An exploration of perceptions and experiences of Australian paramedics following the introduction of professional regulation

Reed, Buck; Cowin, Leanne; O'Meara, Peter; Metusela, Christine; Wilson, Ian

doi:10.1108/ijhg-02-2023-0022

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 33 publications

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“…Demographics of respondents largely matched the distribution in the paramedic workforce at the time (Paramedicine Board of Australia, 2021). These are reported in detail with the quantitative results of the post-registration survey in another publication (Reed et al. , 2023).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 94%

Perceptions of Australian paramedics following the introduction of professional regulation: a qualitative exploration

Reed,

Cowin,

O'Meara

et al. 2024

IJES

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PurposeParamedics became nationally registered in 2018 in Australia. Prior to this, there was no central regulation of the profession with reliance on organisational regulation through employers. As paramedics expanded their scope, role and range of employers, especially outside statutory agencies, there was increasing need to engage in professional regulation. Regulation is more than a legal and bureaucratic framework. The purpose of the paper states that the way paramedics interact with their new regulatory environment impacts and is influenced by the professionalisation of the discipline. Regulation also redefines their positionality within the profession.Design/methodology/approachTwo mixed-method surveys were undertaken. A pre-registration survey occurred in the month prior to regulation commencing (N = 419) followed by the second survey 31 months later (N = 407). This paper reports the analysis of qualitative data from the post-registration survey and provides comparison to the pre-registration survey which has been previously reported. Analysis was undertaken using interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA).FindingsThemes from the pre-registration survey continued however became more nuanced. Participants broadly supported registration and saw it as empowering to the profession. Some supported registration but were disappointed by its outcome, others rejected registration and saw it as divisive and oppressive.Originality/valueParamedics are beginning to come to terms with increasing professionalisation, of which regulation is one component. Changes can be seen in professional identity and engagement with professional practice; however, this is nascent and is deserving of additional research to track the profession as it continues to evolve.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 94%

Perceptions of Australian paramedics following the introduction of professional regulation: a qualitative exploration

Reed,

Cowin,

O'Meara

et al. 2024

IJES

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…Although NRAS registration is largely viewed as beneficial in advancing the profession of paramedicine, Reed et al (2023) were aware of dissenting voices amongst rank-and-file paramedics. Therefore, they designed this study using a before and after survey design to capture the thoughts and feelings of paramedics concerning the recent changes in their professional identity.…”

Section: Has Regulation Of the Paramedic Service Improved Professiona...mentioning

confidence: 99%

IJHG review 28.4

MacVane Phipps

2023

IJHG

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Alternative Paramedic Roles: An International Perspective

Feerick,

Coughlan,

Knox

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Background While paramedicine is an evolving profession globally, there remain many disparities around titles and roles within the various jurisdictions that may not be fully captured in the literature. The aim of this study is to gain an international perspective on current and future roles within the field of paramedicine. Methods A mixed-methods approach was adopted for this survey, using both quantitative and qualitative data, and a link to the survey was distributed to international participants within the field of paramedicine through email, journals, and social media platforms. Results The study gathered responses from 158 participants representing 59 organisations across 16 countries. Ireland had the highest number of respondents (n = 56), followed by Australia (n = 41), and England (n = 21). Participants outlined (n = 54), current paramedic roles and (n = 39), future roles planned within their respective organizations. Participants described (n = 86), aspirational, non-traditional roles that they felt paramedics may adopt into the future. Respondents practitioner titles varied across a range of clinical, managerial, and academic specialties, with (n = 33) examples provided. Clinical level of practitioner available within the respondents organisations provided (n = 41), descriptions. Various ambulance care models were identified (n = 24), with various combinations. Paramedic medical oversight was predominantly provided by a physician, (n = 56), although (n = 22) other examples were described. Regulation of paramedic practice provided (n = 8), descriptions of regulatory bodies, and (n = 9) paramedic models of regulation described. Respondents described (n = 10), descriptions of patient safety framework models within the relevant organizations. Qualitative data did not require thematic analysis and respondents’ free text was recorded and transcribed verbatim. Conclusion Gaps in the healthcare provision are creating new innovative opportunities for a rapidly evolving paramedic profession. Paramedicine is evolving in response based often on local or sectoral need. Rather than trying to standardise practice perhaps an alternative approach might be to simply accept that paramedicine is a domain of practice and health profession that specialises across a range and variety of clinical settings and focus on creating and maintaining omnipotent healthcare practitioners adaptable to societal needs within a well governed health system.

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An exploration of perceptions and experiences of Australian paramedics following the introduction of professional regulation

Cited by 3 publications

References 33 publications

Perceptions of Australian paramedics following the introduction of professional regulation: a qualitative exploration

Perceptions of Australian paramedics following the introduction of professional regulation: a qualitative exploration

IJHG review 28.4

Alternative Paramedic Roles: An International Perspective

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