Paramedics in Primary Health Care: A feasibility study of the implementation of the Canadian Community Paramedicine at Clinic Program (CP@clinic) in rural Australia

Aim Is community paramedicine feasible in an Australian Rural Community Health setting? Background Community paramedicine is an emerging model of care in response to the growing pressures on health care. Here, paramedics focus on preventative and rehabilitative health. The aim of this feasibility study was to investigate the implementation of the Canadian evidence-based and cost-effective CP@clinic program in Australian community health care. Methods Two paramedics were employed. They provided a 3-hour free drop-in service to anyone seeking health assessments at several community locations. Quantitative (demographics and health information of clients) and qualitative (interviews with clients, paramedics, and stakeholders) data were collected. The Proctor Framework underpinned the feasibility study. Results The community paramedic role was highly accepted. Adoption was strong and the program was appropriate for the target population. Fidelity to the CP@clinic program was preserved through collaboration with McMaster. The pilot-program was affordable . Penetration was achieved by reaching those with multimorbidity and limited healthcare access. Sustainability was good, but external challenges remain, including the lack of ongoing funding and a range of systemic barriers. Conclusion The CP@clinic program reaches across all levels of healthcare. At the micro-level, clients can form relationships with CPs and build confidence in effective self-management. At the meso-level, paramedics provide linkages and navigation to social services, support the struggling rural GP sector and reduce the burden on the acute sector. At the macro-level, it contributes to restructuring primary care by bringing services closer to the community, targeting vulnerable groups and establishing the paramedic profession as a partner in chronic, as well as acute, care.