Dr Angela Martin1,2,3
1Ambulance Tasmania, Hobart, Australia, 2Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia, 3Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
Biography:
Dr Angela Martin PhD FACPara is the Manager Clinical Practice, Integrated Care for Ambulance Tasmania. Angela has 27 years' experience working in nursing, paramedicine, consultation, management and research, completing her PhD in 2022, examining stakeholder perspectives on Community Paramedicine. Her qualifications include PhD, MPP, BN, GDipN (Emerg), Dip.ParaSci (Amb), Dip.Mgt.
Abstract:
Situation
Tasmania, an island state of Australia, faces unique health challenges due to its dispersed population of 570,000 residents, higher rates of chronic disease and potentially avoidable deaths, poor health literacy and socio-economic disadvantage. These issues compounded by an ageing population and primary health workforce shortage, sets the scene for a public health crisis.
Task
As part of the 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, the state government has committed to funding 27 operational Community Paramedic positions statewide, over the next four years. This initiative aims to integrate Ambulance Tasmania Community Paramedics into multi-disciplinary teams across 13 rural communities to support health service delivery and improve patient outcomes.
Action
The success of this initiative hinges on collaborative partnerships with the Department of Health, Primary Health Networks, local hospitals, GPs, and community-based care services. Preliminary modelling and stakeholder consultation began in 2024 and will escalate in 2025. Led by a Clinical Manager in Integrated Care who holds a PhD in Community Paramedicine research, Ambulance Tasmania is collaborating with researchers nationwide to design an unprecedented study evaluating the implementation, benefits, cost-effectiveness, and outcomes of the program.
Result
Establishing collaborative partnerships and engaging community members in the planning and implementation of Community Paramedicine programs is crucial for co-designing sustainable healthcare innovations. Short and longitudinal program evaluations will ensure that future modelling is robust, evidence-informed, and responsive to the healthcare needs of Tasmanians to support the viability of Community Paramedic roles in the health system.