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From qualified to specialist paramedic:
A qualitative study of the process of
transition to a low-acuity role.
David Long, Prof. Michele Clark, Dr. David Lim, Dr. Scott Devenish
References
Cooper, S., & Grant, J. (2009). New and emerging roles in out of hospital emergency care: A review of
the international literature.
International Emergency Nursing, 17
(2), 90-98.
doi:10.1016/j.ienj.2008.11.004
Catterall, M. (2012). The role of paramedics with extended practice: Exploring the healthcare context.
Journal of Paramedic Practice, 4
(10), 569-575.
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© 2015 David Long
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Abstract
Paramedics are increasingly seen as an integral component of the healthcare continuum (Cooper
& Grant, 2009). Whilst the core functions of ambulance services to treat and transport the sick
and injured to hospital have remained largely unchanged, a significant paradigm shift in the care
of low-acuity (non-urgent) patients has been gathering momentum over the last two decades
(Catterall, 2012). This research proposal is a qualitative research study informed by constructivist
grounded theory with research sites in Australia and Canada. The aim is to develop a theoretical
understanding of the process and influencing factors of transition from qualified to specialist
paramedic to a low-acuity role.
An understanding of the process of transition may translate
to enhancements in paramedic education programs and
facilitate the recruitment, selection and retention of
paramedics in a low-acuity role. Additionally, a holistic
understanding of transition will contribute significantly to
the more efficient operationalization of new low-acuity
services and may decrease the timeframe to deploy high-
quality, ready-to-work paramedics in the field. Ultimately,
the research will generate new knowledge that may inform
policy and models of care to deliver a measurable impact on
both effectiveness (clinical outcomes) and efficiency
(service delivery).
What can this
research tell us?
In brief, two dominant paradigms lie along the spectra of low-acuity service delivery in
paramedicine; those aligned with an Extended Care Paramedic (ECP) type-model and those aligned
with a Community Paramedic (CP) type-model. This research study proposes the introduction of a
single umbrella term “Low-acuity Specialist Paramedic” (LASP) when referencing paramedics who
specialize in a low-acuity role. LASP falls within the auspice of “specialist paramedic” and
encompasses both ECPs and CPs. Broadly speaking, the distinctions between ECP-type models and
CP-type models can be visualised where both models intersect on the patient’s healthcare
continuum in the diagram below.
What’s in a name?
Research Sites
and Participants
Recruitment will occur from three locations. In Australia, participants
will be recruited from the ranks of either qualified or formally qualified
Extended Care Paramedics from New South Wales Ambulance and
South Australia Ambulance Service. Recruitment at a third international
site also includes qualified or formally qualified Community Paramedics
who are employed by Alberta Health Services in Calgary, Canada.
Based on previous qualitative PhD studies, I expect the number of
participants per Ambulance Service to be around 10 - 12 (total 30 - 35).
Recruitment of participants and data collection is anticipated to begin
in October 2015 following ethics approval.
An electronic copy of this poster is available by scanning the QR code
below or further information is available via email to the Principal
Investigator:
David Long
Email: d5.long@hdr.qut.edu.au
Phone: (07) 3138 0641