Faculty of Education - Theses

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Author: Roder, Nicholas × End date: 2004 × Start date: 2004 × Subject: In-service training ×

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    Self-assessment and informal learning within the professional framework of the operational Mobile Intensive Care paramedic
    Roder, Nicholas ( 2004)
    A paramedic's work environment is characterised by chaos, unpredictability and significant responsibility. However this challenging environment inhibits traditional methods of workplace appraisal common to more institutional work settings. Current formal strategies in place to ensure competency standards and provide ongoing vocational training occur infrequently. This has encouraged paramedics to seek alternative means of professional development. Using their own judgement, augmented by feedback from informal resources such as peers, the destination hospital and patient outcomes, paramedics have developed mechanisms to determine their strengths and weaknesses. Motivated by a sense of responsibility, accountability and peer respect, paramedics bridge the gaps left by their employer and complex work environment through self-assessment. Furthermore, paramedics actively pursue improvement by learning from their experiences and correcting perceived performance issues. This collection of proactive qualities is largely self initiated and independent of formal encouragement. The research aims were designed to explore the relationships formed between the paramedics, their work environment and formal/informal assessment within the context of day-to-day operations. The research explored the consequences of self-assessment, and what strategies the paramedics employ to develop their professional competencies. To achieve this, the research surveyed and interviewed operational Mobile Intensive Care paramedics. A similar survey was sent to the Metropolitan Ambulance Service to gauge their perceptions of workplace appraisal. The findings of this study indicate a need to develop appraisal and learning strategies to acknowledge and complement those informal strategies that have emerged from the paramedics' unique workplace. The study should assist the Clinical Department within the Metropolitan Ambulance Service to improve service delivery through incorporating informal appraisal and learning strategies into a professional development framework.