Incidence and impact of incivility in paramedicine: a qualitative study

Credland, Nicola Jane; Whitfield, Clare

Abstract

Background: Incivility or rudeness is a form of interpersonal aggression. Studies suggest that up to 90% of healthcare staff encounter incivility at work with it being considered 'part of the job'. Methods: Qualitative, in-depth, semistructured interviews (n=14) undertaken between June and December 2019. Purposive sampling was used to identify front-line paramedics working for one NHS Ambulance Trust. Interviews lasted between 16 and 45 min, were audiorecorded, verbatim transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Four themes were identified: paramedics reported a lack of respect displayed both verbally and non-verbally from other professional groups. The general public and interdisciplinary colleagues alike have unrealistic expectations of the role of a paramedic. In order to deal with incivility paramedics often reported taking the path of least resistance which impacts on ways of working and shapes subsequent clinical decision-making, potentially threatening best practice. Finally paramedics report using coping strategies to support well-being at work. They report that a single episode of incivility is easier to deal with but subsequent episodes compound the first. Conclusions: This study highlights the effect incivility can have on operational paramedics. Incivility from the general public and other health professionals alike can have a cumulative effect impacting on well-being and clinical decision-making.

Citation

Credland, N. J., & Whitfield, C. (in press). Incidence and impact of incivility in paramedicine: a qualitative study. Emergency Medicine Journal, https://doi.org/10.1136/emermed-2020-209961

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 15, 2021
• Online Publication Date: May 26, 2021
• Deposit Date: Jun 9, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 27, 2021
• Journal: Emergency Medicine Journal
• Print ISSN: 1472-0205
• Electronic ISSN: 1472-0213
• Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/emermed-2020-209961
• Keywords: Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine; Emergency Medicine; General Medicine
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/3787196