Research project - Paramedic Delivery of End of Life Care
A Mixed Methods Evaluation of Service Provision and Professional Practice
Paramedics play a crucial role in end of life care, yet little research has explored their impact or how to enhance their services.
Paramedics can face complexities such as an unfamiliarity with patients, limited medical history, and family conflicts. This can result in unnecessary hospital admissions, contrary to patients’ wishes to die at home.
This study sought to address these issues by evaluating paramedic services in England for end-of-life patients.
The Matrons of our Day Services and Adult Inpatients Service contributed to this project.
Project lead: Dr Natasha Campling, Chief Investigator, Lecturer, University of Southampton
Local lead: Kath Clark, Matron, Day Services, St Oswald’s Hospice and Anne Tuck, Matron, Adult Inpatient Service, St Oswald’s Hospice.
Marie Curie Research Grant Scheme
2024
This study sought to understand how different models of service provision shape paramedic practice and influence outcomes for individuals at end-of-life.
It is hoped that better understanding of paramedic services can improve care quality, potentially reduce hospitalisations and better honour patients’ preferences at the end of their lives.
This study involved 3 phases.
A large-scale online survey was conducted throughout England to evaluate paramedics’ current practices, factors influencing their professional contribution and the potential for the paramedic workforce to improve end-of-life care (Phase 1).
Mixed method interviews and case studies evaluated models of service delivery (Phase 2). An expert consultation workshop considered findings and generated recommendations (Phase 3).
Read the published report below.
Read the published report