An evaluation of National Health Service health checks delivered by paramedics in the community

BACKGROUND: As community-based healthcare providers, NHS ambulance services may be able to offer easily accessible National Health Service Health Checks (NHSHCs). There is no previous evidence to indicate if this is feasible or if this approach can identify cases of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. We report a service evaluation of an ambulance service delivered NHSHC in North East England. METHODS: Mixed methods including data from an NHSHC delivered by paramedics and short telephone interviews with participants failing to follow referral advice. RESULTS: There were 462 NHSHCs delivered. Most participants were female, 42.2% were in the top two deciles regarding absolute deprivation and 388 had at least one CVD risk factor. There were 29 new prescriptions issued for cardiovascular medications and 13 patients required medicines optimization. Of the 62 tobacco smokers, 21 accepted a smoking cessation referral and 4 achieved a 28-day quit. Reasons preventing participants seeking further support were poor health literacy, the complexities of life and difficulties obtaining a GP appointment. CONCLUSION: A place-based NHSHC delivered by the ambulance service is feasible, appears acceptable to patients, and can identify new cases of CVD risk, but some individuals require additional help to engage in effective CVD risk management.