M. BENDALL and D.C. GRAY
The analyses of experimental results which are necessary in the determination of the structure and rate constants of pharmacokinetic systems are frequently subject to considerable…
Abstract
The analyses of experimental results which are necessary in the determination of the structure and rate constants of pharmacokinetic systems are frequently subject to considerable errors. These errors, resulting from assay techniques and from physiological mechanisms within the test subject, make interpretation of results difficult. This may lead to problems in distinguishing between various feasible models and can result in a need to employ over‐simplified models for subsequent work. A technique is proposed which may help to reduce the effects of such errors. The technique is applied to simulations of experiments and results are presented which allow comparison of the accuracy of the parameter estimates with those obtained by methods which are more normally employed.
Pharmacological experiments involving the determination of sites of action and mode of action of drugs in the central nervous system provide results which may be difficult to…
Abstract
Pharmacological experiments involving the determination of sites of action and mode of action of drugs in the central nervous system provide results which may be difficult to interpret with certainty. Difficulties arise mainly from the highly complex, interactive nature of the system under study. Despite gross simplifications the problems still present serious limitations to the use which can be made of the results. A computer simulation is described which, given information defining the possible structure of the system under investigation, the drug effects and experimental factors, will provide information relating to changes in behaviour of the system.
Bradford's problem relates more to the homogeneous nature of its intake than to any particular difficulties the city has over direct discrimination or violence. With an…
Abstract
Bradford's problem relates more to the homogeneous nature of its intake than to any particular difficulties the city has over direct discrimination or violence. With an outstanding reputation for tolerance and a heritage of strict Christian nonconformism, this city of 163 000 people has absorbed in the past several waves of overseas immigrants without too much disruption to the almost sleepy calm of the place.
The Department of Oriental Printed Books and Manuscripts incorporates collections which were previously included in the Departments of Printed Books and of Manuscripts. A…
Abstract
The Department of Oriental Printed Books and Manuscripts incorporates collections which were previously included in the Departments of Printed Books and of Manuscripts. A Department of Oriental Manuscripts was formed out of the latter in 1867, the Oriental printed books being added from the former department in 1892. Prior to these dates, any catalogues which were issued were technically publications of the parent departments. All, however, are included in this list for convenience.
Buck Reed, Leanne Cowin, Peter O'Meara, Christine Metusela and Ian Wilson
Paramedics became nationally registered in 2018 in Australia. Prior to this, there was no central regulation of the profession with reliance on organisational regulation through…
Abstract
Purpose
Paramedics became nationally registered in 2018 in Australia. Prior to this, there was no central regulation of the profession with reliance on organisational regulation through employers. As paramedics expanded their scope, role and range of employers, especially outside statutory agencies, there was increasing need to engage in professional regulation. Regulation is more than a legal and bureaucratic framework. The purpose of the paper states that the way paramedics interact with their new regulatory environment impacts and is influenced by the professionalisation of the discipline. Regulation also redefines their positionality within the profession.
Design/methodology/approach
Two mixed-method surveys were undertaken. A pre-registration survey occurred in the month prior to regulation commencing (N = 419) followed by the second survey 31 months later (N = 407). This paper reports the analysis of qualitative data from the post-registration survey and provides comparison to the pre-registration survey which has been previously reported. Analysis was undertaken using interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA).
Findings
Themes from the pre-registration survey continued however became more nuanced. Participants broadly supported registration and saw it as empowering to the profession. Some supported registration but were disappointed by its outcome, others rejected registration and saw it as divisive and oppressive.
Originality/value
Paramedics are beginning to come to terms with increasing professionalisation, of which regulation is one component. Changes can be seen in professional identity and engagement with professional practice; however, this is nascent and is deserving of additional research to track the profession as it continues to evolve.
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Peter O’Meara, Gary Wingrove and Michael Nolan
In North America, delegated practice “medical direction” models are often used as a proxy for clinical quality and safety in paramedic services. Other developed countries favor a…
Abstract
Purpose
In North America, delegated practice “medical direction” models are often used as a proxy for clinical quality and safety in paramedic services. Other developed countries favor a combination of professional regulatory boards and clinical governance frameworks that feature paramedics taking lead clinician roles. The purpose of this paper is to bring together the evidence for medical direction and clinical governance in paramedic services through the prism of paramedic self-regulation.
Design/methodology/approach
This narrative synthesis critically examines the long-established North American Emergency Medical Services medical direction model and makes some comparisons with the UK inspired clinical governance approaches that are used to monitor and manage the quality and safety in several other Anglo-American paramedic services. The databases searched were CINAHL and Medline, with Google Scholar used to capture further publications.
Findings
Synthesis of the peer-reviewed literature found little high quality evidence supporting the effectiveness of medical direction. The literature on clinical governance within paramedic services described a systems approach with shared responsibility for quality and safety. Contemporary paramedic clinical leadership papers in developed countries focus on paramedic professionalization and the self-regulation of paramedics.
Originality/value
The lack of strong evidence supporting medical direction of the paramedic profession in developed countries challenges the North American model of paramedics practicing as a companion profession to medicine under delegated practice model. This model is inconsistent with the international vision of paramedicine as an autonomous, self-regulated health profession.
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In the past several decades, there has been rapid advancement and improvement in Australasian paramedicine education and clinical standards. These advancements have also seen…
Abstract
Purpose
In the past several decades, there has been rapid advancement and improvement in Australasian paramedicine education and clinical standards. These advancements have also seen improvements in the professionalism of Australasian paramedicine. Therefore, having a valid and reliable paramedicine professionalism measure is important. This study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the modified Professionalism at Work Questionnaire (PWQ) with Australasian paramedicine students
Design/methodology/approach
Data from the PWQ were analysed using a principal component analysis (PCA) followed by orthogonal varimax rotation.
Findings
A total of 479 paramedicine students from three Australasian universities completed the modified PWQ. PCA of the 72-items revealed 11 factors with eigenvalues above 1.5, accounting for 50.99% of the total variance. A total of 64 items were found with loadings greater than 0.40 and were used to describe the 11 factors: Professional attitude and behaviour, communication with others, professional identity, professional development, appearance and flexibility, organisational support, comparable professional status, pride in occupation, adherence to rules, responsibility in the workforce and concerns about appropriate use of resources.
Practical implications
Results from this study suggest that the modified 64-item PWQ can be used to measure professionalism in Australasian paramedicine student cohorts. The instrument encompassed many and varied aspects of the attributes and features that have been described as being essential to being a profession. The instrument provides an important measurement tool for the paramedicine profession.
Originality/value
Results from this study suggest that the modified 64-item PWQ can be used to measure professionalism in Australasian paramedicine student cohorts. The instrument encompassed many and varied aspects of the attributes and features that have been described as being essential to being a profession. The instrument provides a critical measurement tool for the paramedicine profession.
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Buck Reed, Leanne Cowin, Peter O'Meara, Christine Metusela and Ian Wilson
Since 2018, Australian paramedics have been regulated under the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS) for health practitioners. Established professions have been…
Abstract
Purpose
Since 2018, Australian paramedics have been regulated under the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS) for health practitioners. Established professions have been regulated in Australia for some time, so there is limited knowledge of their entry to regulation. However, as paramedicine has not been previously centrally regulated, this provides a unique case study to explore the transition to regulated practice.
Design/methodology/approach
Australian paramedics undertook two surveys: pre- and post-introduction of registration. The first survey was in the month leading up to the commencement of registration (N = 419), and the second survey took place 31 months after registration (N = 407). This paper presents the results of statistical analyses of the post-registration survey including comparisons to the pre-registration survey.
Findings
Although support for regulation has increased over time, there remains strong dissent consistent with 2018 levels. After 31 months of regulation, respondents reported increasing knowledge of the scheme and greater ease of navigation. The impacts of regulation are more nuanced and less polarised than in the first survey. Identity is again canvassed, and results suggest a shift from employment status and qualifications as key elements of identity to a community of practice and registration.
Originality/value
Paramedics' experiences and understanding of the rationale for registration are developing. Further support is needed to assist with the emerging professional identity and behaviours. Regulation is one of many occupational factors influencing professional identity and professionalism. Exploring the experience of regulation potentially assists regulators in better supporting practitioners and helps better understand professional evolution.
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Simon Kroes, Kevan Myers, Grace McLoughlan, Sarah O'Connor, Erin Keily and Melissa Petrakis
The purpose of this study was to utilise a lived experience (LE) informed/co-designed approach to explore the service-user experience of using the reasons for use package (RFUP…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to utilise a lived experience (LE) informed/co-designed approach to explore the service-user experience of using the reasons for use package (RFUP) within a youth residential rehabilitation mental health setting.
Design/methodology/approach
LE researchers (those who have lived through mental illness or distress), Master of social work students, a community of mental health service manager, community of mental health researchers, dual diagnosis service researchers and university-based researchers collaborated on the project. The study used an exploratory, qualitative approach of semi-structured interviews to invite young people's experiences of the resource. The research team conducted a collaborative thematic analysis drawing on the range of perspectives.
Findings
Through five interviews with young people, key themes identified included: client factors and extra-therapeutic events, relationship factors, technique/model factors/delivery and outcomes/things noticed.
Practical implications
The RFUP was a useful clinical tool with the young people in this pilot as it improved awareness of reasons for drug use and impact on mental health, service user to staff relationship, quality of the resource, mode of delivery and participant self-knowledge.
Originality/value
Young people valued the supportive role that the RFUP played in facilitating positive relationships with their workers.