Introducing Advanced Paramedics into the rural general practice team in Ireland – general practitioners attitudes

Abstract

Introduction As Ireland's population increases and chronic disease becomes more prevalent, demand on limited general practice services will increase. Nursing roles within general practice are now considered to be standard, yet alternative allied health professional roles are under explored within an Irish context. Allied health personnel such as Advanced Paramedics (APs) may have the capability to provide support to general practice. Aim To explore General Practitioners’ (GPs) attitudes and opinions of integrating Advanced Paramedics (APs) into rural general practice in Ireland. Methods A sequential explanatory mixed methodology was adopted. A questionnaire was designed and distributed to a purposeful sample of GPs attending a rural conference followed by semi-structured interviews. Data was recorded and transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Results In total n = 27 GPs responded to the survey and n = 13 GPs were interviewed. The majority of GPs were familiar with APs and were receptive to the concept of closely collaborating with APs within a variety of settings including out-of-hours services, home visits, nursing homes and even roles within the general practice surgery. Conclusion General Practitioner and Advanced Paramedic clinical practice dovetail within many facets of primary care and emergency care. GPs recognise that current rural models are unsustainable and realise the potential of integrating APs into the general practice team to help support and sustain the future of rural general practice services in Ireland. These interviews provided an exclusive, detailed insight into the world of general practice in Ireland that has not been previously documented in this way.

Potential for Paramedic roles in Irish General Practice: A qualitative study of stakeholder’s perspectives

“…In Ontario, a Paramedic-led community-based program for older adults living in subsidized housing was found to be cost effective, lowered blood pressure and was associated with improved functional independence 40 , 41 . Interestingly, a recent additional study from Ireland that focused on rural General Practitioners, suggests that this specific group may be significantly more enthusiastic about the potential for paramedic involvement in the near term 42 .…”