Exploring the Role and Educational Requirements of Paramedics within Primary Care: A Qualitative Approach
Introduction This qualitative study will explore the role and educational requirements of paramedics working within primary care in Wales. This subject is highly topical currently as the National Health Service (NHS) are looking to develop other allied health professionals to help relieve the current pressures on the healthcare system by multi-disciplinary team working. Aims and Objectives
Methods A systematic review of the literature has been carried out. 31 worldwide peer reviewed papers and 12 key reports/documents/grey literature from the UK have been reviewed. Both data extraction and critical appraisal tools were used to critically appraise the literature and develop themes. This study will collect data via one to one semi-structured interviews and focus groups with paramedics and stakeholders. A thematic approach to analysing the data collected will be taken. Results and themes identified through the literature review
Conclusion and Future Impact The next step for this project is to recruit participants to this study and commence with the semi-structured interviews, focus groups and thematic analysis. Depending on the results of this study, it could contribute to establishing whether paramedics can become an integral part of primary care MDTs. Recommendations for the development of a common curriculum for paramedics entering primary care could also be made, including guidance for further standardisation of the primary care paramedic role. |
About the author:
Marc Gildas Thomas is a Senior Lecturer within the Paramedic Science academic team at Swansea University. Marc is Programme Director for Paramedic Sciences Work-Based Learning and Deputy Programme Director for the BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science programme. He is an Advanced Paramedic Practitioner (APP) holding an MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice with extensive experience working as part of multidisciplinary teams within emergency, pre-hospital, unscheduled and primary care environments as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Paramedic, APP and a Non-Medical Independent Prescriber (NMIP).
In 2019, Marc became one of the first United Kingdom (UK) paramedics to qualify as a NMIP, being one of the first five APPs in Wales to achieve this. In addition to working for many years within the emergency medical service, Marc has worked within primary care for several years and has also been part of community-based multidisciplinary teams providing holistic care to people within their own homes normally associated with secondary care.
In addition to writing academic articles, Marc is also a peer reviewer for some paramedic-specific publications. Marc is currently working towards a professional doctorate within Swansea University Medical School researching the role and educational requirements of paramedics within primary care worldwide.
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