Dissemination Methods for Community Paramedicine Programs

It is important for rural community paramedicine programs to share their program work and results with stakeholders. Educating decision-makers and promoting community engagement can improve the chances of success and long-term sustainability.

Programs may need to tailor their dissemination methods based on the audiences they are trying to reach. For example, some rural residents lack high-speed internet access, so electronic communication methods are not ideal. For such patients, informational pamphlets and referrals from trusted healthcare providers would be more effective for communicating the benefits of the program.

Oral presentations at a local, state, or national conference, blog posts, and social media may be more effective ways to share program success stories and lessons learned with a broader audience.

Dissemination methods for rural community paramedicine programs include:

• Print materials (pamphlets, brochures)
• Presentations at provider or hospital staff meetings
• Referrals from trusted healthcare settings and community organizations
  • Hospital staff
  • Primary care providers
  • Home health agencies
  • Local health department
  • Social services
  • First responders
  • Faith-based communities
• Social media
• Personal contact and word of mouth
• Community health fairs
• Posters or oral presentations at national, state, and local conferences
• Presentations to local and state policymakers