A qualitative exploration of the perceptions of professional registration by Australian paramedics during the transition into professional regulation

Abstract

In 2018, Australian paramedics entered the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme for Health Practitioners. The scheme represented a significant change in the way paramedics were regulated and able to self-identify. Equally, it brought substantial changes to the individual accountability and responsibilities of practitioners. Response to these reforms was largely positive; however, diverse views existed on the intent and impacts of the scheme. Paramedics were surveyed immediately before registration commencement to examine their views concerning the new regulatory framework. Supportive views included acknowledgement of regulation’s public safety function and potential advancement of the profession. Dissenting views predicted increased practitioner risk and degradation of working conditions. Importantly, this study explores how members of the same profession can have diverse views of the same regulatory scheme. This study supports the notion that paramedicine consists of diverse subcultures with differing worldviews. This presents challenges in ensuring cohesive professional engagement with regulation and the evolution of the profession.

An exploration of perceptions and experiences of Australian paramedics following the introduction of professional regulation

“…The quantitative data from the 2018 pre-registration survey is reported in Reed et al . (2021) and likewise the qualitative data in Reed et al . (2022).…”

“…The cohort of paramedics opposing regulation warrants more investigation as there is likely to be a complex set of cultural and occupational issues underpinning them. Qualitative data from the first survey suggests this may be an extension of the inherent resistance to control, accountability and surveillance noted in some sub-cultures within the paramedic workforce (McCann et al ., 2013; Reed et al ., 2022). However, it is important to differentiate this cohort from those concerned about the impacts of an adverse event on their registration given the breadth of generalist practice of paramedics (McCann, 2022).…”

“…Paramedic perceptions of regulation were initially measured by a pre-registration survey in the month prior to "participation day" -the day paramedics became operational within the NRAS (Reed et al, 2021). The quantitative data from the 2018 pre-registration survey is reported in Reed et al (2021) and likewise the qualitative data in Reed et al (2022). This article reports on a 2021 follow up (post-registration) study which explores the perceptions of paramedics 31 months into their new regulatory environment.…”

“…Social constructivism is well suited to exploring phenomena of this type as it recognises that individuals will have unique perspectives and experiences (Liamputtong, 2013). Whilst this paper outlines a quantitative approach to the data from this survey, the qualitative treatment of the survey data is described in Reed et al (2022Reed et al ( , 2023.…”

IJHG review 28.4

“…This review is based on Reed et al . 's (2023) study titled “An exploration of perceptions and experiences of Australian paramedics following the introduction of professional registration”.…”