An exploration of paramedic independent prescribing in primary care
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the implementation of paramedic independent prescribing in primary care: a mixed-methods multiple case study
IRAS ID
279072
Contact name
Judith Edwards
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Surrey
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 30 days
Research summary
This research forms the second phase of the applicant’s PhD, aiming to explore how paramedic independent prescribing is implemented in primary care. Extending prescribing rights to non-medical health care professionals is a UK strategy to improve patient access to medicines and help increase the healthcare workforce’s capacity to deliver new models of care. Nurses, pharmacists and some allied health professionals have held prescribing rights for some years. In 2018, medicines legislation was amended to permit advanced paramedics with accredited training the authority to prescribe. Because of significant workforce shortages, it is anticipated that an increasing number of advanced paramedic prescribers will be employed in primary care. It is important therefore to understand how paramedic prescribing is implemented so that recommendations for future workforce planning can be made.
This research is a multiple case-study including 4 primary case-sites (e.g. GP practices, community services) where paramedic prescribers are employed. The researcher will undertake 10 days of observation including a 3-day general observation of systems and organisation of care, and a 7-day observation of paramedic prescribers engaged in their usual clinical/ managerial duties. In view of Covid-19, if case-site access is prohibited, the 3 day observation period will be delayed until access is resumed and the 7 day clinical observation period will be undertaken using audio-recorded video-conferencing.
At each case-site local research staff will ask 25 patients for permission to enable the researcher to observe their consultations with paramedics (using audio-recorded video-conferencing or in person depending on Covid-19), during which data will be collected on paramedic work and medicines/prescribing activities. At each case-site, the researcher will undertake telephone interviews with paramedics and 10 colleagues/team members. Patients will be invited to complete a satisfaction questionnaire after their consultation. A pilot case-site will be recruited to test video-conferencing methods (if used) and data collection tools.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/NW/0358
Date of REC Opinion
17 Aug 2020
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion