Care of frail and older adults: A content analysis of paramedic operational clinical practice guidelines.
International Emergency Nursing · 2021-04-16 · Qualitative study
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Frailty rates are increasing with population ageing. In paramedicine, Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) are essential documents that support decision making, yet little evidence exists regarding the support CPGs provide paramedics in the care of frail and older adults. AIM: To investigate how CPGs support paramedics' care of frail and older adults. METHODS: CPGs from nine Australasian paramedic services were collected in 2019. Content analysis was used to explore two hundred and thirty-seven individual CPGs for decision support information regarding frail and older adults. RESULTS: Evidence-based content relating to older adults was sparse compared to paediatric content. Two overarching decision support domains were identified, patient assessment and management. Inconsistent age descriptors were widespread, particularly in pharmacological guidelines. Five service providers' CPGs contained validated assessment instruments for use with older adults. CONCLUSION: Decision support documentation regarding frail and older adults varies across Australasian paramedic services. Frailty and older adult specific CPGs, and validated assessment instruments suitable to the paramedicine environment could improve paramedic decision making and minimise patient risk. A collaborative approach encompassing service providers and educational institutions is crucial to develop consistent, evidence-based CPGs relevant to older adults.
Abstract © the authors or publisher, via PubMed. Reuse and removal
Tags
Decision support tools · Older adults · Paramedics & EMTs
Related articles
- Performance of the interRAI ED Screener for Risk-Screening in Older Adults Accessing Paramedic Services. (Can Geriatr J, 2021)
- Exploring the integration of anticholinergic burden scales into prehospital care (Journal of Paramedic Practice, 2026)
- Support and Assessment for Fall Emergency Referrals (SAFER 1): cluster randomised trial of computerised clinical decision support for paramedics. (PLoS One, 2014)
- Ambulance responses to older adults who have fallen: a systematic review. (Age Ageing, 2025)
- Paramedics and emergency medical technicians' perceptions of geriatric trauma care in Saudi Arabia. (BMC Emerg Med, 2025)
- Reducing 9-1-1 Emergency Medical Service Calls By Implementing A Community Paramedicine Program For Vulnerable Older Adults In Public Housing In Canada: A Multi-Site Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial. (Prehosp Emerg Care, 2019)