The Definition of Paramedicine: An International Delphi Study
Brett Williams, Bronwyn Beovich, Alexander Olaussen Department of Paramedicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, AustraliaCorrespondence: Brett WilliamsDepartment of Paramedicine, Monash University, Peninsula Campus, PO Box 527, McMahons Road, Frankston, Victoria, 3199, AustraliaTel +61 3 990...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Dove Medical Press
2021-12-01
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| Series: | Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare |
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| Online Access: | https://www.dovepress.com/the-definition-of-paramedicine-an-international-delphi-study-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-JMDH |
| _version_ | 1798033486566653952 |
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| author | Williams B Beovich B Olaussen A |
| author_facet | Williams B Beovich B Olaussen A |
| author_sort | Williams B |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Brett Williams, Bronwyn Beovich, Alexander Olaussen Department of Paramedicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, AustraliaCorrespondence: Brett WilliamsDepartment of Paramedicine, Monash University, Peninsula Campus, PO Box 527, McMahons Road, Frankston, Victoria, 3199, AustraliaTel +61 3 9904 4283Email brett.williams@monash.eduIntroduction: Although paramedicine is an integral element of healthcare systems, there is a lack of universal consensus on its definition. This study aimed to derive a global consensus definition of paramedicine.Methods: Key attributes pertaining to paramedicine were identified from existing definitions within the literature. Utilising text analysis, common attribute themes were identified and six initial domains were developed. These domains formed the basis for a four-round Delphi study with a panel of 58 global experts within paramedicine to develop an international consensus definition.Results: Response rates across the study varied from 96.6% (round 1) to 63.8% (round 4). Participant feedback on appropriate attributes to include in the definition reflected the high level of specialized clinical care inherent within paramedicine, and its status as an essential element of healthcare systems. In addition, the results highlighted the extensive range of paramedicine capabilities and roles, and the diverse environments within which paramedics work.Conclusion: Delphi methodology was utilized to develop a global consensus definition of paramedicine. This definition is as follows: paramedicine is a domain of practice and health profession that specialises across a range of settings including, but not limited to, emergency and primary care. Paramedics work in a variety of clinical settings such as emergency medical services, ambulance services, hospitals and clinics as well as non-clinical roles, such as education, leadership, public health and research. Paramedics possess complex knowledge and skills, a broad scope of practice and are an essential part of the healthcare system. Depending on location, paramedics may practice under medical direction or independently, often in unscheduled, unpredictable or dynamic settings. We believe that the generation and provision of this consensus definition is essential to enable the further development and maturation of the discipline of paramedicine.Keywords: allied health personnel, consensus, Delphi study, paramedicine |
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| format | Article |
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| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1178-2390 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-11T20:31:13Z |
| publishDate | 2021-12-01 |
| publisher | Dove Medical Press |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare |
| spelling | doaj.art-3e6c74d5e3f24c639e2c15a7a3fa79d92022-12-22T04:04:30ZengDove Medical PressJournal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare1178-23902021-12-01Volume 143561357071913The Definition of Paramedicine: An International Delphi StudyWilliams BBeovich BOlaussen ABrett Williams, Bronwyn Beovich, Alexander Olaussen Department of Paramedicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, AustraliaCorrespondence: Brett WilliamsDepartment of Paramedicine, Monash University, Peninsula Campus, PO Box 527, McMahons Road, Frankston, Victoria, 3199, AustraliaTel +61 3 9904 4283Email brett.williams@monash.eduIntroduction: Although paramedicine is an integral element of healthcare systems, there is a lack of universal consensus on its definition. This study aimed to derive a global consensus definition of paramedicine.Methods: Key attributes pertaining to paramedicine were identified from existing definitions within the literature. Utilising text analysis, common attribute themes were identified and six initial domains were developed. These domains formed the basis for a four-round Delphi study with a panel of 58 global experts within paramedicine to develop an international consensus definition.Results: Response rates across the study varied from 96.6% (round 1) to 63.8% (round 4). Participant feedback on appropriate attributes to include in the definition reflected the high level of specialized clinical care inherent within paramedicine, and its status as an essential element of healthcare systems. In addition, the results highlighted the extensive range of paramedicine capabilities and roles, and the diverse environments within which paramedics work.Conclusion: Delphi methodology was utilized to develop a global consensus definition of paramedicine. This definition is as follows: paramedicine is a domain of practice and health profession that specialises across a range of settings including, but not limited to, emergency and primary care. Paramedics work in a variety of clinical settings such as emergency medical services, ambulance services, hospitals and clinics as well as non-clinical roles, such as education, leadership, public health and research. Paramedics possess complex knowledge and skills, a broad scope of practice and are an essential part of the healthcare system. Depending on location, paramedics may practice under medical direction or independently, often in unscheduled, unpredictable or dynamic settings. We believe that the generation and provision of this consensus definition is essential to enable the further development and maturation of the discipline of paramedicine.Keywords: allied health personnel, consensus, Delphi study, paramedicinehttps://www.dovepress.com/the-definition-of-paramedicine-an-international-delphi-study-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-JMDHallied health personnelconsensusdelphi studyparamedicine |
| spellingShingle | Williams B Beovich B Olaussen A The Definition of Paramedicine: An International Delphi Study Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare allied health personnel consensus delphi study paramedicine |
| title | The Definition of Paramedicine: An International Delphi Study |
| title_full | The Definition of Paramedicine: An International Delphi Study |
| title_fullStr | The Definition of Paramedicine: An International Delphi Study |
| title_full_unstemmed | The Definition of Paramedicine: An International Delphi Study |
| title_short | The Definition of Paramedicine: An International Delphi Study |
| title_sort | definition of paramedicine an international delphi study |
| topic | allied health personnel consensus delphi study paramedicine |
| url | https://www.dovepress.com/the-definition-of-paramedicine-an-international-delphi-study-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-JMDH |
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