Timothy Millington
Doctorate
Doctorate Title: Insights into respiratory aerosol generation and protection: A pragmatic mixed-methods study investigation chest compressions and defibrillation as potential aerosol generating procedures when performed in the resuscitation of a patient in cardiac arrest and the impact of personal protective equipment on prehospital, emergency department and prehospital staff responsible for caring for critically ill patients during the covid-19 pandemic.
Doctorate Description: Evidence regarding chest compressions and defibrillation specifically as aerosol generating procedures (AGPs) is scant, with the limited data available inconclusive, partly due to the multifaceted nature of resuscitative efforts rendering specific conclusions difficult (Couper at al 2020). This has led to conflicting guidelines from various professional bodies regarding personal protective equipment (PPE), creating ethical and medicolegal questions regarding health care professionals (HCPs) responsibilities when responding to cardiac arrest. Adherence to enhanced PPE protocols delay lifesaving interventions, however, non-adherence puts rescuers at risk. HCP infection rates remain high despite enhanced PPE protocols and tragically mortality remains disproportionately high amongst HCPs compared to the general population. Literature repeatedly highlights urgent need for further research to quantify aerosols generated by compressions and defibrillation.
Studies have explored HCPs perceptions of working in this new and challenging environment, however, to date, very limited data exists exploring the impact of PPE specifically on front line staff, with no literature presently published investigating the pre-hospital perspective in England. Clarity regarding AGPs in resuscitation, alongside a deeper understanding of PPEs impact on rescuers, with focus on non-adherence, will improve the limited literature regarding this matter and help to inform healthcare strategies going forward, better protecting HCPs who remain at risk in the fight against Covid-19.
Details:
Type: PhD
University: University of Hertfordshire
Primary Supervisor: Professor Julia Williams
Category: Infection
Funding: University of Hertfordshire and College of Paramedics
Start Date: 2021
End Date: 2024
Status: Ongoing
Thesis
Awaiting
Research Interests
Publications
Paramedic PhD is endorsed by:
