PDSA

01. Phase

Gather Input:

Conduct one-on-one interviews and focus groups with EMS personnel from various shifts and experience levels.
Use open-ended questions to explore their understanding of the Fit2Sit criteria and the factors influencing their decision-making.

Identify Key Barriers:

Ask about specific aspects of the Fit2Sit process that are unclear or seem risky.
Explore concerns regarding liability and shared responsibility between EMS and triage nurses.
Record examples and anecdotes to highlight common themes.

Analyze Feedback:

Compile responses and identify recurring themes that suggest where misunderstandings or hesitations occur.
Prioritize issues based on frequency and potential impact on offload delays.
Summarize the findings in a report or visual chart for use in designing the training materials.

Define Learning Objectives:

Clearly state that the training aims to increase confidence in using Fit2Sit and reduce offload delays.
Include specific goals such as understanding eligibility criteria, knowing the liability protections, and clarifying the shared responsibilities between EMS and triage nurses.

Develop Training Content:

Create detailed, step-by-step guidelines that clarify when and how to use the Fit2Sit program.
Produce interactive e-learning modules that incorporate real-life scenarios and role-playing exercises.
Design quick-reference guides and checklists for use during shifts.

Incorporate Multimedia Elements:

Develop short videos demonstrating proper Fit2Sit decision-making in various patient scenarios.
Include case studies that illustrate successful and timely use of the Fit2Sit process.

Review and Refine:

Pilot the draft materials with a small group of EMS staff and solicit feedback on clarity, relevance, and practicality.
Revise content based on their input to ensure it effectively addresses the identified issues.

Pilot Program Implementation:

Launch the training initiative with a select group of EMS personnel across different shifts to test effectiveness.
Schedule both online sessions and in-person workshops to cover different learning styles.

Ongoing Support and Resources:

Set up a dedicated helpline or online forum for EMS staff to ask questions and share experiences as they apply the training.
Schedule follow-up sessions and refresher courses to reinforce the training content.

Monitor and Evaluate Impact:

Track key performance indicators such as Fit2Sit utilization rates and offload delay times before and after training.
Collect both quantitative data (e.g., reduced offload delay times) and qualitative feedback from EMS staff.

Iterate and Expand:

Use the performance data to identify any remaining gaps or new issues, then update training materials accordingly.
Once the pilot shows positive results, plan a full rollout to all EMS staff in the region.

The training is delivered in multiple formats including interactive online modules, in-person workshops, and quick-reference guides to accommodate different learning styles and physical environments.
By clearly outlining Fit2Sit eligibility and decision-making processes, the training helps EMS staff make faster, more efficient decisions, reducing the time they spend waiting at hospitals for patient handover.
As a result, the training not only makes learning accessible but also directly decreases the physical strain on paramedics by shortening the period they are tied up with offload delays, allowing ambulances to return to service more quickly.

The training builds confidence by providing clear guidelines and detailed protocols, reducing uncertainty about Fit2Sit eligibility and liability issues.
Through scenario-based exercises and case studies, it helps EMS personnel understand and internalize best practices, lowering mental strain during high-pressure situations.
This clarity and reassurance contribute to improved job satisfaction and reduced anxiety.

The training fosters improved communication among EMS personnel and triage nurses by establishing consistent, shared protocols for patient handover.
It encourages a common understanding of roles and responsibilities, enabling more effective collaboration during critical handoff moments.
By aligning team efforts, the training promotes stronger teamwork and a more cohesive emergency response.

The training initiative standardizes procedures across the organization, ensuring that all staff follow the same criteria for utilizing the Fit2Sit program.
It supports the Quality Improvement Plan of Cambridge Memorial Hospital and aligns with the Emergency Services Master Plan by reducing offload delays and enhancing overall operational efficiency [1], [3].
Improved consistency and reduced delays lead to better resource management and cost savings, contributing to long-term organizational goals.

The training aligns with provincial and local healthcare policies by demonstrating a commitment to timely emergency response and improved patient care.
By reducing offload delays and increasing ambulance availability, the initiative helps meet key performance targets that inform public policy and funding decisions.
The measurable improvements resulting from the training provide evidence to policymakers and stakeholders of the value of investing in EMS education and process optimization.