Perceptions and Knowledge of Self-Regulation of Paramedics in Australia

Abstract

Introduction Since 2018, paramedics in Australia have been self-regulated under the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS) for health professionals. While paramedics and other health practitioners are self-regulated in many jurisdictions internationally, there has been little study of the impact on practitioners of the introduction of new regulatory frameworks. Method Paramedics undertook a survey in the month leading up the commencement of self-regulation collecting both qualitative and quantitative data. The survey was completed by 419 participants. This paper explores the analysis of quantitative data. Key results were cross-tabulated with demographic factors. Results Participants indicated they had good broad knowledge of the regulatory scheme but were less confident on more detailed aspects. Most believed that patient safety and practitioner accountability will improve with registration however results were less clear on changes in scope, remuneration or employment opportunities. Questions on identity indicated that the primary factors in paramedic identity construction were employment status, qualifications and scope with impending registration the least important factor. Overall, 59% of participants supported self-regulation, however 25% indicated they held negative views. When cross-tabulated with demographics, years of service and initial qualification (vocational vs university) showed relationships with support for regulation. Conclusion The introduction of self-regulation represents significant change to both the governance of paramedics and entry to the profession. Uncertainty By some is indicative of the unique nature and impact of the change. However, there is wide agreement that the scheme will increase safety and accountability which are the key aims of professional regulation.

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

“…Age and gender profiles largely matched the national PBA registrant data with a slight overrepresentation of males in the 35-54 age range (Paramedicine Board of Australia, 2021). Demographics from the pre-registration survey have been previously reported by the authors and were also representative of the workforce as reported at the time (Reed et al, 2021). The demographic profile of the sample is shown in Table 1.…”

“…In the pre-registration data, length of practice was a statistically significant factor; however, with a general rise in the sample reporting strong support for regulation, this distinction is now less pronounced (Reed et al ., 2021). The 2021 data revealed similar but slightly varied results.…”

“…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.…”

“…This research project seeks to investigate the intersection of regulation, professionalisation and identity for Australian paramedics. The impact of regulation on Australian paramedics was ultimately unknown and whilst regulation was seen as a key element of professionalisation, this study seeks to more effectively understand this relationship (Williams et al ., 2012; Reed et al ., 2021).…”

Perceptions of Australian paramedics following the introduction of professional regulation: a qualitative exploration

“…Multiple data collection tools were utilised in this survey including multiple choice questions (MCQs), matrix MCQs and free text questions. The survey was deployed utilising the qualtrics platform identically to the pre-registration survey (Reed et al, 2021(Reed et al, , 2022. Ethics approval was obtained from the University of Wollongong Human Research Ethics Committee (Approval 2018/462).…”