The paramedic-general practitioner relationship: a scoping review.

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Primary Health Care
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• International health services are fostering paramedic-general practitioner (GP) collaboration to enhance primary care access and reduce emergency department (ED) visits.
• The evolving role of paramedics in primary care necessitates a focus on the GP-paramedic working relationship and potential professional boundary issues.
• A strong collaborative relationship between GPs and paramedics is foundational for the success of future healthcare strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize existing literature on the paramedic-GP collaborative relationship.
• To identify key themes influencing the strengths and weaknesses of the paramedic-GP working relationship.
• To assess the current research landscape regarding paramedic-GP collaboration, particularly in the Australian context.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive search of three electronic databases (Ovid MEDLINE, Embase Classic+ Embase, CINAHL Plus) was conducted.
• Study eligibility was determined by analyzing the relationship between paramedics and GPs.
• All review processes were performed independently by two reviewers.

Main Results:

• 15 studies were included after screening 4995 titles and abstracts.
• Five significant themes emerged: communication, understanding scope of practice, leadership, patient care responsibility, and interdisciplinary training.
• Variations in emergency medical service structures and paramedic education standards globally were identified as key issues.

Conclusions:

• No Australian studies specifically focused on the paramedic-GP relationship were identified.
• Despite growing interest, research depth on this topic remains limited.
• The applicability of international findings to the Australian healthcare setting is uncertain.