Exciting New Paramedic Response Program for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Launching This October!

A new program is set to launch this fall in Worcester County, aimed at helping adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This initiative will provide 24/7 home evaluations and treatments through specially trained community paramedics.

The project, called the Paramedic Acute Response Approach for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (PARA-AIDD), is a partnership involving UMass Chan Medical School and several health organizations. Its goal is to deliver high-quality care directly at home, reaching around 600 residents across 13 communities, including Worcester.

One of the main focuses of the program is to minimize visits to emergency departments. Studies have shown that individuals with these disabilities often face challenges in emergency settings. They may need specialized communication and longer wait times, making the process stressful. Emily Lauer, a professor at UMass Chan, highlighted these concerns, noting the difficulties in meeting the unique needs of these patients in such environments.

Carmela Socolovsky, the medical director at MassHealth, praised the program for its innovative approach. She mentioned that it’s about using existing resources and technology to better meet patient needs. This reflects a growing trend in healthcare, where personalized care is becoming more important.

The program will also examine its effectiveness in terms of costs, emergency room avoidance, the number of hospitalizations, and overall quality of care. Specifically, it aims to see if home treatment leads to faster care and a better patient experience.

Laurel O’Connor, another key figure in the project, indicated that specific training is provided to paramedics to ensure they are well-equipped to handle the unique needs of these patients. This training includes developing protocols and educating not just the paramedics but also families, group home staff, and primary care doctors about how the program will work.

In addition to the paramedics from Worcester EMS, UMass Chan medical students will participate in training sessions and help analyze data from the program.

When the pilot launches in October, a dedicated phone line will be available for both patients and their families. This will serve as a crucial point of contact for those seeking help under the new program. For more details, you can visit the official PARA-AIDD website here.

This initiative reflects a broader shift in healthcare, aiming to provide more accessible and tailored experiences for individuals who may struggle in traditional medical settings. By focusing on home-based care, it hopes to improve health outcomes for a population that deserves specialized attention.

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