Evaluating the impact on 911 calls by an in-home programme with a multidisciplinary team

Introduction Collaboration of emergency medical services and community organisations such as primary health care providers, social service agencies, and public safety groups can enable innovative initiatives that have the potential to improve the level of health care within a community and reduce health care system pressures. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the impact of an ‘aging at home’ program that uses an integrated health care team involving community paramedics on 911 calls. Methods This study involved a retrospective case series involving a chart review of clients participating in the ‘Aging at Home’ program located in a rural community in Ontario between January 1 2010 and April 30 2011. Each record was evaluated for the presenting problem and whether transport to a local hospital emergency department was initiated by using 911. Results Of the 129 client interactions by community paramedics and personal support workers, 13 chief complaint categories were determined and 15 incidents resulted in emergency department visits by using 911. Conclusion The use of community paramedics in an integrated health care team aimed at supporting clients living at home demonstrates a negative correlation in the use of 911 calls.