No Two Systems Are the Same: Paramedic Perceptions of Contemporary System Performance Using Prehospital Quality Indicators.

Introduction In recent years, researchers have identified two new models of paramedicine within the Anglo-American paramedic system known as the Directive and Professionally Autonomous paramedic systems. The research team now seek to compare paramedic perception of system performance between the two systems using prehospital quality indicators. Methods Paramedics employed within Anglo-American paramedic systems undertook a survey evaluating their experience and perception of system performance against a set of modified prehospital quality indicators. Data were collected using a survey combining single-choice questions with matrix multiple-choice questions. Key results were cross-tabulated with demographic (informant) and system factors to compare performance between the two new paramedic systems. Results The survey indicated a substantial difference in perceived clinical and operational performance between the Professionally Autonomous and Directive paramedic systems, with the Professionally Autonomous paramedic system performing consistently better in all 11 prehospital quality indicator domains. Conclusion The results of this survey are a vital step in helping paramedics, health leaders, and academics understand the complex relationship between paramedic system design and system performance, and, for the first time, provides empirical evidence upon which to make a conscious decision to adopt one system or the other.

Shaping the future design of paramedicine: A knowledge to action framework to support paramedic system modernization.

BACKGROUND: Over the past two decades, the demands placed on modern paramedic systems has changed. Paramedic services can no longer continue to operate on a traditional response model where more ambulances are deployed to meet the rising demand of patients calling for their health needs. Recent research has explored system design in paramedicine and its relationship with organizational performance. Two subsequent paramedic systems have been identified with one, the Professionally Autonomous paramedic system, being linked to higher performance. Yet, how to operationalize this model for system modernization continues to be a gap in practice. OBJECTIVE: To provide health leaders and policy makers with a framework from which to drive paramedic system modernization. METHODS: This study uses the Knowledge to Action framework to develop an implementation plan for systems that seek to modernize their service delivery model toward that of a Professionally Autonomous paramedic system. RESULTS: A detailed plan of the steps required to undertake system transformation are outlined. Whilst this framework outlines the components required for system modernization, it does not propose an in-depth outline of each of the steps required to achieve each component. Rather, end users are encouraged to develop individual implementation plans tailored to the local context using the comprehensive tools outlined within. CONCLUSION: This knowledge to action framework provides health leaders and policy makers with a uniform roadmap for paramedic system modernization intended to improve health (clinical) outcomes as well as health system outcomes through the Professional Autonomous paramedicine model.

A conceptual framework for the exploration of the relationship between systems of paramedicine and system performance.

BACKGROUND: Over the past 60 years since its inception, the Anglo-American Paramedic System has continued to grow and evolve. While brief and fragmented accounts of the differences between systems have been noted in the literature, until recently there has been a paucity of research that explores and identifies sub-models of paramedicine within the Anglo-American Paramedic System. OBJECTIVES: This article describes a conceptual framework that sets a roadmap for defining and comparing two newly identified sub-models of the Anglo-American Paramedic System. METHODS: A conceptual framework for the exploration of these novel sub-models was developed on the basis of the work completed by Donabedian as well as Turncock and Handler. These two sub-models worked to develop a model for quality assessment and performance measurement in the public health system. RESULTS: The conceptual framework consists of six components that are strongly related to each other: system design, macro context, mission and purpose, structure, service delivery models and quality outcome measures. While this framework relates specifically to two novel paramedic systems known as the Professionally Autonomous an Directive paramedic systems, it can be used to measure any integrated health model. CONCLUSION: The conceptual framework described in this paper provides a stepwise roadmap for the definition and comparison of the newly identified paramedic systems to better inform future research that defines and compares paramedic system design and performance.

From stretcher bearer to practitioner: A brief narrative review of the history of the Anglo-American paramedic system.

BACKGROUND: This narrative review presents a brief chronological history of the Anglo-American paramedic system, combining decades of stories from across ambulance services in western, English-speaking developed countries METHODS: Databases, including Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL and Google Scholar were searched from the inception of the databases. A grey literature search strategy was conducted to identify non-indexed relevant literature along with forwards and backwards searching of citations and references of included studies. Two reviewers undertook title and abstract screening, followed by full-text screening. Included studies were summarised using narrative synthesis structured around the exploration of the history of the Anglo-American paramedic system. RESULTS: The research team structured the narrative in chronological order and used metaphorical models based on philosophical underpinnings to describe in detail each era of paramedicine. The narrative explores several key milestones including, industrial orientation, scope of practice, innovation, education and training, regulation as well as significant clinical and technological advancements in the delivery of traditional and non-traditional paramedic care to patients. CONCLUSIONS: Paramedicine, like other allied health professions, has successfully navigated the pathway toward professionalisation in a considerably short period of time. From its noble beginnings as stretcher bearers in times of war, the profession has looked outwards to emulate the success of our healthcare colleagues in establishing its own unique body of knowledge supported by strong clinical governance, national registration, professional regulatory boards, self-regulation, and a move towards higher education supported by the development of entry-to-practice degrees. Whilst the profession has achieved many great milestones, their application across multiple jurisdictions within the Anglo-American paramedic system remains inconsistent, and more research is needed to explore why this is.

Defining two novel sub models of the Anglo-American paramedic system: A Delphi study.

INTRODUCTION: While brief and fragmented accounts of the differences between systems have been noted in the literature, until recently there has been a lack of research that explores and identifies new sub-models of paramedicine within the Anglo-American paramedic system. METHODS: A Delphi method was used to gain consensus among international paramedic experts regarding two new models of paramedicine known as the Directive and Professionally Autonomous paramedic systems. Following the development of a preliminary definition, a set of questions were established for experts aimed at defining the new sub-models; the responses were reviewed and amended based on feedback before being re-distributed to an expanded group of participants for further rounds of questions. Rounds continued until consensus was achieved. RESULTS: Consensus was achieved for both statements regarding the Professionally Autonomous paramedic system definition in round 2, 85.7% (n = 18). Following analysis and revision of the definition, the additional two statements regarding the Directive paramedic system achieved consensus in round 3, 100% (n = 19). CONCLUSION: This Delphi study was the first study to explore a standardised definition for two newly identified sub-models of the Anglo-American paramedic system with the overall results used to help inform high performing system design for modern Anglo-American paramedic systems into the future.

Large-Scale Air Medical Operations in the Age of Coronavirus Disease 2019: Early Leadership Lessons From the Front Lines of British Columbia.

In late 2019, a novel coronavirus was identified as the cause of a cluster of atypical pneumonia cases in Wuhan, China. It subsequently spread throughout China and around the world, quickly becoming a public health emergency. In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared coronavirus disease 2019 a pandemic. This article explores the preparation and early experiences of a large Canadian critical care transport program during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic focused on 6 broad strategic objectives centered around staff welfare, regular and transparent communication, networking, evidenced-based approach to personal protective equipment, agile mission planning, and an expedited approach to clinical practice and policy updates and future state modeling.