New Strategy to Boost Paramedicine Research Launched in Ireland

Health Research Institute (HRI) member, Dr Niamh Cummins, an Associate Professor in Public Health at the University of Limerick, has launched a new research strategy for paramedicine in Ireland. This strategy, developed with an international team of experts, aims to boost research capacity to improve patient outcomes in ambulance services. It was unveiled at the Pre-hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) Research Conference in Maynooth, where Dr Cummins highlighted the importance of research-informed, patient-centred care in the unpredictable out-of-hospital environment.

The strategy, commissioned by PHECC, reflects nearly three years of collaborative work by researchers from Ireland, Australia, Canada, and the UK. It incorporates diverse experiences and aims to enhance paramedicine through quality research. The launch was well-received by conference delegates, including clinicians and first responders, highlighting the strategy’s potential to strengthen ambulance services and improve pre-hospital care in Ireland.

Key points of the strategy include:

• Building research capacity
• Strengthening ambulance services
• Improving patient care in communities

Dr Cummins concluded that the new strategy aims to build a strong foundation of research and evidence-based knowledge, which will ultimately benefit patient care. The strategy was developed by a team led by Cummins and Bowles, with contributions from international experts and UL faculty and students, and strong support from PHECC’s research committee.

This new strategy marks a significant step forward in the field of paramedicine in Ireland, promising to enhance the quality and effectiveness of pre-hospital care. We are proud to share this milestone with our community and look forward to the positive impact it will have on patient care and health research.