Prehospital dyspnoea; How is the patient assessed and treated- preliminary data from the dyspnoea project

Background: Patients with respiratory distress (dyspnoea) often seek emergency medical care and are cared for in ambulance. Although dyspnoea is subjective, it has a physiologic basis. Behind the symptom of dyspnoea, several serious medical diagnoses can be hidden and the presence of dyspnoea is also associated with increased mortality. Based on the patient's individual needs and complex illnesses or injuries, the ambulance staff will independently be responsible for advanced care. In caring for these patients, an intertwining between medical and caring assessment are needed. Through medical assessments the ambulance staff tries to identify the underlying cause of dyspnoea. Medical assessments are important in order to make a prioritisation of the patient's condition and need for treatment. But from a caring science perspective, another part in the assessment is to have a patient perspective in order to promote health and wellbeing for the vulnerable patient. Through a caring conversation, by listening to the patients story, the medical and caring assessment can be safer by providing information that is relevant but not measureable, for example, diagnosis and treatment goals. The ambulance staff´s ability to intertwine a medical and existential perspective promotes patient´s well-being and relieves suffering. Aim The overall aim of this project is to explore the healthcare meeting, the assessment and caring of patients with dyspnoea who has been received an ambulance. Methods: Quantitative- and qualitative methods Importance of the thesis This project will increase knowledge and understanding in patients with dyspnoea. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to the outcome of this group of patients