Nurses and paramedics in partnership: Perceptions of a new response to low-priority ambulance calls

Abstract

SUMMARY Aims:To explore patients' and staffs' perceptions of a pilot service which dispatched a nurse and paramedic to low-priority ambulance calls. Methods.Patients' opinions of both pilot and standard service groups were obtained through qualitative questionnaire data and individual interviews. Staffs' perceptions were explored via two focus groups. Study participants.Questionnaires were sent to a convenience sample of 128 patients attended by the pilot service and 128 patients receiving the standard service. Initially 19 questionnaire participants agreed to be interviewed.Focus group participants (n=11) included nurses and paramedics involved in the pilot service.

Perceptions of paramedics and emergency staff about the care they provide to people who self-harm: Constructivist metasynthesis of the qualitative literature

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New and emerging roles in out of hospital emergency care: A review of the international literature

“…In a qualitative study Machen et al (2007) describe patient and staff perceptions of standard ambulance response to a pilot service of nurses and paramedics sent to low priority calls. Patients were positive about the potential for home care with the pilot service and the collaboration between nurse and paramedic increased confidence, with the expressed belief that care was improved and more applicable.…”

To handle the unexpected – The meaning of caring in pre-hospital emergency care

“…These studies show that most patients are satisfied with the care they receive from the ambulance service. Machen et al (2007) emphasise that being cared for at home also avoids hours of waiting in the emergency department. According to Gray and Walker (2008) patients feel secure with pre-hospital caregivers, particularly if they are informed about where to turn if problems arose.…”

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