase four: Assimilation of the data collected in phases 1,2 and 3 will be used to develop a proposed framework to improve MD. Phase four: A Delphi survey will be used to for additional expert input and consensus on the content and design of the framework

Research Aim: The aim of this research is to develop a framework to provide guidance on how to improve medical documentation at a KZN ambulance service. Research Objectives: 1. To determine current knowledge, perceptions and problems related to medical documentation among PHECP’s at a KZN ambulance service, this will be achieved by: a. Conducting a questionnaire to assess PHECP’s knowledge and perceptions of MD. b. Identify common problems, themes, and trends on completed medical documentation at a KZN ambulance service using a validated tool. c. Conduct interviews with industry experts to further understand, analyse and propose solutions to problems related to MD. 2. Based on the findings from objective one, a framework aimed at improving the quality of medical documentation at a KZN ambulance service, will be designed. 3. A Delphi survey will be used to gain additional input and consensus on the framework from industry experts. Research outcomes Through this research there will be a greater understanding of the extent of PHECPs knowledge and perceptions relating to MD. Together with the analysis of PRFs to identify common problems and trends on PRFs the identified factors can be used guide curriculum development in EMS courses and policy development at a provincial and national level. The development of the proposed framework will improve the quality of medical documentation completed by PHECP in KZN ensuring continuity of care and patient safety. The framework can also be implemented at a national level to benefit EMS in other provinces. The aim is to undertake this PhD by published papers in peer-reviewed journals and through presentation at regional and national meetings. It is anticipated that between 3 and 5 research papers will emanate from this work and will be collated into the PhD thesis document.

Quantitative Survey

2024-12-01

2026-11-28

2024-12-01

Private

South Africa

robzmckenzie@gmail.com

Robert Mckenzie;