Exploring how paramedics are deployed in general practice and the perceived benefits and drawbacks: a mixed-methods scoping study.
allied health personnel
general practitioners
health workforce
paramedic
primary health care
Journal
BJGP open
ISSN: 2398-3795
Titre abrégé: BJGP Open
Pays: England
ID NLM: 101713531
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
2020
2020
Historique:
received:
05
11
2019
accepted:
09
12
2019
pubmed:
14
5
2020
medline:
14
5
2020
entrez:
14
5
2020
Statut:
epublish
Résumé
General practice in the UK faces continuing challenges to balance a workforce shortage against rising demand. The NHS England To understand how paramedics are deployed in general practice, and to investigate the theories and drivers that underpin this service development. A mixed-methods study using a literature review, national survey, and qualitative interviews. A three-phase study was undertaken that consisted of: a literature review and survey; meetings with key informants (KIs); and direct enquiry with relevant staff stakeholders (SHs). There is very little evidence on the safety and cost-effectiveness of paramedics working in general practice and significant variation in the ways that paramedics are deployed, particularly in terms of the patients seen and conditions treated. Nonetheless, there is a largely positive view of this development and a perceived reduction in GP workload. However, some concerns centre on the time needed from GPs to train and supervise paramedic staff. The contribution of paramedics in general practice has not been fully evaluated. There is a need for research that takes account of the substantial variation between service models to fully understand the benefits and consequences for patients, the workforce, and the NHS.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
BACKGROUND
General practice in the UK faces continuing challenges to balance a workforce shortage against rising demand. The NHS England
AIM
OBJECTIVE
To understand how paramedics are deployed in general practice, and to investigate the theories and drivers that underpin this service development.
DESIGN & SETTING
METHODS
A mixed-methods study using a literature review, national survey, and qualitative interviews.
METHOD
METHODS
A three-phase study was undertaken that consisted of: a literature review and survey; meetings with key informants (KIs); and direct enquiry with relevant staff stakeholders (SHs).
RESULTS
RESULTS
There is very little evidence on the safety and cost-effectiveness of paramedics working in general practice and significant variation in the ways that paramedics are deployed, particularly in terms of the patients seen and conditions treated. Nonetheless, there is a largely positive view of this development and a perceived reduction in GP workload. However, some concerns centre on the time needed from GPs to train and supervise paramedic staff.
CONCLUSION
CONCLUSIONS
The contribution of paramedics in general practice has not been fully evaluated. There is a need for research that takes account of the substantial variation between service models to fully understand the benefits and consequences for patients, the workforce, and the NHS.
Identifiants
pubmed: 32398344
pii: bjgpopen20X101037
doi: 10.3399/bjgpopen20X101037
pmc: PMC7330225
pii:
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Informations de copyright
Copyright © 2020, The Authors.
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