Paramedics in Primary Care—Do They Really Ease the Strain on General Practice

As UK general practices grapple with rising demand and a shortage of GPs, paramedics have rapidly become central to primary care—tripling in numbers over the past 5 years. A large prospective study spanning 715 consultations found that while paramedic consultations led to fewer GP appointments within 30 days, they did not reduce NHS costs. Notably, patients reported lower confidence in health provision, poorer perceptions of safety engagement, and more communication problems after paramedic visits versus GP-led consultations. These findings highlight the need for improved paramedic training and clear communication within multidisciplinary teams.

Interested in reshaping primary care teams for better outcomes? Dive into the latest evidence … Click Here ##Reference:##  Hollingworth W, Gadah-Jeynes NS, Taylor H, Garfield K, Voss S, Booker M. Paramedic or GP consultations in primary care:…