James M Brady
Doctorate
Doctorate Title: An Investigation of Paramedics' attitudes and understanding in relation to the safeguarding of children in their daily practice.
Doctorate Description: An sequential explanatory mixed method design. Self administered questionnaire followed up by focus groups aimed to inform future paramedic practice, education, and policy in child protection.
Abstract
In the United Kingdom (UK), revelations of child abuse on an unprecedented scale have led to calls for better detection methods. Paramedics are invited into private households and are uniquely positioned to assist with this.This study aimed to explore the role that paramedics may play in child protection with a view to informing paramedic policy, education and practice. Literature contains few empirical studies on paramedics and child protection. Legislation and policy documents acknowledge their potential contribution, but data is scant. Research is needed on their actual involvement, level of knowledge and skills.This study, undertaken in one UK ambulance service, employed a sequential mixed method design of two phases. In Phase 1, paramedics (N=276) completed a survey on their experiences, perceptions and attitudes.The resulting data informed Phase 2: paramedic focus groups (N=7). Discussions were thematically analysed. Carper’s ‘ways of knowing’ was used as a theoretical framework throughout. Findings suggest paramedics understand they have a key role to play, but lack clarity over the role. Although confident in their knowledge of physical abuse and neglect, they are less confident in their knowledge of sexual abuse (SA), childhood sexual exploitation (CSE) and female genital mutilation (FGM). More than half of respondents felt child protection referrals had not been made, that should have been. Barriers to safe practice include limited access to ‘expert’ led training; lack of feedback from social services, and lack of time. Decision making is heavily dependent on intuition. Closer working relationships between paramedicine and social services are needed. Timely bi-directional communication is vital. Training input from social services is needed if paramedics are to develop greater confidence in detecting SA, CSE, and FGM. Finally, paramedicine needs to reflect further on the challenges that can arise in prioritising the best interests of children when working with families.
Details:
Type: PhD
University: Swansea University
Primary Supervisor: Dr Paul Rees
Category: Children
Funding: Self-funded
Start Date: 2012
End Date: 2018
Status: Complete
Thesis
ThesisResearch Interests
Emergency & Unscheduled Care, End of life care, Palliative care, Death anxiety (Thanatophobia) in healthcare workers, Death & Dying, Health education, Safeguarding children and young people, Healthcare partnership, Healthcare management, Quality Assurance, Learning from mistakes in healthcare, Community Practice (Psycho-sociology), Using patient experience as evidence to improve services, Telephone triage, Remote Clinical Decision Making.
Paramedic PhD is endorsed by:
