Patient management in the emergency department by advanced care paramedics

Healthc Manage Forum. 2012 Spring;25(1):26-31. doi: 10.1016/j.hcmf.2011.12.001.

Abstract

We describe an emergency department process using Advanced Care Paramedics in the management of patients identified as ambulatory and low acuity, or those able to be managed without an emergency nurse. Patients streamed in this way had shorter stays than other emergency patients, without affecting the care of the latter. The process was associated with improved patient flow indicators in spite of an increased patient burden.

MeSH terms

  • Emergency Medical Technicians*
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / organization & administration*
  • Humans
  • Patient Care*
  • Professional Role