A year ago, I remarked how amazing it seemed that prior to 2008 and the Journal of Paramedic Practice (JPP) launch, there was no monthly journal championing paramedic best practice. Twelve months later, I am confident the JPP is serving this role well and improving—through providing an even greater breadth of articles which are subjected to more rigorous peer review prior to publication.
Developing JPP has been an extremely rewarding experience. The initial impetus for the title came from the leading lights of the British Paramedic Association, whose efforts are now being carried forward by the Royal College whose Council and members provide tremendous ongoing support. 2011 will see a number of new developments, particularly aimed at helping you fulfil your CPD requirements.
New CPD in every issue
From May 2011, every month, JPP will contain a detachable personal reflective learning log. This will take the form of a template allowing you to record how the articles relate to your own daily practice, and any further reading, action and evaluation you may be planning as a result of reading the issue. In this way, you will be able to use your monthly copy to show recorded learning outcomes.
12 online CPD modules a year
In 2009, the title introduced online bimonthly in-depth reflective practice CPD modules. Since then, approximately 50% of all paramedic subscribers have taken advantage of this service. In response to the tremendous uptake, we are extending our quantity and range of topics. We will now post a new online CPD module every month, thereby providing 12 new modules every year. Subjects to be covered this year include:
Details regarding signing up for JPP online CPD may be obtained through the website: www.paramedicpractice.com. By doubling the number of modules to choose from, you will be able to select those most appropriate to your own circumstance. However, for the really keen, there is nothing to stop you completing all twelve.
| Learning objectives | At the outset of each module, the author outlines what the content will teach the reader |
| Saveable template | The module has been created so as to allow the user to save work in progress and return to the module as time permits |
| Verified content | Editorial board verification ensures users can be assured of the quality of each module |
| Portfolio friendly | Once completed, the entire module, content, questions, and readers' answers, are designed to be downloaded and stored in the paramedic's CPD portfolio |
| Multiple choice questionnaire | Ten questions allowing you to demonstrate knowledge and understanding |
| Personalised certificate | Downloadable record of your accomplisment for your portfolio. |
New online platforms
However, JPP is far more than just a reliable source of CPD. First and foremost, it must be an interesting and enhancing read. As part of our development, the JPP team have polled the readership regarding what we are getting right and areas for improvement. The feedback has been invaluable and consequently we have increased the number of clinical articles and are introducing more case studies. Behind the scenes, more rigour has been introduced to the review process, thereby strengthening the quality of the articles.
We are currently keen to know the extent of iPad and similar mobile device use, so as to evaluate the value in creating JPP ‘apps’. We will shortly be conducting an online survey to help us move in the right direction. It would be an exciting development and I hope there is enough potential uptake to allow us to proceed. Please let us know.
I would like to finish with a huge thank you to all our subscribers and contributors. I am very aware that a subscription constitutes a significant investment and in return the JPP team are committed to improving your journal, continually providing you with more.