Emergency Care Practitioners (ECP) are experienced Registered Paramedics who have undergone additional training in clinical assessment and emergency medicine. Their role is to assess suitable patients and either arrange treatment in conjunction with the patient’s GP, to coordinate care from other health professionals, or to arrange for further assessment and treatment elsewhere (for example, in Accident and Emergency).
Using an ECP means patients can be seen earlier (most GP home visits take place after morning surgery) and can receive appropriate care sooner, particularly if the patient needs further tests or a hospital visit. Most GP home visits take up the same time as seeing four to six patients in surgery, and this means that the GP’s time can be used where it is most beneficial for patients.