The Role of Health Assistants and Paramedics in Emergency Referrals: A Systematic Review of Effectiveness and Challenges
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48047/0ha7ba52Keywords:
Health assistants, paramedics, emergency referrals, prehospital care, emergency medical services, patient outcomes, healthcare efficiency, systematic review.Abstract
This systematic review explores the role of health assistants and paramedics in emergency referrals, assessing their effectiveness, challenges, and impact on patient outcomes. As key providers in prehospital care, their ability to stabilize patients, facilitate communication, and ensure timely referrals significantly influences healthcare efficiency. The review synthesizes recent studies to evaluate their contributions, identifying factors that enhance or hinder emergency referral processes. Findings highlight the importance of specialized training, resource availability, and policy support in optimizing emergency medical services. Recommendations focus on strengthening workforce capabilities,integrating technology, and improving coordination between prehospital and hospital-based care.
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References
Brooks, I., Graham, C. A., & Chan, S. C. (2021). The impact of paramedic-led emergency care on patient outcomes: A systematic review. Prehospital Emergency Care, 25(4), 463 478. https://doi.org/10.1080/10903127.2021.1891293 A
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Gomes, E., Moreira, A., & Castro, R. (2020). Challenges in emergency referrals: A systematic review of prehospital barriers. BMC Emergency Medicine, 20(1), 35. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12873-020-00320-x
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