Alan Morrison – Associate Director Professional Engagement & Partnerships and NSWA lead for the Integrated Paramedic Workforce Model Project.
NSW Health Integrated Paramedic Workforce Model Project
Mr Alan Morrison, Jacqueline Dominish
1NSW Ambulance, Sydney, Australia
Abstract
Introduction
Guided by state strategic health policies NSW Health led an Integrated Paramedic Workforce Model Project to pilot workforce models that integrate paramedics within established multidisciplinary teams at two rural sites – an emergency department and hospital rapid access clinic. Paramedics were identified as the first workforce to test integrated workforce models as they are highly skilled health professionals whose clinical expertise as generalist practitioners with innate acute and emergency care capability, may easily translate across a range of healthcare settings.
Method
The project involved collaboration with more than 10 NSW Health entities over a 12 month period leading to successful implement of the pilots during October-December 2024.
The main objectives were to assess the feasibility of a workforce model integrating paramedics within established multidisciplinary teams across a range of health care settings and evaluate the strength of the project to meet future workforce needs – aligned to NSW Health Future Health and Workforce Plan objectives.
The project team established a methodology for the project that embedded extensive consultation with the broad range of system stakeholders addressing all requirements of the authorising environment and realisation of participating groups support.
Results
At the time of writing the Agency for Clinical Innovation is preparing an evaluation report. The findings of the report will be presented.
Conclusion
The outcomes of the evaluation will inform future workforce planning. The project methodology represents a robust approach that can be applied to jurisdictional workforce model innovation.
The NSW Ambulance GoodSAM program – A review of the first 12 months
Mr Alan Morrison1, Ms Jessica Arnold1
1NSW Ambulance, Sydney, Australia
Abstract
Introduction
Early CPR is crucial for survival in patients suffering out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). NSWA partnered with GoodSAM to integrate smartphone technology into the emergency response system. The initiative harnesses community involvement through crowdsourcing technology, encouraging bystander CPR and AED application.
Method
Program implementation was evaluated at 12 months and considered impact of responders on patient outcomes, efficacy of promotional activities on responder registration, responder reaction to receiving notifications, role of responder wellbeing follow up program and the establishment of the AED registry.
Data to facilitate the review included cases meeting GoodSAM criteria over the 12-month period from November 23, 2023, to November 22, 2024, data collection from routine follow-up calls, Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) data, eMR data and extracts from GoodSAM.
Results
Over the 12 month period 8,372 responders had registered, and 1,745 responders had arrived on scene, with CPR initiated on 421 patients. The review identified variation in the impact of promotional activities on responder registration, notification safety features were generally effective in preventing inappropriate notifications, a responder acceptance rate of 23.5%, NSWA follow up post notification was highly valued by responders and 40 patients who received CPR from a responder were discharged from hospital.
Conclusion
The first 12 months of the NSWA GoodSAM program have shown promising results in enhancing the community response to OHCA. Moving forward, a focus on optimising promotional activities, responder engagement, patient outcome tracking, and the AED registry will be essential for building on the momentum gained during this first year.