Integrating community paramedicine topics into degree-level paramedic education programs A strategic-pragmatic approach
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Abstract
Introduction: Community paramedicine programs address the needs of diverse and often underserved communities and individuals with varied social and chronic disease needs. Community paramedics have adopted knowledge, skills, and behaviours characteristic of primary healthcare professionals. Paramedics often lack access to higher education that enables autonomous practice alongside other health professionals. This study aimed to develop an educational framework supporting the integration of community paramedicine topics into degree-level education programs that would equip them to meet contemporary and future expectations.
Methods: The emerging roles and professional capabilities expected of community paramedics as clinicians and practitioners guided this research. The curriculum framework was designed through an examination of existing curricula, the community paramedicine literature, and questionnaire responses from two panels of expert paramedicine professionals drawn from countries where community paramedicine is established or emerging. Purposively recruited panelists comprised practicing community paramedics, students and educators, professional leaders, and subject matter experts.
Findings: The first panel largely supported those topics that comprise the Paramedic Health Solutions curriculum Version 4.0. They recommended more inclusive language that recognises social and cultural disadvantages, highlights person-centered care, additional topics, and increases the load and depth of study. In phase two of the project, the panel supported the integration of community paramedicine topics into paramedic degrees. After input from a second expert panel, an International Community Paramedic Education Framework was finalised to guide educators.
Discussion: The educational framework is focused on the knowledge, skills, and behaviours relevant to community paramedicine that can be integrated into paramedicine degrees. Its implementation will equip graduates with the capabilities to practice as clinicians or practitioners in primary care settings and across the acute and low-acuity domains of practice in collaboration with other health and social service professionals.
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