Paramedicine and mental health: a qualitative analysis of limitations to education and practice in Ontario
The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice
ISSN: 1755-6228
Article publication date: 12 November 2020
Issue publication date: 12 November 2020
Abstract
Purpose
Paramedics increasingly attend to mental health-related emergencies; however, there has been little evaluation of the mental health training for paramedics. This study aims to analyze the fit between paramedicine pedagogy, patient needs and the conditions for paramedics’ skill development.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected in a single, qualitative, critical ethnographic case study of pre-hospital mental health and psychosocial care in paramedicine in Ontario, Canada. Transcripts from interviews (n = 46), observation (n ∼ 90h) and document analysis were thematically analyzed using a constant comparative method. The study is theoretically grounded in a feminist political economy framework.
Findings
Tensions are explored in relation to the pedagogy of paramedicine and the conditions of work faced by paramedics. The paper presents challenges and insufficiencies with existing training, the ways in which certain work and training are valued and prioritized, increased emergency care and training needs and the limitations of training to improving care.
Research limitations/implications
Recommendations include more comprehensive didactic training, including the social determinants of health; scenario training; practicum placements in mental health or social services; collaboration with mental health and social services to further develop relevant curriculum and potential inclusion of service users.
Originality/value
This paper addresses the lack of mental health pedagogy in Ontario and internationally and the need for further training pre-certification and while in the workforce. It presents promising practices to ameliorate mental health training and education for paramedics.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This paper is drawn from Dr Ford-Jones’ dissertation for the completion of a Doctorate in Health Policy and Equity, School of Health Policy and Management, York University, Toronto, Canada. The authors would like to thank the study participants for sharing their experiences and insights, as well as the dissertation committee members Dr Mary Wiktorowicz and Dr Claudia Chaufan both of York University.Funding: Fieldwork Cost Fund (YUGSA) York University.Research Cost Fund (CUPE 3903) York University.
Citation
Ford-Jones, P.C. and Daly, T. (2020), "Paramedicine and mental health: a qualitative analysis of limitations to education and practice in Ontario", The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice, Vol. 15 No. 6, pp. 331-345. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMHTEP-05-2020-0031
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited