Andrew Hodge, Bryan Lightowler, Richard Pilbery, Fiona Bell, Pete Best, Kelly Hird, Beverly Snaith, Alison Walker
{"title":"Venous blood point-of-care testing (POCT) for paramedics in urgent and emergency care: a single-site feasibility study (POCTPara).","authors":"Andrew Hodge, Bryan Lightowler, Richard Pilbery, Fiona Bell, Pete Best, Kelly Hird, Beverly Snaith, Alison Walker","doi":"10.29045/14784726.2025.6.10.1.19","DOIUrl":"10.29045/14784726.2025.6.10.1.19","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Paramedics play an important role in addressing the growing demands in urgent and emergency care. Point-of-care testing (POCT) devices are increasingly portable and may assist with appropriate non-conveyance, but limited research exists to support this. This feasibility study aimed to inform the design of a larger study to determine whether it is practical for paramedics to use blood analysis POCT.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An eight-month single-site feasibility sequential explanatory mixed-method study was conducted between April and December 2023, with a team of specialist paramedics who were provided with Abbott® <i>i-STAT Alinity</i>™ POCT devices with CHEM8+ and CG4+ cartridges. Using a qualitative evaluation of paramedic participants' experience with a POCT device and a descriptive analysis of case report forms and routine ambulance service data collection.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Seven specialist paramedics were recruited; 287 patients were screened, of which 252 (88%) were excluded and 35 (12%) were recruited. Lack of mental capacity excluded 76% of cases. The mean age was 82 years; 40% of participants were female and 60% were male. Hospital conveyance rates were four (11%) of the recruited patients. In those recruited and not conveyed, the median time on scene was 120 minutes. The success rate to obtain a test result at the first attempt was 81% (CHEM8+) and 84% (CG4+). Test result failure rates were 13% (CHEM8+) and 3% (CG4+). Focus group data revealed that paramedic participants considered POCT useful for decision making and the device procedures to be acceptable. Paramedics reported that extended time on scene was related to trial procedures and waiting times to discuss test results with healthcare professionals.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The POCT devices were acceptable and practical for use by our specialist paramedic participants. The results of this feasibility study should inform the design of a larger study to test the impact of using POCT, to understand challenges in recruitment and retention where POCT is utilised and to determine the clinical presentations where POCT can be applied.</p>","PeriodicalId":72470,"journal":{"name":"British paramedic journal","volume":"10 1","pages":"19-26"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12543071/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145356977","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Owen Finney, Kate Snowdon, Adonia Mckellow, Kayleigh Geen, Chris Wilkinson, Graham McClelland
{"title":"Perceptions of older people regarding drone-delivered defibrillators for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a qualitative study.","authors":"Owen Finney, Kate Snowdon, Adonia Mckellow, Kayleigh Geen, Chris Wilkinson, Graham McClelland","doi":"10.29045/14784726.2025.6.10.1.10","DOIUrl":"10.29045/14784726.2025.6.10.1.10","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) presents a significant public health challenge. Bystander utilisation of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) can improve survival. Drone delivery of AEDs may improve rates of bystander defibrillation. However, whereas most cardiac arrests occur in older people, there is minimal evidence on the perceptions of older people regarding AED delivery by drone. The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of individuals aged 65 years and over on the use of drone technology for AED delivery in OHCA situations.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Semi-structured qualitative interviews were undertaken to gather insights into participants' perceptions about drone AED delivery. Responses were thematically analysed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Three main themes were identified from 12 interviews conducted between May and July 2024: (1) the interaction between the human and the drone; (2) perceived societal benefits of drone AED delivery for OHCA; and (3) safety and public perception. Participants expressed complex reactions to drone-delivered AEDs, and expressed concerns about correct AED usage and the emotional difficulty of leaving a patient unattended. Many anticipated guilt about possibly being unable to use the AED effectively in high-stress situations. Participants acknowledged the potential for drones to save lives by reducing response times in OHCA, but raised concerns about safety and public education. There was a strong consensus on the importance of public education and training to build confidence in using both AEDs and drone technology.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Although participants appreciated the rapid delivery of AEDs via drones for OHCA, they expressed significant concerns about their own ability to use the AED alongside the emotional burden associated with emergency situations. The findings emphasise the need for enhanced public education and psychological support to ensure effective bystander intervention in general. Additionally, prior to any roll-out of drone-delivered AEDs, there should be a specific programme of education to bridge the gap between technological acceptance and practical application.</p>","PeriodicalId":72470,"journal":{"name":"British paramedic journal","volume":"10 1","pages":"10-18"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12543075/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145356971","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Amanda Rodrigues Amorim Adegboye, Ufuoma Jones, Gary Gilkes, Barbara Kozlowska, Julia M Carroll, Tracey Rehling, Emmanuel Antwi, Kacper Sumera, Megan Parr, Candice Mansell, Rosie Kneafsey
{"title":"Addressing the lack of ethnic diversity in the UK paramedic profession: a call for action.","authors":"Amanda Rodrigues Amorim Adegboye, Ufuoma Jones, Gary Gilkes, Barbara Kozlowska, Julia M Carroll, Tracey Rehling, Emmanuel Antwi, Kacper Sumera, Megan Parr, Candice Mansell, Rosie Kneafsey","doi":"10.29045/14784726.2025.6.10.1.62","DOIUrl":"10.29045/14784726.2025.6.10.1.62","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ethnic minorities are starkly underrepresented among paramedics in the UK, with their numbers significantly lower than in other allied healthcare professions. This disparity is not reflective of the diverse population the NHS serves. To achieve truly patient-centred care, the paramedic workforce must be representative of the communities it serves. This professional practice article aims to discuss the role of higher education institutions, NHS England and NHS ambulance trusts in addressing this issue. The article examines traditional entry routes to paramedic education and highlights financial constraints and limited entry points as significant barriers for aspiring paramedics from diverse backgrounds. Furthermore, a lack of ethnic diversity in paramedic leadership positions is identified as a discouraging factor. The article then critically appraises existing initiatives aimed at promoting diversity, such as the College of Paramedics' campaign. It acknowledges that raising awareness is a valuable step forward and advocates for a more comprehensive approach to achieve greater impact. The article lists some of the strategies employers could adopt to foster a more inclusive workplace culture and to support the career progression of paramedics from ethnic minority backgrounds. These strategies include targeted outreach programmes, mentorship initiatives, diversity and inclusion training for all staff and revisions to promotion policies. The article concludes by emphasising the need for a multi-pronged approach, involving collaboration between educational institutions, ambulance services, professional bodies and the government. Through implementing targeted recruitment strategies, fostering inclusive workplaces and providing career development opportunities, stakeholders can work together to build a more diverse and representative paramedic workforce, ultimately leading to improved equitable health outcomes at the individual, group and population level.</p>","PeriodicalId":72470,"journal":{"name":"British paramedic journal","volume":"10 1","pages":"62-70"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12543073/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145356956","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Providing feedback to frontline paramedics involved in research: a service evaluation within Yorkshire Ambulance Service.","authors":"Caitlin Wilson, Fiona Bell","doi":"10.29045/14784726.2025.3.9.4.43","DOIUrl":"10.29045/14784726.2025.3.9.4.43","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Many clinical trials within ambulance services require trained frontline paramedics to directly recruit or enrol eligible patients. Research paramedics may then review study documents and often contact recruiting paramedics to provide feedback or obtain missing data. Using the example of the Paramedic Analgesia Comparing Ketamine and MorphiNe in trauma (PACKMaN) study, we aimed to evaluate the provision of feedback by the Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) research team to recruiting paramedics.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a service evaluation using a qualitative design. Data collection was conducted in January 2023 and consisted of a focus group and document analysis. The focus group lasted one hour and involved nine YAS research staff involved in feedback provision. Preliminary results were presented to focus group members to facilitate member checking. Reviewed documents included written feedback sent by the local research team and a standard operating procedure on incidental clinical errors. Data were analysed using the framework method.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Research paramedics provided recruiting paramedics with feedback on 'research study activities', such as missing data, (in) eligible patients (not) enrolled or study protocol (not) followed. Feedback on 'clinical practice' not related to research activities, but incidentally discovered, was not considered within the remit of research paramedics. Barriers to effective feedback provision were the lack of awareness in recruiting paramedics that feedback would be provided and a perception that unsolicited feedback is mostly negative. Using different formats to provide feedback and engaging in a dialogue with recruiting paramedics was seen to facilitate more meaningful feedback.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Training for recruiting paramedics should highlight that performance and documentation will be scrutinised as part of their involvement in the clinical trial. Although flexibility of local teams regarding feedback format and delivery was important, researchers planning interventional studies in ambulance services may wish to consider the impact of different ways of working with frontline clinicians in their protocol development and study evaluation.</p>","PeriodicalId":72470,"journal":{"name":"British paramedic journal","volume":"9 4","pages":"43-50"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12981533/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147470222","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Perceived benefits and limitations of remote decision-making support for ambulance clinicians in a single NHS trust.","authors":"Peter Eaton-Williams","doi":"10.29045/14784726.2025.3.9.4.1","DOIUrl":"10.29045/14784726.2025.3.9.4.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Remote decision-making support (RDMS) systems for on-scene ambulance clinicians aim to improve patient safety, avoid unnecessary admissions and promote appropriate referrals. In the relative absence of previous research, this qualitative study explored the perceived benefits and limitations of a well-established RDMS system in a single NHS ambulance trust. The system described involves advanced paramedic practitioners (APPs) supporting colleagues via an emergency-crew advice telephone line (ECAL).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Internally circulated invitations resulted in a convenience sample of 27 participants attending online meetings for data collection. Eight meetings, with a mean duration of 56 minutes, were recorded and anonymised during transcription. A critical realist, experiential approach to thematic analysis was employed on transcripts to produce findings.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants reported various patterns of engagement with ECALs, but experienced paramedics were the least involved. ECALs were perceived to benefit patient safety and clinical development, although their influence on appropriate care delivery was considered to be more limited. The information systems, capacity and capability of community care pathways varied considerably across the region, hindering urgent care navigation. Additionally, a cultural shift to normalise collaborative decision making was required, which might be enabled by more proactive intervention, but only if ECAL interactions sustained trust in their effectiveness. Some participants had experience of initiatives where co-located community and emergency department clinicians augmented RDMS provision and perceived that this addressed many of the limitations identified.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study suggests that RDMS is perceived as beneficial to patient safety and appropriate care delivery, and that APPs who are familiar with their region and with the clinicians on scene are well suited to provide this support. Collaborative decision making requires honest and open interaction to be effective and needs to be more widely accepted as standard clinical practice. Improving the consistency and interoperability of community care pathways will maximise their value, and inter-professional collaboration may facilitate this.</p>","PeriodicalId":72470,"journal":{"name":"British paramedic journal","volume":"9 4","pages":"1-6"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12981531/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147470208","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"ECG characteristics as indicators of the aetiology of pulseless electrical activity: a systematic review.","authors":"Brad Gander, Samantha Laws","doi":"10.29045/14784726.2025.3.9.4.27","DOIUrl":"10.29045/14784726.2025.3.9.4.27","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The incidence of pulseless electrical activity (PEA) as a presenting rhythm in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is rising in comparison with other rhythms. Prompt recognition of the cause of PEA can improve outcomes. The assessment of electrocardiogram (ECG) characteristics during resuscitation has been suggested as a source of diagnostic information for clinicians. The aim of this systematic review was to identify literature evaluating the use of ECG characteristics as indicators of the aetiology of PEA and to consider how their findings may be utilised in clinical practice.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Case series, observational studies, randomised controlled trials and empirical research investigating the ECG characteristics of adult patients and reporting the aetiology of PEA were searched for via a systematic literature search of the MEDLINE, CINAHL Plus and EMBASE databases. Searches for grey literature were performed, as well as reference screening. A risk-of-bias assessment was undertaken for each included study.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of four articles were selected for final inclusion. One study reported a statistically significant correlation between the presence of wide QRS complexes and hyperkalaemia. No further associations between ECG characteristics and the aetiology of cardiac arrest were reported. Three studies were found to be at moderate risk of bias due to incomplete inclusion of patients. Studies often assessed groups of aetiologies, rather than specific causes. Consequently, this limits their application in clinical practice.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>ECG characteristics should not be used in isolation as an indicator of the aetiology of cardiac arrest in patients with PEA. The included studies often employed broad categorisations of aetiologies, limiting their ability to identify specific characteristics associated with individual causes. Future research should include analysis of specific aetiologies and the evaluation of ECG characteristics to augment other diagnostic tools.</p>","PeriodicalId":72470,"journal":{"name":"British paramedic journal","volume":"9 4","pages":"27-36"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12981530/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147470183","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Larissa Prothero, Shona Brown, Tessa Noakes, Allan Clark, Theresa Foster
{"title":"Survey-based exploration of menopause transition experiences of female staff employed in UK ambulance services (CESSATION Phase 2).","authors":"Larissa Prothero, Shona Brown, Tessa Noakes, Allan Clark, Theresa Foster","doi":"10.29045/14784726.2025.3.9.4.7","DOIUrl":"10.29045/14784726.2025.3.9.4.7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Often women will experience the menopause and its associated symptoms during their working lives, and there is now an increased focus on improving menopause support offerings in the workplace. The main aim of this study was to explore the menopause transition experiences of ambulance staff and identify workplace interventions that may offer improved support to menopausal staff within the ambulance sector.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A purpose-designed, online survey was disseminated to UK ambulance services for voluntary completion between December 2021 and February 2022. Topics that were covered included participant age and role, menopause transition phase, symptoms experienced and their severity, expectation and effect of symptoms, work pattern, need for work leave and policy awareness. An opportunity for additional menopause-related comments was included. Quantitative data analysis was performed using descriptive and exploratory statistics; qualitative data were analysed using content analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A convenience sample of 1896 survey responses was obtained; the majority of participants self-reported to be in the menopause transition. Pre- and peri-menopausal participants were more likely to undertake shift-based work; menopausal and post-menopausal participants were more prevalent in office-based roles. Shift-working participants reported more severe tiredness or low energy levels, hot flushes, night sweats and gastric problems; office-working staff reported more severe issues with vaginal health, weight, skin changes and oral health. There were significant associations between role type, severity of symptom impact and need for leave from work. Recommended areas for organisational improvement to support menopausal women in the ambulance workplace are alternative work opportunities, menopause education and training, appropriate menopause policies and guidance, expert resources and support and access to improved physical work environments.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Women can experience menopausal symptoms that impact their working lives; their work role and setting can influence their menopause experiences. Workplace interventions for improved menopause awareness, support and staff well-being are warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":72470,"journal":{"name":"British paramedic journal","volume":"9 4","pages":"7-16"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12981532/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147470195","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Foreign-language skills of student paramedics studying undergraduate Paramedic Science in the UK: a nationwide cross-sectional exploratory study.","authors":"Owen Finney","doi":"10.29045/14784726.2025.3.9.4.37","DOIUrl":"10.29045/14784726.2025.3.9.4.37","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Communication is essential in healthcare, but language barriers between patients and clinicians can hinder care quality, especially as the UK sees an increasing number of non-native English speakers. The 2021 UK census revealed that 5.1 million people do not speak English as a first language, with many having limited or no proficiency. Despite these trends, little research has been carried out to explore the experiences of these individuals in pre-hospital care, where language challenges often arise. UK paramedic education includes communication training, but foreign-language learning is not part of most curricula. Some universities offer optional language modules, yet there is no data on how many paramedics or student paramedics speak additional languages. Clinicians with foreign-language skills could enhance patient satisfaction and reduce communication barriers, but there is a lack of pre-hospital evidence in this area. This exploratory study aimed to capture the foreign-language skills of student paramedics in the UK, addressing a gap in the literature and laying the groundwork for future research.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This exploratory study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional design using an online survey distributed to student paramedics across 24 higher education institutions in the UK during April and May 2024. The survey captured demographic data and language competencies, with descriptive statistics used for analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of 105 respondents, 73 were female (69.5%), and the mean age was 23.65 (± 8.25). Over half (53.3%) reported proficiency in at least one foreign language, predominantly languages spoken in Europe, such as French (48.2%), Spanish (35.7%) and German (21.4%). Most respondents had beginner-level skills (64.3%), with no formal language training in their programmes. However, 57.7% expressed interest in studying an optional foreign-language module.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study found that over half of student paramedics possess foreign-language proficiency. The majority of the sample indicated a desire to study a foreign language if given the opportunity during their paramedic training. Given the increasing linguistic diversity in the UK, integrating language modules into paramedic education could enhance patient care and satisfaction. Further research is needed to explore the feasibility of such training and its impact on pre-hospital care outcomes for non-native English speakers.</p>","PeriodicalId":72470,"journal":{"name":"British paramedic journal","volume":"9 4","pages":"37-42"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12981529/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147470205","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"360-degree projection simulation versus traditional simulation in undergraduate paramedicine education: a pilot randomised controlled trial.","authors":"Rachael Vella, Paul Simpson, Liz Thyer","doi":"10.29045/14784726.2025.3.9.4.17","DOIUrl":"10.29045/14784726.2025.3.9.4.17","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Simulation is considered a mainstay for teaching and assessment in various clinical fields, including paramedicine. Simulation fidelity in educational practice is constantly changing to accommodate the integration of extended realities (XRs), such as augmented, mixed and virtual realities. However, little research has been undertaken to directly compare these newer, technology-enhanced methods, such as 360-degree projection simulation, with the traditional methods used in undergraduate education. The purpose of this research was to provide a direct comparison, exploring their effect on ratings of self-perceived performance in second-year paramedicine students.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using a single-site, parallel randomised controlled, non-blinded trial, participants were randomly allocated to a three-day intensive 360-degree projection (intervention) or traditional (control) simulation programme. Ratings of self-perceived performance were collected using the Seattle University Simulation Evaluation tool at three different time points: after participants' first simulation as 'lead paramedic' on Day 1 of the intensive programme (Rating 1), after their final simulation on Day 3 of the intensive programme (Rating 2) and after their final simulation in a follow-up programme after a nine-week washout period (Rating 3).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of the 37 participants randomly allocated, 20 fulfilled the study requirements, with 11 in the 360-degree projection group and nine in the traditional simulation group. Participants consistently reported higher ratings of self-perceived performance in the traditional simulation group, in comparison to the 360-degree projection simulation group (p = 0.04). While no difference was seen between groups after the intensive programme (Rating 2), a notable difference was observed between groups at Rating 3 in favour of the traditional simulation group (p = 0.02).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This pilot study suggested that measures of self-perceived performance were lower when using 360-degree projection simulation spaces. While there may be some benefit to this form of simulation as an adjunct to current traditional methods used, further research, including studies that are appropriately powered and include objective outcome measures, is needed to understand the measure of effectiveness in a practical setting and to inform future educational interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":72470,"journal":{"name":"British paramedic journal","volume":"9 4","pages":"17-26"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12981534/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147470227","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Georgette Eaton, Stephanie Tierney, Geoff Wong, Kamal R Mahtani
{"title":"Using an analytic auto-netnographic approach to explore the perceptions of paramedics in primary care.","authors":"Georgette Eaton, Stephanie Tierney, Geoff Wong, Kamal R Mahtani","doi":"10.29045/14784726.2024.12.9.3.21","DOIUrl":"10.29045/14784726.2024.12.9.3.21","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Paramedics in the UK are moving from emergency ambulance services into primary care, where they are employed to boost the clinical workforce. Whereas there is emerging research that seeks to understand the contribution of paramedics to the primary care workforce, there is none regarding the perceptions paramedics have regarding their role in primary care.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An analytic auto-ethnography was undertaken, utilising a peripheral membership approach for online communities used by paramedics on Facebook, Reddit and Twitter (now X). Over a 3-month period (December 2021 to February 2022), the primary researcher reflected on the conversations, comments and opinions posted within these communities within a reflexive (immersion) journal, considering them against the context of her own experience.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Paramedics in primary care, who are generally isolated due to their geographical isolation from each other, utilise online social spaces to foster a community of practice. These forums are used to discuss their clinical role, education and experiences, as well as to consider their place within the primary care workforce.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This is the first application of this methodology within online social spaces utilised by UK paramedics. This article also presents novel use of a peripheral membership approach within an analytic auto-netnography in public online spaces for researcher-practitioners.</p>","PeriodicalId":72470,"journal":{"name":"British paramedic journal","volume":"9 3","pages":"21-27"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11610540/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142775309","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}