We are investigating trends affecting the healthcare industry. This is the latest.
Expanding the role of emergency services in hospital-based models
Significant changes are ongoing in healthcare delivery as hospital home models and other convenient care programs gain traction. Amidst the uncertainty and the need to manage margins, healthcare providers are increasingly being valued by professionals who can provide high quality care in the most cost-effective settings. This reassessment expands the responsibility of paramedics who are currently performing tasks traditionally handled by registered nurses in home health programs. Procedures such as patient assessment, vital monitoring, remote patient monitoring, medication administration under protocols, and specific diagnostic assessments have moved to a low-cost setting. Paramedics are working with the shift towards value-based care for patients by enabling providers to provide and expand home care services.
This trend is driven primarily by the growing gap between the demand for health services and the supply of doctors, nurses and physician assistants. Health Resources and Services Management Data project a 9% increase in primary care physicians, physician assistants and nurses' employment, and a 17% increase in paramedics between 2022 and 2032.
Take home
While paramedics can play an important role in paramedic services and help alleviate the nursing labor shortage, it would not be feasible to rely solely on paramedics to fill gaps in the workforce. Although paramedic supply is projected to increase, this growth presents its own challenges. Historically, the profession of paramedics has faced high turnover due to factors such as job-related stress, physical demands, and emotional sacrifices that regularly deal with life and death situations.
Rather, addressing the shortage of the healthcare workforce requires a multifaceted approach, including additional innovative care delivery models, strategic deployment of existing healthcare workers, and leveraging technology solutions in evolving care settings.
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