Technologies, professions de santé et réformes publiques : les projets professionnels des techniciens ambulanciers paramédics et des inhalothérapeutes au Québec, 1990-2022.

Abstract

A blind spot in the history of the healthcare professions is the evolution of "technical" professions, particularly after 1970. However, these professions underwent major changes at the end of the 20th century. We propose two case studies, on Quebec's paramedics and respiratory therapists' professional projects. The projects and strategies of the two groups, which had previously differed, tended to converge after 1995. From then, both groups minimize their relationship with machines and technology. Instead, they claim new tasks focused on clinical evaluation and first-line intervention. Public reforms appear to be shaping this evolution in the political strategies, professional projects and even clinical preferences, of these healthcare professions after 1995.