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The paramedic kairotope theory: findings

01 July 2011
Features
02 July 2011
Volume 3 · Issue 7

Abstract

Scene-management is an important, yet under-researched aspect of paramedic practice. Using a grounded theory methodology, this qualitative inquiry acquired data from in-depth interviews with paramedics working in rural, suburban, and urban settings in Ontario, Canada. The findings comprise a theory of how expert paramedics accomplish the very difficult task of managing emergency scenes, which is a crucial pre- and co-requisite for the provision of patient care. This theory introduces a new term, the ‘paramedic kairotope’ as a conceptualization of this expertise, comprised of knowing when and where to act in a field/clinical situation. The theory further describes this competency as being informed by two social processes: substantial use of interpersonal communication and innovative problem solving.

Expertise among health care professionals is a widely researched area of study. One particularly important reason for this emphasis is that a common occupational characteristic of fully recognized professions is a continuing development of domain specific knowledge from within the professions. The importance of this point is emphasized by Goodwin (1994) who describes expert level knowledge as a crucial element for distinguishing one profession from another.

An introduction to research into the nature of expertise in the professions, and details of the current study's rationale and methodology are presented in The Paramedic Kairotope Theory: methodology and rationale (Campeau, 2011). Essentially, what sets paramedics apart from other health care providers is the setting in which they practice.

Paramedics must ‘ft’ medical procedures into their work context and consequently, paramedics practice a unique type of care where medical procedures are intertwined with the social context of the prehospital environment. This means that practice takes place in uncontrolled settings (Nelson, 1997) and the ability to do so is highly prized (Metz, 1981).

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Expertise
Kairotope
Scene management
Theory of practice