Mr Jacob Grevell1, Dr Samantha Jakimowicz2, Ms Hannah Stack1, Dr Ian Skinner1
1Charles Sturt University, Port Macquarie, Australia, 2Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, Australia
Biography:
Jacob Grevell is a Charles Sturt University lecturer in Port Macquarie with ten years of paramedic experience. He has worked internationally in the UK and extensively in remote Australian settings. He's now pursuing research to improve paramedics' care for chronic pain.
Background/Aims
This scoping review examined the literature on paramedic care for individuals living with chronic pain.
Abstract:
Methods
The review followed the JBI scoping review methodology and included published literature on chronic pain care within paramedic practice. Searches were conducted on 12 December 2024 in CINAHL, MEDLINE, ProQuest Central, and grey literature. Studies from all countries relevant to paramedic care were included. Study selection and data extraction were completed, with disagreements resolved through discussion or a third reviewer. Data were extracted using a purpose-built tool and presented in tabular format, with an accompanying narrative summary linking findings to the review objectives.
Results
There were 689 studies from the databases. After screening titles and abstracts, 38 were retrieved and assessed for full-text eligibility. After full-text screening, 3 studies were included in this scoping review. Key findings showed that people with chronic pain perceive inadequate care. Clinicians find managing chronic pain difficult due to its inherent complexity. People with chronic pain often have complex multidisciplinary care plans. They also believe that education on evidence-based practice is insufficient and feel stigmatised by paramedics, which contributes to poorer care.
Conclusions
There is a clear lack of guidance on paramedic care for individuals living with chronic pain. Further research is needed to understand patients' and paramedics' perceptions of prehospital chronic pain care. With these perceptions, further research would be able to establish the role of paramedics in the care of people with chronic pain, as it is currently unclear.