Providing the right care, in the right place, at the right time

When someone calls an ambulance, it is often assumed they will be taken straight to hospital.

But for some patients, there may be a better way.

AV is currently exploring a new model of care that allows certain patients to be safely treated in the community, without the need for an emergency department visit.

One of the conditions this research focuses on is atrial fibrillation, often called AF.

AF is a common heart rhythm condition where the heart beats irregularly or faster than normal. It can cause symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness or shortness of breath, and while it can feel alarming, not all cases require immediate hospital treatment.

Traditionally, many patients experiencing AF are transported to hospital, where they may wait several hours in the emergency department before receiving specialist follow up care.

The STAY program, short for Safe Treatment of Atrial fibrillation in the communitY, is exploring a different way of managing these patients.

Through this model, paramedics can assess patients at home and, for those considered low risk, connect directly with a specialist cardiology team available 24 hours a day.

Together, paramedics and cardiologists decide on the safest and most appropriate care pathway.

Instead of being transported to hospital, patients can be supported at home and referred to a rapid access cardiology clinic, often within days.

They also receive follow up care, including daily contact from specialist nursing teams, to ensure their condition is being monitored and managed.

This approach has the potential to improve care for patients in several important ways.

It can:

• reduce time spent waiting in emergency departments
• provide faster access to specialist care
• allow patients to recover in the comfort of their own home
• support paramedics to deliver more tailored, patient centred care

For many patients, this means receiving care that is not only safe, but more convenient and appropriate to their needs.

The STAY program is part of a broader effort to rethink how emergency care is delivered.

By combining paramedic expertise with specialist hospital support, AV is helping to create a more connected and responsive healthcare system.

If successful, this model could be expanded more broadly, helping more patients receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

AV is involved in a range of research and innovation projects designed to improve patient care and outcomes.

From new models of care to advances in clinical practice, this work is helping ensure patients receive the most appropriate treatment when they need it most.

With continued support from the community, this work can continue to grow, helping shape the future of emergency care across Victoria.

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