An investigation of theory-practice gap in undergraduate paramedic education
Open Access
- 18 May 2009
- journal article
- Published by Springer Science and Business Media LLC in BMC Medical Education
- Vol. 9 (1), 23
- https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6920-9-23
Abstract
Background Bachelor of Emergency Health (Paramedic) (BEH) students at Monash University undertake clinical placements to assist with the transition from student to novice paramedic. Anecdotally, students report a lack of opportunity to practise their clinical skills whilst on placements. The barriers to participation and the theory-practice gap have not been previously documented in Australian paramedic literature. The purpose of this study was to investigate the theory-practice gap for paramedic students by linking education and skill level to case exposure and skills praxis during clinical placements. Methods A cross-sectional retrospective study using a convenience sample of second and third year BEH undergraduate students. Ethics approval was granted. Results Eighty four second and third year BEH students participated. 59.5% were female (n = 50), 40.5% were male (n = 34). Overall, students most commonly reported exposure to cardiac and respiratory cases and were satisfied with the number of cases encountered during placement. However, over half (n = 46) reported being exposed to < 50% of cases that allowed skills praxis. The most common barrier to participation (34.5%) was the opportunity to participate in patient care and 68% of student's were unsure if paramedics understood their role during clinical placements. Conclusion This study demonstrates that the majority of students were satisfied with their clinical placement experience; even though they were exposed to < 50% of cases that allowed skills practice. Identifying these educational barriers will assist in improving the quality and theory-practice gap of paramedic clinical education.Keywords
This publication has 30 references indexed in Scilit:
- Can DVD simulations provide an effective alternative for paramedic clinical placement education?Emergency Medicine Journal, 2009
- Transition to clinical training: influence of pre-clinical knowledge and skills, and consequences for clinical performanceMedical Education, 2008
- Contemporary simulation education for undergraduate paramedic studentsEmergency Medicine Journal, 2007
- Influence of clerkship experiences on clinical competenceMedical Education, 2006
- Setting the scene for the paramedic in primary care: a review of the literatureEmergency Medicine Journal, 2005
- Supporting learners in clinical practice: capacity issuesJournal of Clinical Nursing, 2005
- Contemporary UK paramedical training and education. How do we train? How should we educate?Emergency Medicine Journal, 2005
- "Reforming Emergency Care": the ambulance impact. A personal viewEmergency Medicine Journal, 2004
- "Reforming Emergency Care" and ambulance servicesEmergency Medicine Journal, 2004
- An evaluation study of the didactic quality of clerkshipsMedical Education, 2000