ACPIC23: 3 Minute Thesis: The patient experience of accessing community healthcare in rural NSW: addressing barriers with alternative models of primary care

Australasian College of Paramedicine International Conference (ACPIC23)

ACPIC 2023 delivered a wide range of clinical and research sessions from experts and leaders in paramedicine. Hosted in Melbourne (September 2023) the program was designed to inspire, educate and broaden horizons.

Conference theme: Lead - Evolve - Impact

3 Minute Thesis: The patient experience of accessing community healthcare in rural NSW: addressing barriers with alternative models of primary carey

People who live in rural and remote regions face restricted access to healthcare services due to varied barriers. Currently, health equity is a vital factor driving health services, and is explored through the experiences of individuals in rural NSW. The ongoing healthcare crisis in rural NSW has primarily centred around augmenting the number of general practitioners and community nurses, yet challenges persist in securing funding, employment, and retention. A potential solution to assist rural healthcare is community paramedicine, which presents a fresh approach to primary healthcare in regional areas by leveraging the existing paramedic workforce to reach patients anywhere.

Biography: Greg Murphy

Greg is a paramedic working for NSW Ambulance and based in a rural location. He has completed his Masters of Advanced Paramedicine with the University of Tasmania, completing research in the area of access to healthcare in rural and remote areas. Greg has an interest in primary care, research and innovative developments to provide quality primary healthcare.

Moderator: Dr Scott Devenish, Associate Professor and Discipline Lead, Paramedicine, Australian Catholic University