Dissertation
Assessing the Practice Competence of Undergraduate Students in Paramedicine in Australia and New Zealand: A Grounded Theory Study
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2020
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00010
Abstract
The Paramedic Assessment Process (PAP) is a substantive theory explaining how the practice competence of completing paramedic students in Australia and New Zealand is assessed. A Glaserian grounded theory approach was used. Twenty-two on-road paramedics, paramedic lecturers and sessional staff shared their experience of completing the assessment of student competence. Data was collected using semi-structured, audio-taped interviews, field notes and literature. The process of constant comparative analysis was used to analyse data. Theoretical sampling continued until saturation was reached and a middle range substantive theory emerged. The PAP is presented as a conceptual model consisting of three emergent categories which explain how paramedic assessors undertake assessment of competence. Engaging, describes issues related to the exchange of assessment information between universities and ambulance services in preparation for assessment and collection of data to inform competence decisions. Measuring explains how paramedic assessors formulate professional judgements about the practice competence. Moderating describes the audit process that paramedic assessors undertake to ensure that assessment decisions are accurate, fair and equitable. The basic social process of aligning is central to all components of the PAP theory and explains how paramedic assessors, often with little knowledge of the paramedic competency framework, and in the absence of standardised assessment processes and tools, resolve tensions surrounding the assessment process and make decisions about competence,. The PAP brings into focus the issues inherent in making professional judgements about competence and how paramedic assessors ensure their professional responsibilities and public safety are upheld. This research presents a new way of viewing and interpreting how assessment is conducted for final-year university-based paramedic students. With the introduction of professional registration, this research makes an important contribution to discipline knowledge about current assessment practices. It highlights where tensions lie, contributes valuable information to inform development of procedures for student paramedic assessment and makes recommendations to address assessment practice.
Details
- Title
- Assessing the Practice Competence of Undergraduate Students in Paramedicine in Australia and New Zealand: A Grounded Theory Study
- Authors
- Anthony Smith
- Contributors
- Patrea Andersen (Supervisor)Michael D Carey (Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre - Legacy
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00010
- Organisation Unit
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine - Legacy; Engage Research Lab
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99487108602621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
Metrics
169 File views/ downloads
462 Record Views