CReD 

Paramedic perceptions of barriers and facilitators to the utilisation of ambulance service appropriate care pathways in Northern Ireland: a qualitative study.

Paramedic clinical practice has seen significant evolution from the traditional role of transporting patients to an emergency department (ED). An evolving and flexible scope of practice, modernisation and healthcare reform has necessitated the development of a range of referral pathways for paramedics, with the aim of ensuring that service users receive the most appropriate care at point of contact. Ambulance conveyance rates to EDs in Northern Ireland (NI) have only occasionally fallen below 75%. A study examining a Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) referral pathway showed a much lower referral rate than those of comparable ambulance services. A similar study found that over 70% of people who experience a fall are not referred to falls prevention services. This study aimed to identify what paramedics perceive the barriers and facilitators to the use of appropriate care pathways (ACPs) in NI are.

What do paramedics perceive as barriers and facilitators to the utilisation of appropriate care pathways in Northern Ireland?

Qualitative Interview Study

2022-04-01

2023-04-01

None

United Kingdom

karl.bloomer@nias.hscni.net

Karl Bloomer and Julia Wolfe;