Results

Low integration is when paramedics work across several sites or across different settings (e.g. part-time in the ambulance service). They operate in a ‘satellite’ approach across different sites and only work at your practice for a limited number of sessions each week (<25% of whole time equivalent).

Medium integration is when paramedics work across three to five different surgeries, often with multiple paramedics all working across a few practices. The paramedics are managed and supervised by more than one general practice team.

High integration is when paramedics work at a single practice or up to two surgeries in the same group. They are clinically integrated within the team with practice staff providing their day-to-day supervision.

Low complexity is same day urgent care, minor illness and/or straightforward routine home visits.

Medium complexity is a mixed scope of practice. For example, one paramedic sees high complexity patients and one paramedic sees low complexity patients. Alternatively, the caseload might be mostly same day urgent care but with some additional specialisation (such as mental health or dementia reviews).

High complexity includes patients receiving palliative care, those with complex diabetes, asthma or frailty or those with safeguarding concerns. Paramedics will take responsibility for a medical episode and are largely autonomous; there are few or no exclusions on the patients they are allocated.