How Can Community Paramedics Help in Addressing Mental Health for Vulnerable Australians?

Older adults in rural communities often have difficulty accessing mental healthcare. Community paramedicine may offer a novel opportunity to address this need. This study aimed to explore whether a feasibility trial of a community paramedicine programme, CP@clinic, can influence mental health outcomes in rural adults.

This study was conducted in a regional town in Victoria, Australia, across six clinic sites, offering a free, 3-h drop-in service with community paramedics for individuals seeking health assessments or advice.

205 clients (mean age 70 years) attended a community paramedic clinic.

The mixed-methods feasibility trial ran from 2022 to 2024. Data was recorded on chronic disease, quality of life, loneliness and mental health. Fourteen participants were interviewed to explore experiences and perceived benefits.

47% of clients attending CP@clinic reported anxiety or depression. These participants experienced higher rates of social isolation, poverty, and health lifestyle risks. Participants reported that CP@clinic helped to improve their mental health both directly, through onward referrals to healthcare providers, and indirectly through improvements in mental health determinants across physical and social domains.

This study found a clear overlap between mental, physical, and social health needs of CP@clinic consumers. There is a need for accessible community-based services that address the mental health needs of older rural adults. CP@clinic may provide an opportunity to improve mental wellbeing in this population and should be further evaluated for this purpose.