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Reflections in the Research Pool – a Paramedic Experience in Clinical Research and the Master of Emergency Health Degree

Gavin D Smith, Kathryn Eastwood

Paramedicine · 2009-01-01 · Other / unclear

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Abstract

While clinical research has become a vital component in developing the paramedic's professional role, it is an essential element that has not been readily embraced by paramedics or service providers to date.This is demonstrated by the paucity of paramedic clinical research available in peer-reviewed literature compared to other health disciplines such as nursing and medicine.Until very recently, paramedics have relied upon those other disciplines to provide any new learning and support in the development of their own craft, while inadvertently allowing their practice to be influenced by disciplines which do not necessarily have a comprehensive understanding of the unique environment within which paramedics operate.This paper provides a simple guide to clinical research in the prehospital arena and suggests a framework to enable and encourage paramedics to become involved in the future direction and evolution of their clinical practice and professionalism.It is also a reflection of the authors' personal experiences as the first two Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) Paramedics in Victoria, to complete the Monash University Master of Emergency Health degree in 2008.The Masters program provides a very workable platform from which to engage in postgraduate study through off-campus mode, with strong university staff support and flexibility of study days being the key factors in the program which enable paramedics to progress their study and career paths while working in an Ambulance Service.Students can engage in this course with the knowledge that their efforts will provide a significant qualification while offering both intrinsic and extrinsic opportunities for personal and professional development.The modules within the MEH degree are geared towards personal direction and developmental need, which is a refreshing side-effect of post graduate study.Rather than engaging in study that is task oriented (and often relevance-unknown), the Masters program at Monash provides students with selection components that meet their specific objectives while being flexible enough to allow streaming in business/management, clinical or education fields.

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Tags

Paramedics & EMTs · Research methods & trial conduct

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