Journal article
Evaluation of the CARES skills framework as a peer support model in the paramedic undergraduate curriculum: facilitating challenging discussions in a safe environment
Prehospital Emergency Care, Vol.27(8), pp.971-977
2023
PMID: 36103240
Abstract
Objective:
Infant or child death is reported as being the most distressing type of case paramedics attend. Student paramedics also identify supporting bereaved families as an area associated with low confidence. This study evaluated the CARES skills framework (Connect to emotion, Attention training, Reflective listening, Empathy, Support help seeking) as a peer support model to encourage student paramedics to talk about grief and death related to infants and children.
Method:
A convenience sample of first-year paramedic students (target n = 154) was recruited from a single Australian regional university. A modified nominal group technique method was used following a student debriefing session designed to identify problems, generate solutions, and make decisions regarding the efficacy of the CARES skills framework.
Results:
Of 154 eligible participants, 141 participated (92% response rate). Peer social support normalized students’ emotions related to death and dying. Although naming emotions was challenging, students reported that the CARES model facilitated a safe environment to talk about death and dying. Students reported feeling heard and connected to their peers during the exercise and an enhanced sense of belonging after the exercise.
Conclusions:
Findings contribute to evidence that suggests the CARES model is a useful mechanism to enhance peer social support in paramedic students.
Details
- Title
- Evaluation of the CARES skills framework as a peer support model in the paramedic undergraduate curriculum: facilitating challenging discussions in a safe environment
- Authors
- Belinda Flanagan (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine - LegacyMatthew Warren-James (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Centre for BioinnovationJeanine Young (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine - Legacy
- Publication details
- Prehospital Emergency Care, Vol.27(8), pp.971-977
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis Inc.
- Date published
- 2023
- DOI
- 10.1080/10903127.2022.2125136
- ISSN
- 1545-0066
- PMID
- 36103240
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Nursing; School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine - Legacy; School of Health - Paramedicine
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99676396002621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Emergency Medicine
- Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
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