The Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM; the College) has released updated guidance on the role of non-medical practitioners working in emergency departments (EDs), to ensure the safe and effective deployment of these roles.
With health workforce shortages impacting hospitals across both countries, governments are increasingly looking to expand the use of non-medical practitioners as one potential method of easing pressure.
Earlier this year, ACEM warned that there were no quick fixes for the healthcare workforce crisis, and called on health system leaders across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand to prioritise workforce solutions that ensure all people have equitable access to the highest standards of medical care, whether they live in metropolitan, regional, rural or remote areas.
EDs have successfully adopted innovative staffing and service models in the past to respond to community needs. Recognising the vital role that interprofessional teams play in the delivery of emergency care, P67 Non-medical practitioners working in emergency departments emphasises the importance of careful planning, consultation and supervision to ensure that these roles are integrated safely into ED teams.
All communities deserve access to safe, high-quality emergency care provided by suitably qualified doctors. ACEM’s policy cautions against the idea that non-medical practitioners are a suitable replacement for doctors.
EDs are high-intensity environments where rapid decisions about patient care are made and care is delivered by teams, rather than individual clinicians working independently. Non-medical practitioners have shown they can play an effective and valuable role as part of an interprofessional team in the ED when operating within a clear scope of practice, with adequate supervision, and as part of a medically led team. These roles can, and do, complement and provide support to doctors and other members of an interprofessional ED team. However, these roles must be created to enhance rather than substitute for the work of medical practitioners.
It is essential to get staffing models right, to ensure patients get the same standard of care wherever they present. ACEM is committed to working with governments at all levels to provide expert advice on ED workforce planning, staffing models, and solutions to workforce pressures, while upholding the highest standards of care.
Attributable to ACEM President Dr Stephen Gourley
Background:
ACEM is the peak body for emergency medicine in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, responsible for training emergency physicians and advancement of professional standards. www.acem.org.au