Recommended Citation
Schwab-Reese, Laura M.; Renner, Lynette M.; King, Hannah; Miller, R. Paul; Forman, Darren; Krumenacker, Joshua S.; and DeMaria, Andrea L., "“They’re very passionate about making sure that women stay healthy”: a qualitative examination of women’s experiences participating in a community paramedicine program" (2021). Purdue University Libraries Open Access Publishing Fund. Paper 241.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12913-021-07192-8
DOI
10.1186/s12913-021-07192-8
Date of this Version
10-28-2021
Keywords
Community paramedicine, Home visiting program, Pregnancy support, Postpartum support, Qualitative
Abstract
Background
Community paramedicine programs (i.e., physician-directed preventive care by emergency medical services personnel embedded in communities) offer a novel approach to community-based health care. Project Swaddle, a community paramedicine program for mothers and their infants, seeks to address (directly or through referrals) the physical, mental, social, and economic needs of its participants. The objective of this process evaluation was to describe women’s experiences in Project Swaddle. By understanding their experiences, our work begins to build the foundation for similar programs and future examinations of the efficacy and effectiveness of these approaches.
Methods
We completed 21 interviews with women living in Indiana (July 2019–February 2020) who were currently participating in or had graduated from Project Swaddle. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using a six-phase approach to thematic analysis.
Results
Program enrollment was influenced by the community paramedics’ experience and connections, as well as information received in the community from related clinics or organizations. Participants viewed the community paramedic as a trusted provider who supplied necessary health information and support and served as their advocate. In their role as physician extenders, the community paramedics enhanced patient care through monitoring critical situations, facilitating communication with other providers, and supporting routine healthcare. Women noted how community paramedics connected them to outside resources (i.e., other experts, tangible goods), which aimed to support their holistic health and wellbeing.
Conclusions
Results demonstrate Project Swaddle helped women connect with other healthcare providers, including increased access to mental health services. The community paramedics were able to help women establish care with primary care providers and pediatricians, then facilitate communication with these providers. Women were supported through their early motherhood experience, received education on parenting and taking control of their health, and gained access to resources that met their diverse needs.
Comments
This is the publisher PDF of Schwab-Reese, L.M., Renner, L.M., King, H. et al. “They’re very passionate about making sure that women stay healthy”: a qualitative examination of women’s experiences participating in a community paramedicine program. BMC Health Services Research 21, 1167 (2021). This article is distributed under a CC-BY license, and is available at DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-07192-8.