Open AccessProviding medicines in emergency and urgent care: a survey of specialist paramedics’ experiences of medication supply and views on paramedic independent prescribing
Author(s) -
Adam Bedson,
Sue Latter
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
british paramedic journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1478-4726
DOI - 10.29045/14784726.2018.12.3.3.1
Subject(s) - preparedness , medicine , medical emergency , scope of practice , descriptive statistics , population , emergency care practitioner , family medicine , nursing , continuing professional development , health care , professional development , medical education , statistics , mathematics , environmental health , political science , law , economics , economic growth
Specialist paramedics in the United Kingdom are able to undertake additional training and education in the assessment and treatment of minor illness and injuries. The provision of medication often forms a part of specialist paramedic care, but there is currently no research into the perceived usefulness or impact of the use of patient group directions or on their preparedness to undertake paramedic independent and supplementary prescribing. The aim of this study was to (a) investigate the ways in which medicines are currently supplied by specialist paramedics and (b) establish views on the introduction of paramedic independent and supplementary prescribing, including practitioner preparedness and potential impact on practice.