References
Abstract
Paramedicine is evolving into a graduate occupation underpinned by evidence-based practice and the development of professionalism. There is a disproportionate number of fitness-to-practise concerns against paramedics in the UK compared with other health professions, with the exception of medicine and dentistry. This article details findings from a Delphi process which invited expert responses to questions relating to concerns and preventative measures. The findings highlighted three levels of explanation: societal issues (public expectations and media attention); organisational issues (pressure on services and employer factors); and issues relating to individual paramedics. Preventative measures focused on input from employers, regulators, educators and registrants themselves and included: managing public expectations; more regulatory engagement; increasing organisational support; and changes to the selection and education of the workforce. A Delphi statement that reached 100% consensus pointed to the positive implications of reporting as it suggests increased awareness of avenues for raising concerns.
Paramedicine has evolved significantly over the past decade. It is moving towards an all-graduate profession with enhanced focus on evidence-based practice and professionalism. Alongside this is an increasing number of fitness-to-practise concerns raised to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). There are more fitness-to-practise concerns against paramedics and social workers than all other health and social care professionals regulated by the HCPC. Of the total fitness-to-practise cases received by the HCPC in the 2016–2017 period, 13.6% related to paramedics, who comprise 6.85% of the register; and 54.27% related to social workers, who comprise 26% of the register (HCPC, 2017). Medicine and dentistry, which are regulated by separate bodies, remain the professions with the highest number of concerns (Chief Executive Steering Group, 2016). Complaints to the HCPC relating to paramedics originate from:
The HCPC commissioned a study to better understand the reasons for the disproportionate number of concerns relating to paramedics and social workers and discussed appropriate preventative action in response to this trend. A mixed-methods research study was designed and implemented to capture the breadth and depth of data necessary to respond to these two complex questions.
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