What Australian and Irish paramedic registrants can learn from the UK: lessons in developing professionalism.

Ruth M Townsend

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.32378/ijp.v2i2.69

Abstract

  • To act with professionalism is to act within a set of moral norms, principles and standards of conduct and competency
  • Problems arise when paramedics do not understand what it means to be a professional, and this is largely due to gaps in education.
  • Regulation should not be seen as a threat, but rather as a positive way of advancing the profession, and focussing on doing the best for patients.
  • Education plays a key role in creating a culture of professionalism, a solid foundation of professionalism and a professional identity. This education must be consistent. 
  • Paramedics should be supported in their professional development with a greater emphasis on applied ethics to facilitate professional problem-solving and a more comprehensive understanding of the regulatory system.

Keywords

professionalism; professional; paramedic; regulation

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References

Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009 (Qld) Schedule 1. The law is an example of cooperative federalism and has been copied or adopted with amendments by all other states and territories see: Health Practitioner Regulation National Law 2010 (ACT); Health Practitioner Regulation National Law 2009 (NSW); Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2009 (NT); Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (South Australia) Act 2010 (SA) Schedule 2; Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (Tasmania) 2010 (Tas); Health Practitioner Regulation National Law 2009 (Vic); Health Practitioner Regulation National Law 2010 (WA).

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Health and Care Professions Council. Fitness to Practice Annual Report 2016, viewed https://www.hcpcuk.org/assets/documents/100051F3Fitnesstopracticeannualreport2016.pdf

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O’Meara et al (2009). cited in van der Gaag, A et al. ‘People like us? Understanding complaints about paramedics and social workers.’ Final Report. 31 August 2017. http://www.hcpc-uk.org/assets/documents/1000558EPeoplelikeusFinalReport.pdf

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.32378/ijp.v2i2.69

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