Home treatment 'can be better'

The research, by the University of Sheffield, found that elderly patients were satisfied with the service. And many preferred to be seen at home rather than going into hospital.

The study looked at 3,018 patients aged 60 years and above, who called the emergency services with a complaint such as a fall, cut, nosebleed or minor burn.

Patients cared for in the community by a paramedic experienced a shorter treatment time, by around 42 minutes, than if they had gone to hospital.

The study found that patients treated in the community were 25 per cent less likely to attend the emergency department or require hospital admission within 28 days, as well as being more satisfied with the care they received.

Calls for emergency ambulances have been rising persistently by as much as eight per cent each year.

But the Government is looking to better manage resources as half of patients taken to emergency departments by ambulance are discharged without being treated or transferred.

Sheffield University researcher Suzanne Mason said: "The service conveyed considerable benefits for patients and the NHS in terms of reduced overall attendance at A and E departments and hospital, shorter episode times, and higher levels of satisfaction among patients.

However, Malcolm Woollard, professor in pre-hospital and emergency care at Coventry University, said: "Evidence suggests a positive effect, but programmes need rigorous assessment before expanding."

A Department of Health spokesman said: "The study shows the real value that such extended roles and services can bring for patients."

Click here to return to main news index.

Got a view? Add your comment below.