The novel role of paramedics in collaborative emergency centres aligns with their professional identity: A qualitative analysis

S Whalen, J Goldstein, R Urquhart… - Canadian Journal of …, 2018 - cambridge.org
Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine, 2018cambridge.org
ObjectiveThe Collaborative Emergency Centre (CEC) model of care was implemented in
Nova Scotia without an identifiable, directly comparable precedent. It features
interprofessional teams working towards the goal of providing improved access to primary
health care, and appropriate access to 24/7 emergency care. One important component of
CEC functioning is overnight staffing by a paramedic and registered nurse (RN) team
consulting with an off-site physician. Our objective was to ascertain the attitudes, feelings …
ObjectiveThe Collaborative Emergency Centre (CEC) model of care was implemented in Nova Scotia without an identifiable, directly comparable precedent. It features interprofessional teams working towards the goal of providing improved access to primary health care, and appropriate access to 24/7 emergency care. One important component of CEC functioning is overnight staffing by a paramedic and registered nurse (RN) team consulting with an off-site physician. Our objective was to ascertain the attitudes, feelings and experiences of paramedics working within Nova Scotia’s CECs.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative study informed by the principles of grounded theory. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with paramedics with experience working in a CEC. Analysis involved an inductive grounded approach using constant comparative analysis. Data collection and analysis continued until thematic saturation was reached.ResultsFourteen paramedics participated in the study. The majority were male (n=10, 71%) with a mean age of 44 years and mean paramedic experience of 14 years. Four major themes were identified: 1) interprofessional relationships, 2) leadership support, 3) value to community and 4) paramedic identity.ConclusionsParamedics report largely positive interprofessional relationships in Nova Scotia’s CECs. They expressed enjoyment working in these centres and believe this work aligns with their professional identity. High levels of patient and community satisfaction were reported. Paramedics believe future expansion of the model would benefit from development of continuing education and improved communication between leadership and front-line workers.
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