Exploring the Role and Educational Requirements of Paramedics within Primary Care (EXPREPP): Preliminary Findings

Exploring the Role and Educational Requirements of Paramedics within Primary Care (EXPREPP): preliminary findings

Background

Within the UK and internationally, there is an increasing trend for paramedics to take on new roles within primary care (PC) settings. In 2019, the Department of Health allocated £720m to introduce 20,000 new primary care workers in England by 2023/24, recognising the critical role of the paramedic in this ‘new system’ to move beyond traditional pre-hospital emergency care. This approach is not unique to England, with many countries looking towards this model of care, including Wales.

Objective

This qualitative study is exploring stakeholder perspectives with experience of paramedics working in PC, on the education and training required to work effectively as a paramedic in PC settings, establishing whether paramedics have the appropriate education, training, and skills and whether this model is sustainable. 

Methods

One-to-one semi-structured interviews with primary care paramedics (PCP) and stakeholders (PC staff, ambulance service managers, education leads, professional bodies). 20 of ~25 interviews completed to date). Two focus groups with PCPs will follow. Transcribed interviews are subject to thematic analysis.

Results

Preliminary findings are: Key paramedic skills are transferable to PC, although care must be taken not to dilute the paramedic workforce from traditional emergency role. Lack of consistency/clarity of PCP roles, titles, professional identity, scope of practice and clinical supervision. PCP education needs development including bespoke educational programmes. Lack of understanding of paramedic skills, levels, qualifications, experience, with significant diversity of views and perspectives. Core skillset for PCP must be aligned with the requirements of the PC organisation to be effective. PC placements would support undergraduate paramedic students to develop mutual understanding of professions, however there are significant financial barriers.

Conclusion

This study is ongoing with themes being reviewed and further developed. The study will make recommendations for the development of a common curriculum for paramedics entering PC, including guidance for further standardisation of the PCP role providing greater uniformity. This study will help understand whether paramedics, with appropriate training can successfully evolve to become an integral part of primary care multidisciplinary teams, with recommendations of how this could be achieved.