Experiences of learning, development, and preparedness for clinical practice among undergraduate paramedicine students, graduate/intern paramedics, and their preceptors: a qualitative systematic review

Abstract

The educational landscape for paramedicine has evolved considerably since the introduction of the first paramedicine bachelor degree. This systematic review aims to identify and explore the barriers to and facilitators of learning and preparedness for clinical practice among undergraduate paramedicine studnets, graduate/intern paramedics and their preceptors. This review was undertaken in accordance with the JBI Reviewer's Manual. The full methods will be published in the final review report. Results:Twenty six qualitative studies were included in the review. A total of 305 findings were extracted and grouped into twenty eight categories. Categories were grouped into five synthesized findings as follows;• The role of mentoring/ preceptorship• Opportunities to develop emotional intelligence and communication skills• The role of non-traditional placements• The role of non-traditional teaching methods • Preparedness for practice Conclusion:The review highlighted that a variety of models exist with associated barriers and facilitators that impact on paramedicine students, graduate paramedics, paramedic university educators and preceptors. The findings emphasize the importance of the preceptor to student learning; and the need to develop paramedicine student's skills/capacity in dealing with the emotional side of paramedic practice.Paramedicine students and paramedic graduates were found to be underprepared to effectively communicate with patients, family and other professionals. It is interesting to note that there is potential for most of these barriers to be mitigated by the utilization of non-traditional placements/experiences within the community, medical clinics, wilderness environment and in the allied health environment and with the use of non-traditional teaching methods like action learning, case based learning and project based learning. The introduction of a paramedic facilitator model was shown to have considerable benefits with the potential to resolve some of the barriers identified in other studies, suggesting that the introduction of a national model similar to that of other allied health models may be beneficial. The findings indicate a need for more effective communication between the education sector and industry in relation to the challenges that currently exist in paramedicine education and what models appear to facilitate learning, development and preparedness for clinical practice.

An exploration of maternity and newborn exposure, training and education among staff working within the North West Ambulance Service

“…Standardised delivery of theory, skills and maternity placements across HEIs would support a reduction in variation. Hanna et al (2021) explored experiences of learning, development and preparedness for clinical practice among undergraduate paramedicine students via a systematic review, and identified similar themes. The review highlighted a need for more effective communication between universities and integrated systems to address challenges in paramedicine education, supporting a collaborative identification of educational models that best facilitate learning, development and preparedness for clinical practice ( Hanna et al, 2021 ).…”

“… Hanna et al (2021) explored experiences of learning, development and preparedness for clinical practice among undergraduate paramedicine students via a systematic review, and identified similar themes. The review highlighted a need for more effective communication between universities and integrated systems to address challenges in paramedicine education, supporting a collaborative identification of educational models that best facilitate learning, development and preparedness for clinical practice ( Hanna et al, 2021 ). Despite a focus on pre-registration training and education, a gap exists in understanding of the level, depth and content of training provided to all staff who provide pre-hospital maternity and newborn care, including emergency medical technicians, community first responders and call takers.…”

Clinical reasoning in undergraduate paramedicine: utilisation of a script concordance test

“…Paramedics routinely work in limited resource and chaotic environments and many decisions regarding, in some instances, quite complex interventions, need to be made quickly and under high stress [ 22 ]. To this end the development of student paramedics to be clinically prepared at the end of their formal academic education continues to be a challenge for educators [ 23 ]. Results from this study have provided valuable insight into the validity of the SCT in paramedicine and the variance between expert and novice paramedics clinical reasoning.…”

Experiences of baccalaureate nursing students in preceptorship during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review protocol

“…19 Another review explored preceptors and the experiences of paramedics. 20 The nursing workforce is in a state of global crisis, and this review will include the voices of prelicensure nurses in their final weeks of clinical preparation, and will magnify their preceptorship experiences, specifically focusing on the immediate clinical experience that takes place in their pre-transition to the nursing profession. 12 Baccalaureate nursing students' most recent and immediate clinical preceptorship is the focus of this review.…”