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BMC Emergency Medicine

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Open Access 01-12-2019 | Emergency Medicine | Research article

Stakeholder opinion on the proposal to introduce ‘treat and referral’ into the Irish emergency medical service

Authors: Brian Power, Gerard Bury, John Ryan

Published in: BMC Emergency Medicine | Issue 1/2019

Abstract

Background

The Irish ambulance services have traditionally transported all patients following an emergency (112/999) call, regardless of acuity, to an emergency department (ED). A proposal to introduce Treat and Referral, an established care pathway in some jurisdictions, is under active consideration in Ireland. This will present a significant change. Stakeholder engagement is recognised as an essential component of management of such change. This study has conducted a multicentre, cross-sectional survey exploring opinions on the introduction of Treat and Referral among key Irish stakeholders; consultants in emergency medicine, paramedics and advanced paramedics.

Methods

Public-sector consultants in emergency medicine (EM), registered paramedics and advanced paramedics, in Ireland at the time of the study, were invited to complete an on-line survey.

Results

A significant finding was that 90% of both cohorts (EM consultants and registered paramedic practitioners) support written after-care instructions being given to referred patients, that > 83% agree that Treat and Referral will reduce unnecessary ambulance journeys and that 70% are in favour of their own family member being offered Treat and Referral. Consensus was reached between respondents that Treat and Referral would improve care and increase clinical judgement of practitioners. Differences were identified in relation to the increased availability of ambulances locally, that only adults should be included, and that research was required to extend Treat and Referral beyond the index conditions. There was no consensus on whether general practitioners (GPs) should be directly informed.

Conclusions

This study identified that the Irish healthcare practitioners surveyed are supportive of the introduction of Treat and Referral into Ireland. It also affords healthcare policymakers the opportunity to address the concerns raised, in particular the clinical level which will be targeted for inclusion in this extended scope of practice.

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Title: Stakeholder opinion on the proposal to introduce ‘treat and referral’ into the Irish emergency medical service
Authors: Brian Power
Gerard Bury
John Ryan
Publication date: 01-12-2019
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Emergency Medicine
Care
Published in: BMC Emergency Medicine / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1471-227X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12873-019-0295-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Stakeholder opinion on the proposal to introduce ‘treat and referral’ into the Irish emergency medical service

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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