PSU Students’ Voices: Accessibility of Emergency Medical Services of the University Hospital

Abstract

Objective: Ready access to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is crucial for students as the majority group of the Prince of Songkla University (PSU) community. This study aimed to explore the meaning of accessibility to EMS based on PSU students’ perception, their experiences in accessing these services, and management when facing unanticipated EMS accessibility situations. Their suggestions to improve access to the EMS are also described. Material and Methods: A qualitative method was conducted on 10 PSU students who had used the EMS of the PSU Hospital during the study period. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, and were analyzed with simple content analysis. Results: Participants perceived the meaning of accessibility as the readiness of services in terms of time, personnel and equipment at both the pre-hospital and emergency room (ER) situations. Overall, the EMS was good in terms of convenience and being provided free of charge, and the quality of the help provided by the EMS personnel. However, participants faced various barriers such as not knowing the EMS telephone number, waiting time, facing communication problems with the health care providers and feeling alone or treated in a non-private setting. Participants managed unanticipated EMS accessibility situations either by themselves or seeking help from others. Their suggestions included providing EMS information, preparing available equipment and improving health care provider’s communication and waiting time at the ER. Conclusion: PSU students had positive and negative experiences while using the EMS. To improve the quality of EMS in PSU community, the EMS personnel should provide the EMS information and equipment effectively, make the PSU students feel comfortable, and improve their communication and overall waiting times at ER.

Keywords

• accessibility
• emergency medical services
• emergency room
• students