News / NHS
Study to investigate whether paramedics can ease GP workloads
UWE Bristol and the University of Bristol will come together to investigate whether paramedics could help reduce the workload of general practitioners (GPs).
The READY study will look in detail at how paramedics are supporting the delivery of GP healthcare services across the UK.
The two-year study, funded by the National Institute for Health Research, hopes to provide a better understanding of how and why paramedics are best used in general practice under different circumstances, and the costs involved.
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The aim is that this can then help inform local and national funding decisions about NHS services.
“We are delighted to be able to get this study underway,” says Dr Matthew Booker, an academic GP at the University of Bristol and co-lead for the project.
“With the current pressures in general practice, and the rapid advancements in the paramedic profession over recent years, this research will help us understand how to use the skills of both paramedics and GPs to best meet patient needs.”
Doctors are increasingly receiving medical support from paramedics. Photo: Great Western Air Ambulance Charity
A shortage of doctors means general practices are under increasing pressure to meet demand, and are turning to other health professionals to undertake some tasks.
Paramedics, who are trained to give emergency care outside of hospital, are one of the professional groups increasingly working alongside doctors and other members of the practice team in GP surgeries.
However, not much is known about how to gain the most from this workforce to deliver safe and cost-effective care. The role of paramedics in general practice varies greatly across the country as well, and READY hopes to look at the effect this variation has on factors such as patient care, safety and experience, staff workload and costs to the NHS.
Paramedics are often employed to carry out urgent home visits, while others undertake same-day clinics, telephone appointments and internet consultations.
The study will look at how paramedics can support GPs. Photo: Martin Booth
Some paramedics do not see certain groups of patients, such as babies, pregnant women or those with mental health conditions, while others do.
“Changes to the organisation of healthcare staff can help meet the challenges of rising demand,” says Dr Sarah Voss, associate professor of emergency care at UWE Bristol and study co-lead.
This study offers an exciting opportunity to gain new insights into the future general practice workforce and is urgently needed to inform national policy.”
Main photo: Avon Fire and Rescue
Read more: In photos: Bristol’s NHS heroes
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