The impact of paramedics working in primary care teams on other professionals and patient experiences: a qualitative study

Background Paramedics are among the professional groups identified in recent policy initiatives aimed at addressing the unsustainable workload and workforce crises in primary care. Their support aims to enhance patient access to care and alleviate the burden of workload pressures.

Aim To explore the impact of paramedics working in primary care on primary care teams and the experiences of patients who have a clinical consultation with a paramedic in primary care.

Design & setting Focused observations and interviews involving fifteen geographically dispersed sites across the United Kingdom.

Method Data were collected between May 2022 and January 2023, incorporating 60 semi-structured interviews and 60 hours of observations of paramedics. Transcripts were thematically analysed.

Results Patients, GPs and other staff in primary care perceive that the paramedic role enhances healthcare availability in primary care by increasing workforce capacity. This is especially prevalent when paramedics work in a clinical capacity that complements the GP role. However, successful integration into the primary care team relies on paramedics having significant clinical experience and receiving clinical supervision from GPs. Patients are trusting of the paramedic role when they have positive clinical consultations.

Conclusion Paramedics have potential to improve access to the primary care workforce. However, attention to supportive transition processes (such as clinical supervision) are required for the paramedic to successfully be integrated into the primary care team.