Exploring Paramedicine Models of Care: A Novel Macro Analysis Using the RESPIGHT Framework

Area of Science:

• Health Sciences
• Medical Education
• Paramedicine

Background:

• Undergraduate paramedicine programs in Australia are crucial for training future healthcare professionals.
• The RESPIGHT model provides a framework for comprehensive paramedicine practice, encompassing emergency response, community engagement, and healthcare integration.
• Evaluating curriculum alignment ensures graduates are prepared for the evolving demands of the healthcare landscape.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the alignment of Australian undergraduate paramedicine curricula with the RESPIGHT model.
• To identify specific areas of strength and weakness in paramedicine education regarding the RESPIGHT framework.
• To inform curriculum development for better graduate preparedness in diverse healthcare settings.

Main Methods:

• A deductive thematic analysis was employed to evaluate curriculum content.
• The study analyzed undergraduate paramedicine programs from 16 Australian universities.
• Alignment was assessed against the eight categories of the RESPIGHT framework.

Main Results:

• Significant variations in curriculum alignment with the RESPIGHT model were observed across Australian universities.
• Stronger alignment was noted in emergency response and treatment components.
• Areas such as community engagement and governance demonstrated notable discrepancies and weaker integration.

Conclusions:

• Current paramedicine curricula exhibit disparities in preparing students for the full scope of modern practice.
• There is a clear need for curriculum reform to enhance integration with primary healthcare and community engagement models.
• Updating paramedicine education is essential to align with contemporary healthcare needs and ensure comprehensive graduate preparedness.