Experts' perspectives on professionalism in paramedic practice: findings from a Delphi process

Abstract

Abstract published with permission. This article reports findings from a Delphi process which aimed to enable an expert panel to reach consensus in the following areas: the meaning of ‘professionalism’ in the context of UK paramedic practice; enablers of professionalism in paramedic practice; interventions or approaches likely to promote or sustain paramedic professionalism; and values that underpin paramedic professionalism. The research project was the Consensus towards Understanding and Sustaining Professionalism in Paramedic Practice (CUSPPP) project. The Delphi panel consisted of 12 experts from education, leadership, management and senior clinical roles, as well as a service user. The data from each of the three rounds were distilled to statements using a basic content analysis and subjected to team review. Statements that achieve 75% (where participants agreed or strongly agreed on a Likert scale) were considered to have reached consensus. The data highlight the view that responsibility for paramedic professionalism goes beyond individuals, with organisations having a key role in providing support and debriefing opportunities and demonstrating the value of human rather than material resources. Further research relating to the topic of paramedic professionalism is necessary, and a crucial component of this is to also capture the views and experiences of service users and the general public.