Attitudes towards and engagement in self-directed learning among paramedics in New South Wales, Australia: a cross sectional study
Abstract Background Australian paramedics must engage in continuing professional development (CPD), including self-directed learning (SDL). This study aimed to examine paramedics’ attitudes towards training and learning activities and perceptions about what could increase engagement in self-directed...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2023-10-01
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| Series: | BMC Medical Education |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-023-04740-0 |
| _version_ | 1827710391618109440 |
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| author | Jamie Bryant Alison Zucca Heidi Turon Robert Sanson-Fisher Alan Morrison |
| author_facet | Jamie Bryant Alison Zucca Heidi Turon Robert Sanson-Fisher Alan Morrison |
| author_sort | Jamie Bryant |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Australian paramedics must engage in continuing professional development (CPD), including self-directed learning (SDL). This study aimed to examine paramedics’ attitudes towards training and learning activities and perceptions about what could increase engagement in self-directed CPD. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted with New South Wales Ambulance paramedics. The 48-item survey examined learning attitudes, attitudes towards SDL and socio-demographic and professional characteristics. Results Most of the 149 participants (19% consent rate) were male (74.5%) and worked full-time (96.5%). All participants agreed that paramedics should reflect on the quality of their practice (100%) and most were committed to undertaking learning to improve their skills and capability (95.2%). However, 26.3% of participants did not feel motivated to undertake learning and 58.9% did not feel supported. Paramedics reported neutral to modestly positive attitudes towards SDL. Most participants agreed they would be more likely to engage in SDL if they had access to training equipment at their station (91%) and dedicated time during work hours (90.4%). Conclusion Paramedics are highly committed to undertaking CPD. Increased engagement may be supported by providing SDL materials at work locations and ensuring dedicated time for learning during work hours. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T17:38:24Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-3884b5fad4904d7dbb650d4b725ea09c |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1472-6920 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T17:38:24Z |
| publishDate | 2023-10-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Medical Education |
| spelling | doaj.art-3884b5fad4904d7dbb650d4b725ea09c2023-11-20T09:46:45ZengBMCBMC Medical Education1472-69202023-10-012311910.1186/s12909-023-04740-0Attitudes towards and engagement in self-directed learning among paramedics in New South Wales, Australia: a cross sectional studyJamie Bryant0Alison Zucca1Heidi Turon2Robert Sanson-Fisher3Alan Morrison4School of Medicine and Public Health, University of NewcastleSchool of Medicine and Public Health, University of NewcastleSchool of Medicine and Public Health, University of NewcastleSchool of Medicine and Public Health, University of NewcastleNSW Ambulance ServiceAbstract Background Australian paramedics must engage in continuing professional development (CPD), including self-directed learning (SDL). This study aimed to examine paramedics’ attitudes towards training and learning activities and perceptions about what could increase engagement in self-directed CPD. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted with New South Wales Ambulance paramedics. The 48-item survey examined learning attitudes, attitudes towards SDL and socio-demographic and professional characteristics. Results Most of the 149 participants (19% consent rate) were male (74.5%) and worked full-time (96.5%). All participants agreed that paramedics should reflect on the quality of their practice (100%) and most were committed to undertaking learning to improve their skills and capability (95.2%). However, 26.3% of participants did not feel motivated to undertake learning and 58.9% did not feel supported. Paramedics reported neutral to modestly positive attitudes towards SDL. Most participants agreed they would be more likely to engage in SDL if they had access to training equipment at their station (91%) and dedicated time during work hours (90.4%). Conclusion Paramedics are highly committed to undertaking CPD. Increased engagement may be supported by providing SDL materials at work locations and ensuring dedicated time for learning during work hours.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-023-04740-0ParamedicineContinuing professional developmentContinuing educationParamedic |
| spellingShingle | Jamie Bryant Alison Zucca Heidi Turon Robert Sanson-Fisher Alan Morrison Attitudes towards and engagement in self-directed learning among paramedics in New South Wales, Australia: a cross sectional study BMC Medical Education Paramedicine Continuing professional development Continuing education Paramedic |
| title | Attitudes towards and engagement in self-directed learning among paramedics in New South Wales, Australia: a cross sectional study |
| title_full | Attitudes towards and engagement in self-directed learning among paramedics in New South Wales, Australia: a cross sectional study |
| title_fullStr | Attitudes towards and engagement in self-directed learning among paramedics in New South Wales, Australia: a cross sectional study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Attitudes towards and engagement in self-directed learning among paramedics in New South Wales, Australia: a cross sectional study |
| title_short | Attitudes towards and engagement in self-directed learning among paramedics in New South Wales, Australia: a cross sectional study |
| title_sort | attitudes towards and engagement in self directed learning among paramedics in new south wales australia a cross sectional study |
| topic | Paramedicine Continuing professional development Continuing education Paramedic |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-023-04740-0 |
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