Community Paramedic Pilot Program Operational Metrics and Impact on Patient Emergency Medical Services Utilization.

Abstract

Introduction: Community paramedicine (CP) is an expanding area of interest within the field of emergency medical services. Few studies have established operational metrics and outcome measures for CP programs. We aimed to evaluate change in 911 use and operational metrics among patients enrolled in a pilot, fire department-based, CP program.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if the ongoing CP program decreased unscheduled emergency health care utilization among high utilizers. It was hypothesized that the implementation of community paramedicine visits would reduce 911 calls among this cohort.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study of adults enrolled in a CP program during 2016 to 2020 was performed. Patients were enrolled in the CP program if they frequently used a community emergency department or 911 services. This was defined as greater than 4 uses in the past 12 months. A select group of experienced paramedics received targeted training in relevant concepts. Paramedics frequently contacted patients via both in-home visits and phone calls based on perceived clinical need. Through a review of electronic medical records, we collected patient demographic and clinical information and program operational metrics. The primary outcome of interest was the change in 911 use after enrollment. These 2 groups were compared using a paired t test.

Results: Of 33 patients who met inclusion criteria, 29 were successfully enrolled. Pre-enrollment 911 calls averaged 31.8 calls per month. Post-enrollment 911 calls averaged 14.2 calls per month. Average calls per month decreased by 54.2% (P = .003) post-enrollment, a reduction of 207 calls per year across the cohort. Length of program enrollment also was found to have a greater impact on 911 call reduction.

Conclusions: A fire-department based CP program effectively reduced 911 calls for high utilizer emergency medical services and emergency department patients by 54.2%. Program participation for 6 months or longer was associated with greater reductions in 911 calls, regardless of the number of existing comorbidities.