Australasian Journal of Paramedicine最新文献

{"title":"Profiling the Australasian paramedicine tertiary academic sector and workforce: A cross-sectional study","authors":"Paul Simpson, N. Barr, David Reid, M. Boyle, B. Williams","doi":"10.1177/27536386231185602","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/27536386231185602","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction In 1994, the first Australasian paramedicine tertiary program commenced as an off-campus offering not required as an entry-to-practice qualification A quarter of a century later, university programs have proliferated with tertiary qualifications becoming mandatory to acquire Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency registration. Despite this progression, concerns have been voiced regarding student enrolment volume and sustainability of the paramedicine academic workforce. To date, a census of the sector and the workforce has not been conducted, limiting capacity for data-informed strategic planning. The aim of this study was to profile the Australasian paramedicine tertiary sector and describe the academic workforce working in it. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2022 using an online survey designed specifically for this research. The participants were discipline leaders from 19 universities or polytechnics offering entry-to-practice courses in Australia and New Zealand. Participants were asked to provide data on their course structure, organisational position, student enrolment loads and academic and non-academic staffing profiles. Simple descriptive statistics were generated to describe these data. Results Of the 19 eligible programs, 18 participated (response rate 90%). All but one course was at the undergraduate level; of the undergraduate courses, all but one were 3 years in duration. The academic workforce comprised 161 full-time or fractional and 727 casual paramedicine academics. Of the full-time academics, 131/161 were registered, with 45% of those holding ‘non-practicing’ status. Twenty-nine paramedicine academics (18%) had PhDs. There was 1 Professor and 10 Associate Professors, whilst 65% overall were Lecturers or Associate Lecturers. Conclusion This analysis represents the first description of the Australasian paramedicine tertiary sector. It reveals a diverse sector with large student enrolments and diverse course structures. The seniority of the academic workforce is skewed substantially towards lower academic levels; this shortfall in senior academics creates risk for the sector and may be symptomatic of a workforce sustainability issue.","PeriodicalId":55865,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Paramedicine","volume":"18 1","pages":"206 - 213"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"72638841","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"‘Send everyone, it’s my son’ – Combined Glaserian grounded theory and thematic analysis of paramedics attending their own families","authors":"M. Wilkinson-Stokes, Merianne Kellermeier, S. Whitfield","doi":"10.1177/27536386231178961","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/27536386231178961","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction Medical clinicians treating relatives is ethically complex; in paramedicine, the time-critical nature of pathologies often precludes alternative treatment without risking morbidity or mortality. Aims This project had three aims: firstly, to retrieve baseline data for thematic analysis on the experiences of paramedics who have attended their own families; secondly, to generate explanatory grounded theory; and finally, to translate these findings into recommendations for practice. Methods Glaserian grounded theory and thematic analysis methods were both undertaken using a realist perspective. Acquiescence, wording, and habituation heuristics were mitigated in the interview design. There were 44 responses (n = 93 instances of treating family), with 21 participants (n = 34) from three countries interviewed. Saturation was determined using both Guest et al.'s and Thorne's criterion. Semantic and latent themes were generated inductively via a five-step process, with grounded theory generated simultaneously via a three-step Glaserian process. Cohen's kappa ranged from 0.82 to 0.93. Results Incidents were both traumatic (hangings, stabbings, traumatic arrests) and medical (paediatric arrests, cardiac arrests, overdoses). The core concept-category was ‘conflict between the roles of clinician and relative’. Paramedics reported a sympathetic hyperarousal response that they quickly suppressed, a rapid transition into ‘work mode’, and difficulty obtaining their normal state of flow, balancing dual roles as clinician and relative, transitioning out of work mode and into becoming a carer, and simultaneously processing the event. Organisational responses were frequently described as inadequate. Paramedics reported short-term experiences consistent with an acute stress response, and a large proportion suffered long-term, life-altering consequences. It is theorised that this phenomenon disrupts professional detachment, increases outcome self-expectations, interrupts normal routines, and promotes overmedicalisation. Conclusion This research provides baseline data and theory on the experiences of paramedics attending their own families. Five themes and 24 subthemes were identified, an explanatory theorem proposed, and a preliminary set of eight recommendations for translation into practice provided.","PeriodicalId":55865,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Paramedicine","volume":"29 1","pages":"161 - 176"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81219841","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Barriers and enablers to implementing intranasal ketamine for Primary Care Paramedics in Canada – A parallel convergent mixed methods study","authors":"Tania Johnston, Roxane Beaumont-Boileau, Joseph Acker, A. Batt","doi":"10.1177/27536386231174097","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/27536386231174097","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction British Columbia Emergency Health Service trialled the use of intranasal (IN) ketamine given by Primary Care Paramedics (PCPs). Prior to this practice change, the PCPs had not performed weight-based drug calculations, given medications intranasally, nor been responsible for controlled and targeted substances. This study aimed to use the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behaviour (COM-B) model and Theoretical Domain Framework (TDF) to identify enablers and barriers to implementing IN paramedic administered ketamine analgesia (iPAKA) for PCPs. Methods This was a parallel convergent mixed methods study with two phases. The quantitative phase consisted of longitudinal staff surveys to assess PCP knowledge and perceptions of ketamine and controlled and targeted substances policies. The qualitative phase involved staff focus groups on programme implementation. Descriptive statistics of survey results were integrated with coded focus group data and analysed using the COM-B model and TDF. Evidence-based behavioural change techniques were mapped to each TDF domain. Findings Our analysis revealed barriers and enablers across several TDF domains. Implementing ketamine was enabled by quality education, strong organisational support and the availability of cognitive aides. Trial success was attributed in part to participant's feelings of optimism and their increased job satisfaction. Key barriers included a knowledge gap involving drug dosage calculations, negative emotions associated with performance anxiety and a lack of field education and supervision to monitor paramedic practice. Conclusion The use of theoretical frameworks and models like COM-B/TDF serves to improve the sustainable implementation of behaviour and clinical practice change in paramedicine. When project teams use theory to guide design and implementation, they can systematically identify and target individual and organisational enablers and barriers to adopting routine practices. The iPAKA study reveals key barriers and facilitators in several TDF domains and presents theory-linked targeted behavioural techniques to support on-going implementation of PCP-administered IN ketamine for analgesia.","PeriodicalId":55865,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Paramedicine","volume":"15 1","pages":"132 - 151"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82776690","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Characteristics and paramedic management of patients enrolled in a novel assess, see, treat and refer palliative care clinical pathway: A retrospective descriptive cohort study","authors":"Tania Johnston, Richard Armour, Gamonluk Muinoi, Jennie Helmer, Natalia Bilton","doi":"10.1177/27536386231178965","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/27536386231178965","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Patients with palliative care needs seek support from paramedics in instances of unexpected worsening of symptoms associated with their primary diagnosis, but often do not desire conveyance to an emergency department. Despite this, up to one-quarter of patients with palliative care needs will experience an avoidable admission to the emergency department. British Columbia Emergency Health Services, in collaboration with Canadian Virtual Hospice and regional health authorities, developed the Palliative Care Assess, See, Treat and Refer (ASTaR) Clinical Pathway, with palliative clinical practice guidelines and education to support paramedics minimising avoidable admissions to emergency departments. Aim: To describe the paramedic management of patients enrolled in the palliative care ASTaR clinical pathway, supported by paramedic-specific education and clinical practice guidelines. Methods: This study was a retrospective descriptive cohort study of the first 100 patients enrolled by paramedics in the palliative care ASTaR clinical pathway following its introduction in October, 2019. Results: The median age of patients was 78 years (IQR 70–88), they were more often male ( n = 58) and in a private residence at the time of 911 call ( n = 91). Calls for assistance were in the work week ( n = 73), but often out of business hours ( n = 61). Primary care paramedics provided the majority of care ( n = 64), most frequently contacting paramedic specialists for clinical advice ( n = 32, 47%). The most common patient complaints were dyspnoea ( n = 25), altered conscious state ( n = 16), mobility assistance ( n = 14), and pain ( n = 13), with pharmaceutical intervention required in less than half of cases. Conclusion: Paramedics continue to play a critical role in supporting patients with palliative care needs, particularly during out-of-hours periods. When supported by robust clinical practice guidelines and integrated systems of care, this cohort study demonstrates that paramedics may be able to manage the requirements of patients with palliative care needs and their family, friends, and carers, beyond clinical care and conveyance.","PeriodicalId":55865,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Paramedicine","volume":"65 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135640841","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Untangling the web: The need for theory, theoretical frameworks, and conceptual frameworks in paramedic research","authors":"M. Brydges, A. Batt","doi":"10.1177/27536386231177348","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/27536386231177348","url":null,"abstract":"Engaging with theory, theoretical frameworks, and conceptual frameworks in research has been long acknowledged as helping researchers share common principles and assumptions, situate methodological and analytical choices, and allows for knowledge to be built and shared across an area of study. However, achieving this is a task easier said than done. Determining what exactly is a theory, theoretical framework or conceptual framework can be a challenging task for all researchers. At times these terms are used interchangeably or are ambiguously articulated, which may be discouraging for researchers looking to incorporate such concepts into their work. Further, not all academic journals accommodate word counts conducive to deep engagement with theory or conceptual frameworks. Acknowledging such challenges, we seek to further the advice on entering academic conversations in Paramedicine. Tavares et al. identify that research submitted to Paramedicine could be strengthened by engaging with theory and conceptual frameworks. Many interesting manuscripts are submitted to the journal that unfortunately have unclear or underdeveloped theoretical and/or conceptual contributions that informed the research. This prevents researchers from entering broader academic conversations within and outside of Paramedicine, limits opportunities for linking to other studies, and may hinder our community of scholars’ understanding of foundational issues and problems. We take the position that engaging with theory, theoretical frameworks, and conceptual frameworks is an intentional and explicit part of conducting research, best done at the outset of a study to position and anchor the work. Theories, theoretical frameworks, and conceptual frameworks all have a philosophical basis in a particular epistemology and ontology – a discussion of which is beyond the scope of this editorial (see Table 1 for definitions). However, we would be remiss to acknowledge that researchers should become acquainted with the ontological and epistemological underpinnings of the theory or concepts they are using to ensure philosophical alignment between their research question/aim, methodology, and theory or conceptual framework. This knowledge is also consequential to obtain, as empirical findings can inform a change to a theory or conceptual framework, but not to an ontological or epistemological position. Further, while we primarily reference personal examples of research that use qualitative methodologies, our stance on the use of theory and theoretical or conceptual frameworks is applicable to all types of research. The onus is on researchers to ensure alignment between their ontological and epistemological stance and their choice of theory, theoretical or conceptual framework, and subsequent methodology. In this editorial, we will first make the case for engaging with theory and conceptual frameworks, and secondly, discuss ways in which paramedicine researchers can incorporate theory and/or c","PeriodicalId":55865,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Paramedicine","volume":"11 1","pages":"89 - 93"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85665455","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Lessons from the first two years of a new out-of-hospital airway registry in New South Wales","authors":"Martin Nichols, P. F. Fouche, Thomas McPherson, Thomas Evens, J. Bendall","doi":"10.1177/27536386231175520","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/27536386231175520","url":null,"abstract":"Background Advanced airway interventions, including endotracheal intubation (ETI) and supraglottic airway devices (iGel®), are used for airway management. Advanced airway proficiency is critical to maintain patient safety. Airway registries are commonly used quality assurance tools that can drive system-level improvement. This study analyses the first two years of data from a new prehospital airway registry. Methods This is a retrospective review of the first two years of an airway registry for Intensive Care Paramedics in New South Wales Ambulance spanning 8 August 2020 to 8 August 2022. Changes in airway management effectiveness were examined as a time series and analysis proceeded regression using Newey–West standard errors. Additionally, a machine learning algorithm (generalised boosted model) was used to predict successful ETI. Results There were 872 unique advanced airway episodes suitable for analysis. Of 705 patients that had received ETI, 655 were successful resulting in an overall success rate of 92.9%. Intubation was achieved on the first attempt in 573 out of 705 (81.3%) patients. Supraglottic airway insertion was successful in 193 of 222 patients (86.9%). The first-pass success for the iGel® supraglottic device was 183 of 222 (82.4%). Considerable increases in ETI and iGel® first-pass success were observed over time. A machine learning analysis demonstrated that factors predicting success for endotracheal intubation included airway-grade, patient age, the use of video laryngoscopy, patient weight and the use of external laryngeal manipulation/bi-manual laryngoscopy. Conclusions This prehospital airway registry analysis demonstrates increasing advanced airway success over the first two years of registry implementation. These increases may be explained in part by the reflective feedback and awareness of airway management that results from the registry, training and the increased use of video laryngoscopy.","PeriodicalId":55865,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Paramedicine","volume":"75 1","pages":"152 - 160"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"86407301","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The paramedic role in caring for people who use illicit and controlled drugs: A scoping review","authors":"Jennifer Bolster, R. Armour, Michelle O’Toole, Meghan Lysko, A. Batt","doi":"10.1177/27536386231171813","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/27536386231171813","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction As the paramedic profession continues to grow and evolve, a shift from purely reactive to holistic patient care models is required. As the first and often the only point of medical contact for many patients from marginalised and under-served populations, the paramedic role and its potential future implications in caring for these patients need to be explored. Aim The objective of this scoping review was to explore the paramedic's role in caring for people who use illicit and controlled drugs. Methods A scoping review of English language literature published since 2002 was conducted using CINAHL, Medline, Embase and Google Scholar. We used a previously published paramedic search term filter for sensitivity combined with search terms related to illicit and controlled drug use and addiction. Studies were selected based on relevance to the research question. Results A total of 104 peer-reviewed and 14 grey literature articles were selected for inclusion. The main finding of this scoping review is the notable lack of evidence base surrounding the contemporary paramedic role in the care provision of people who use drugs. The results highlight high rates of mortality following a paramedic-attended drug poisoning event, presenting a unique opportunity for paramedics to approach care in meaningful ways that extend past traditional drug poisoning response. Conclusions The interface between the community of people who use drugs and the paramedic may be a highly influential encounter during a patient's journey through the healthcare system. The evolving role of the paramedic in this encounter requires focused study and should be viewed as a research priority in response to the ongoing drug poisoning crisis.","PeriodicalId":55865,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Paramedicine","volume":"67 1","pages":"117 - 127"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79289694","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"On participating in academic conversations","authors":"W. Tavares, K. Eastwood, Julia Williams, Paul Simpson","doi":"10.1177/27536386231168245","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/27536386231168245","url":null,"abstract":"Academic journals serve an important function in the evolution of a field or profession. For some, journals are where they can share ideas, tell others about the interesting work, or to disseminate information. We would argue that these are limiting and at times flawed views. We prefer to think of Paramedicine as a means of promoting scholarly ‘conversations’ not just among ourselves and our readership, but with the broader academic community who most likely have something to say about our selected ideas and topics. Scholars have talked about this ‘journal-as-conversation’ or used this conversational metaphor before. Scientific contributions and the preparation of manuscripts is a social conversational act, and we believe, should be thought of as equivalent to having turns saying something that contributes to conversations and debates that surround us. In our experience considering manuscripts for these academic conversations, all too often, it involves authors narrowing the conversation only to those immediately next to them. In this editorial we call on authors to engage in this conversational metaphor by considering when broadening that conversation beyond paramedicine is needed and appropriate. Consider an academic who is just starting to join a ‘conversation’. In their enthusiasm to get started, several study ideas, research questions, and even methods flood their thinking. Suppose the topic area is assessment of clinical competence, specifically the assessment of dyads (paramedic crews or teams) in the jurisdictional paramedic service context. They scour the paramedicine literature and recognize, appropriately, that assessment in paramedicine has been narrowly focused on decisions regarding an individual, when really, patient outcomes are dependent on the ability of teams (in our case dyads) to function optimally together, when working together. The issue is that when decisions about individuals need to be made about readiness for independent practice for example, we often assess individuals and silence the contributions of others. Those who are involved in summative assessments (e.g. for hiring, for licensure/certification) will recognize this challenge. An idea emerges to create a new tool or process, one that permits the assessment of dyads and their contributions and synergies or threats, and that somehow allows for decisions about individuals while permitting the influence of another individual. The academic proposes the idea, arguing that no one in paramedicine has sufficiently resolved this issue—and they might even be correct. The study is designed and conducted, interesting results are generated, and the academic prepares and submits the manuscript for publication to Paramedicine. In doing so, the author sets up the study in the introduction, arguing that paramedicine has excluded this concept, and uses that as justification for the work, rather than the conceptual puzzle. The discussion section then positions the contribution as n","PeriodicalId":55865,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Paramedicine","volume":"134 1","pages":"60 - 62"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"72974869","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Barriers and enablers to paramedicine research in Australasia – A cross-sectional survey","authors":"Linda Ross, L. Reynolds, Harry Reeves, Amy Hutchison, P. O'Meara, R. Pap, N. Barr, Michelle Thomson, M. Reardon, Paul Simpson","doi":"10.1177/27536386231167590","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/27536386231167590","url":null,"abstract":"There has been exponential growth in paramedicine research activity and capacity over the last decade. With a strong academic culture emerging from its tertiary-based paramedicine education pathways, Australasia sits comfortably amongst the leading regions for paramedicine research. In the absence of clear paramedicine research priorities, there is concern that inadequate support infrastructure is in place to guide researchers, academics, paramedics, and policymakers within the profession to produce meaningful research capable of triggering change and advancement. The identification of paramedicine research priorities in Australasia, along with the barriers and enablers to research in this field, will prove invaluable to support the paramedicine profession, and improve healthcare systems, and patient outcomes in Australia and New Zealand. The study used a cross-sectional survey design which aimed to identify perceived barriers and enablers to the conduct of paramedicine research in Australasia and describe the demographic profiles and characteristics of respondents across professional, academic and research themes. Of the 341 respondents, 223 (65.4%) were male, 114 (33.4%) were female, and all geographical areas were represented. Approximately 60% of participants worked for a jurisdictional ambulance service in a clinical role. The median number of years of experience in paramedicine was 13 (IQR: 6, 24), with 52.8% having less than 15 years of experience. The analysis resulted in the identification of three themes for research barriers (system, process and human) and enablers, (work conditions, worker profile, and workplace). This study identifies the disconnect between stakeholders and the provision of resources such as funding, time, training, roles and data as major barriers to conducting paramedicine research. The ability or capacity of paramedics, as health professionals, to lead and undertake their own research was not questioned. The value of evidence-based research and autonomous paramedic-led research was identified as likely to empower future capacity within the profession.","PeriodicalId":55865,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Paramedicine","volume":"33 1","pages":"107 - 116"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85175416","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Undergraduate paramedic student competency assessment: A grounded theory study explaining how assessors in Australia and New Zealand determine student competency to practice","authors":"Anthony C. Smith, P. Andersen, Michael Carey","doi":"10.1177/27536386231165542","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/27536386231165542","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: With the transition of paramedic education from a vocational training platform to an academic environment, the absence of a standardised paramedic university curriculum has resulted in little congruity in assessment, including expectations regarding competency assessment. The application of differing standards in assessment processes in undergraduate paramedic programmes has raised questions regarding the competence of graduates. Aim: This research aimed to discover how paramedic assessors in academia and ambulance services determine the professional competence of undergraduate paramedic students within Australia and New Zealand. Methods and analysis: Glaserian Grounded Theory (GGT) was chosen as the methodology as it describes an experience or problem and provides a means of understanding what is happening in the area of interest. Twenty-two paramedic assessors participated in the enquiry. Theoretical sampling directed methods of data collection which included interviews and the use of literature and professional documents. In keeping with GT, constant comparative analysis was used to analyse data. Results: Three categories emerged from the analysis. These are engaging, measuring and moderating. Commonalities and interaction between these categories confirm the presence of the Basic Social Process ‘aligning’ and associated concepts and properties inherent in the emergent substantive theory Paramedic Assessment Process. Conclusion: PAP describes and explains the process that academics and on-road paramedics employ to assess the practice competence of paramedic students and highlights situations that raise concern about assessment practices that may compromise the rigour and validity of assessment outcomes.","PeriodicalId":55865,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Paramedicine","volume":"40 1","pages":"94 - 106"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89354330","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}