Physical and psychological health in intern paramedics commencing shift work: Protocol for an exploratory...

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Paramedic Science
• Longitudinal Health Studies

Background:

• Paramedics face significant shift work exposure, linked to negative health outcomes.
• Limited understanding exists on how shift work initiation impacts paramedic health.
• This study addresses this gap by examining changes before and after shift work begins.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate biological, psychological, and social changes in paramedics during their first year of shift work.
• To establish a baseline of health metrics before shift work commences.
• To identify potential risks and inform support strategies for new paramedics.

Main Methods:

• Observational, mixed-methods, longitudinal study of 40 paramedic interns.
• Data collected at baseline and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.
• Measures include cardiometabolic markers, microbiome, sleep, physical activity, questionnaires, and interviews.

Main Results:

• The study protocol is outlined, detailing the planned data collection and analysis.
• Analysis will use mixed-effects regression and thematic analysis for quantitative and qualitative data.
• Findings will track changes over a 12-month transition period.

Conclusions:

• The study will provide crucial insights into the health impacts of shift work on new paramedics.
• Results will inform the development of targeted support strategies.
• This research aims to improve the well-being of early-career shift workers in the ambulance service.