Student paramedic perceptions of a non-ambulance practice learning experience

Area of Science:

• Paramedic Science Education
• Pre-hospital Care Training

Background:

• The paramedic role has evolved, demanding advanced skills for complex patient cases.
• Paramedic students require varied placement experiences to acquire necessary competencies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate first-year student paramedic experiences during non-ambulance placements.
• To understand the learning opportunities and challenges within diverse clinical settings.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study employing semi-structured interviews.
• Thematic analysis of interview data from first-year paramedic science students.
• Study conducted at a UK higher education institution.

Main Results:

• Thirty-three students participated, all having completed hospital-based non-ambulance placements.
• Four primary themes emerged: Expectations, The Patient Journey, Communication, and Mentorship.
• Student experiences highlighted the value of varied placements in developing clinical skills.

Conclusions:

• Diverse educational placements are vital for preparing future paramedics and improving patient outcomes.
• Enhancing support for clinical mentors and interprofessional collaboration is essential.
• Further research should explore similarities and strengths across professional groups to optimize training.