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BMC Health Services Research
Published in: BMC Health Services Research 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Research article

Community paramedicine model of care: an observational, ethnographic case study

Authors: Peter O’Meara, Christine Stirling, Michel Ruest, Angela Martin

Published in: BMC Health Services Research | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

Community paramedicine programs have emerged throughout North America and beyond in response to demographic changes and health system reform. Our aim was to identify and analyse how community paramedics create and maintain new role boundaries and identities in terms of flexibility and permeability and through this develop and frame a coherent community paramedicine model of care that distinguish the model from other innovations in paramedic service delivery.

Methods

Using an observational ethnographic case study approach, we collected data through interviews, focus groups and field observations. We then applied a combination of thematic analysis techniques and boundary theory to develop a community paramedicine model of care.

Results

A model of care that distinguishes community paramedicine from other paramedic service innovations emerged that follows the mnemonic RESPIGHT: Response to emergencies; Engaging with communities; Situated practice; Primary health care; Integration with health, aged care and social services; Governance and leadership; Higher education; Treatment and transport options.

Conclusions

Community engagement and situated practice distinguish community paramedicine models of care from other paramedicine and out-of-hospital health care models. Successful community paramedicine programs are integrated with health, aged care and social services and benefit from strong governance and paramedic leadership.
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Metadata
Title
Community paramedicine model of care: an observational, ethnographic case study
Authors
Peter O’Meara
Christine Stirling
Michel Ruest
Angela Martin
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Health Services Research / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6963
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-016-1282-0

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Reviewer acknowledgement

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