Dr Ruth Hardman1,2, Dr Louise Reynolds3,4, Ms Lauren Rudd5, Ms Alicia Turnbull5
1La Trobe University, Australia, 2Sunraysia Community Health Services, Mildura, Australia, 3Australian Catholic University, Australia, 4Safer Care Victoria, Melbourne, Australia, 5Gateway Health, Wodonga, Australia
Biography:
All participants are currently involved with the CP@clinic community paramedicine program which is operating across rural Victoria. The paramedic experience is represented by Alicia Turnbull and Lauren Rudd; the policy perspective by Dr Louise Reynolds from Safer Care Victoria, and the research-evaluation lens by Dr Ruth Hardman, La Trobe University.
Abstract:
Background
In Australia, Community paramedicine (CP) has the potential to address primary care needs in vulnerable populations. Additionally, CP offers registered paramedics an alternative career pathway to jurisdictional ambulance service roles. Registered paramedics are currently the only health workforce in oversupply, and whilst transitioning their skills from ‘ambulance health’ roles could provide a much-needed boost to the primary care workforce, this appears to be a complex undertaking.
Actions
We are currently implementing and evaluating a community paramedic service, ‘CP@clinic’, across four rural Victoria community health service sites. CP@clinic provides free drop-in access to community-based paramedics for those facing health inequities due to social isolation and healthcare access. Paramedics screen and monitor health conditions, provide education, and link to relevant resources. This is one of the first CP initiatives that employs paramedics outside a jurisdictional ambulance service.
Results
The implementation evaluation demonstrated high levels of feasibility and acceptability amongst participants, other health providers and paramedics. The program has expanded rapidly and has successfully targeted priority population groups who experience poor healthcare access. Ongoing evaluation will explore the impact on health outcomes and service utilisation. A key challenge has been the paramedic transition from their jurisdictional roles to the community health environment, including terms of employment, access to funding and negotiating flexible work agreements.
Conclusion
Embedding paramedics into primary care settings in Australia requires policy, employment and individual considerations. Our panel will explore these issues from several perspectives (policy, research, paramedic experience) and discuss possible ways forward to manage these challenges.