PP25 Exploring the role and educational requirements of paramedics within primary care (EXPREPP): preliminary findings

<h3>Background</h3> Within the UK and internationally, there is an increasing trend for paramedics to take on new roles within primary care (PC) settings. In 2019, the Department of Health allocated £720m to introduce 20,000 new primary care workers in England by 2023/24, recognising the critical role of paramedics in this ‘new system’ to move beyond traditional pre-hospital emergency care. This approach is not unique to England, with many countries looking towards this model of care, including Wales. This qualitative study explores the perspectives of stakeholders with experience of paramedics working in PC in Wales, on the education and training required to work effectively as a paramedic in PC settings, establishing whether paramedics have the appropriate education, training, skills and whether this model is sustainable. <h3>Methods</h3> 25 one-to-one semi-structured interviews with primary care paramedics (PCP) and stakeholders (PC staff, ambulance service managers, education leads, professional bodies). Two focus groups with PCPs will follow. Transcribed interviews are subject to thematic analysis. <h3>Results</h3> Preliminary findings: Key paramedic skills are transferable to PC, care must be taken not to dilute the emergency paramedic workforce. Lack of consistency/clarity of PCP roles, titles, professional identity, scope of practice, clinical supervision. PCP education needs development, including bespoke programmes. Lack of understanding of paramedic skills, levels, qualifications, experience, with significant diversity of views/perspectives. Core skillset for PCP must be aligned with the requirements of the PC organisation to be effective. PC placements would support undergraduate paramedic students to develop mutual understanding of professions, however there are significant financial barriers. <h3>Conclusions</h3> This study is ongoing with themes being reviewed and further developed. This study will help understand whether paramedics, with appropriate training can successfully evolve to become an integral part of primary care multidisciplinary teams, with recommendations of how this could be achieved.