References
Exploratory study into the views of paramedics on paramedic prescribing.
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to establish the views of a group of Paramedics on Paramedic prescribing. Although at the time of writing the proposal to the Commission on Human Medicines they rejected prescribing for Paramedics, work is still ongoing with various bodies to move forward with the application. A focus group of a small number of Paramedics was held, and the researcher performed a review of relevant literature. The development of the role of paramedic from an ambulance driver to a highly skilled and knowledgeable healthcare professional was discussed. It was established that the profession's close links with higher education institutions would be pivotal if paramedics are to be given prescribing rights. The study concluded that paramedics believe they should be able to become independent prescribers, as it would help further their career, giving the profession added credibility. As paramedics already give a rounded healthcare approach to their patients, this would only be enhanced by prescribing rights, as a ‘complete’ health care attitude could be established.
The purpose of this study is to gather the views of a group of paramedics on paramedic prescribing. The possibility of paramedics being given non-medical prescribing rights has been in the planning for many years, but has come to the fore recently as the government advisors, the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM), have heard the formal application. The application was heard for Advanced paramedic level to be considered for independent prescribing rights. The National Health Service (NHS) have yet to establish the definition of pre-hospital advanced care, therefore, for the purpose of the study, the researcher will not differentiate between levels of paramedics. After a 12-week public consultation on the subject, there were too many variables for the CHM to recommend paramedics to become independent prescribers, although work is still ongoing to overcome these. For the study, the researcher has used a qualitative method, namely a focus group, with a small group of registered paramedics. The data from the focus group will be analysed to give the views of the group.
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