Solid progress on PRIME following 2017 review

Changes to training, new kits and equipment and ongoing analysis of PRIME sites nationally are key steps forward following the 2017 review of the Primary Response in Medical Emergency (PRIME) service.

The National PRIME Committee met recently to discuss progress being made with the service’s improvement plan, borne out of recommendations from the 2017 review.

Chaired by Dr Tim Malloy, the committee includes representatives from St John, ACC, Ministry of Health, National Ambulance Sector Office, New Zealand Rural General Practice Network, NZ College of Primary Care Nurses, ECCT, PRIME providers, PRIME practitioners, Rural Service Level Alliance teams, and Fire and Emergency New Zealand. It met on July 26 in Auckland.

At that meeting St John reported that, following the recent collection of data through reports from PRIME providers, further work has been undertaken to give preliminary analysis of the PRIME sites. This work also takes into account the recently launched reprioritisation of PRIME calls.

“The importance of recognising PRIME as an integral part of the bigger picture of rural health service delivery was acknowledged. Further work will be undertaken to consult with practices, PHOs, DHBs, Rural SLATs and others involved in the wider provision of rural health services, as the configuration of PRIME sites is considered. It is also important to better understand how emergency teams in hospitals, the Air Ambulance Service and Fire and Emergency NZ fit into the PRIME picture,” says Dr Malloy.

Changes to the PRIME training course include greater emphasis on simulation workshops and problem-based learning; a blended approach to course delivery with on-line and electronic educational packages available and a reduction of the face-to-face delivery for the refresher course to one day, supplemented by on-line learning. The National PRIME committee agreed to the changes feeling that they would enhance PRIME training and increase access and flexibility for providers, he said.

Significant progress has been made in renewing PRIME kits and equipment. While not all sites have received the new packs yet, the plan is to get them delivered as soon as possible. “Feedback so far has been very positive.”

While funding is outside of the scope of work being undertaken by the National PRIME Committee, Dr Malloy said the New Zealand Rural General Practice Network are continuing their work on development of a business case for increased funding for the PRIME service. It is acknowledged that some of the work around reviewing the number of PRIME sites and the impact of the reprioritisation of calls will likely impact the distribution of funding.

At the New Zealand Rural General Practice Network’s National Rural Health Conference in April 2019, it is planned to hold a workshop or forum to enable PRIME providers, practitioners, St John ambulance staff and communications team members to get together to learn and share their experiences. The conference will be held at the Marlborough Convention Centre, Blenheim from April 4-7, 2019.