Barriers and enablers to paramedicine research in Australasia – A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

There has been exponential growth in paramedicine research activity and capacity over the last decade. With a strong academic culture emerging from its tertiary-based paramedicine education pathways, Australasia sits comfortably amongst the leading regions for paramedicine research. In the absence of clear paramedicine research priorities, there is concern that inadequate support infrastructure is in place to guide researchers, academics, paramedics, and policymakers within the profession to produce meaningful research capable of triggering change and advancement. The identification of paramedicine research priorities in Australasia, along with the barriers and enablers to research in this field, will prove invaluable to support the paramedicine profession, and improve healthcare systems, and patient outcomes in Australia and New Zealand. The study used a cross-sectional survey design which aimed to identify perceived barriers and enablers to the conduct of paramedicine research in Australasia and describe the demographic profiles and characteristics of respondents across professional, academic and research themes. Of the 341 respondents, 223 (65.4%) were male, 114 (33.4%) were female, and all geographical areas were represented. Approximately 60% of participants worked for a jurisdictional ambulance service in a clinical role. The median number of years of experience in paramedicine was 13 (IQR: 6, 24), with 52.8% having less than 15 years of experience. The analysis resulted in the identification of three themes for research barriers (system, process and human) and enablers, (work conditions, worker profile, and workplace). This study identifies the disconnect between stakeholders and the provision of resources such as funding, time, training, roles and data as major barriers to conducting paramedicine research. The ability or capacity of paramedics, as health professionals, to lead and undertake their own research was not questioned. The value of evidence-based research and autonomous paramedic-led research was identified as likely to empower future capacity within the profession.

Invited commentary – A research agenda for paramedicine

“…The other research items considered during the Delphi rounds, including those that did not make the final list, show the diversity of research topics generated by participants in an earlier companion study. 6 This should provide a valuable resource for researchers and students planning higher degree research, without detracting from the overarching intent of the research agenda.…”

“…There are significant barriers and enablers to achieving these important research goals, with a companion paper describing these as ‘system’, ‘process’, and ‘human’ issues. 6 Without restating these, there is clearly an urgent need to develop additional research capacity within paramedicine, particularly within the paramedic academic workforce. Much work is required to engender the research workforce of the future and to demonstrate that clinical and research roles do not need to be mutually exclusive.…”