Reasons Surround Paramedic Specialization Intention - Essay Example

?Background: Possible reasons surround paramedic specialization intention. Limited studies however have been carried out in order to establish what these reasons or factors are. This study will now seek to establish the different factors which are affecting paramedic specialization. Method: Using a correlation quantitative research design, a convenience sample of 20 students enrolled in paramedic specialization program with the Flinders University was surveyed. A questionnaire was used to assess these students seeking their answers on why they chose to enter paramedic specialization. Results: This study established that factors or reasons primarily involved in paramedic specialization intention were age and flexible work hours. Gender was not a significant factor affecting the respondents’ decision. Conclusion: This study supports the conclusion that individuals reaching a certain age in their lives – not too young and not too old – they also decide to advance their careers, and seek specialized training. For more flexible and better controlled work hours, the respondents also find much favour with these work conditions. Background Paramedic specialization is a recent growing venture for different interested health professionals (Wyatt, 2003). Paramedic specialization is however based on strong intentions from the paramedics and other interested individuals venturing into more specialized areas of practice. The need to better understand and improve one’s practice is based on the need to transition from novice to expert (Neary, 2000). Paramedic specialization is a recent growing venture for different interested health professionals (Wyatt, 2003). Paramedic specialization is however based on strong intentions from the paramedics and other interested individuals venturing into more specialized areas of the practice. The need to better understand and improve one’s practice is based on the need to transition from novice to expert (Neary, 2000). Specialization choices for graduating medical students have a significant impact on the healthcare practice, and the motivations involved in decisions are not adequately understood. Various studies have been carried out in order to evaluate motivations involved in these specific specialties. Emergency medicine, as well as other medical specialisations is fields of practice which are considered more controllable in terms of work hours. As a result, medical students are opting less for careers in primary care and considering fields of specialisation. The rational choice theory can be used in order to explain the factors impacting on the choices people make (Walsh, 1996). Rationality is based on rational choice – sane or something considered in a clear-headed manner, weighing its benefits and burdens and making the decision based on logical thought processes (Walsh, 1996). Rational and practical choices relating to job capability, preference, and competitiveness would likely impact on the choices relating to specialisation intentions for paramedics. Different elements are likely to factor into the decisions of students on paramedic specialisation. Gaps in research are mostly apparent in terms of factors affecting the decisions for medical students in considering a specialisation in emergency medicine (Boyd, et.al., 2009). Based on these considerations, this study seeks to answer the query: what are the factors associated with specialization intentions for paramedic practice. This study is being carried out in order to understand the specialisation intentions of various students seeking to enter into the various specific fields of paramedic practice. Various studies have varying claims on factors affecting specialisation intention. Gender seems to play a significant role in specialization intentions, with males choosing to specialize in certain areas of the paramedic practice and women choosing to specialize in other areas (Mahony, 2003). Male paramedics already outnumber female paramedics, hence, males statistically, are more likely to have a specialization intention in the paramedic practice (Mahony, 2003; Adams, 2010). Age can also be a factor in the specialization intention because those who are younger would more likely be enticed to participate in specialized fields of paramedics. Studies have also discussed how specialization intention in the paramedic practice has been based on skills considerations . Some paramedics have chosen to specialise in areas often associated with the environment where they are working. Some areas and environments still gain the assistance of physicians, nurses, and other technicians in the transport of patients, however, specialization in this field is now being entered into by the more senior and more experienced paramedics (Pashen, et.al., 2007). In this case, the specialization intention is considered by those who are older and more experienced, most likely after they have reached the point in their career where they want to learn and master new skills and aspects of their practice. Specialization choices for graduating medical students have a significant impact on the healthcare practice, and the motivations involved in decisions are not adequately understood. Different elements are likely to factor into the decisions of students on paramedic specialisation. Gaps in research are mostly apparent as research has focused on the decisions of medical students in considering a specialisation in emergency medicine (Boyd, et.al., 2009). Based on these considerations, this study seeks to answer the question: what are the factors associated with specialization intentions for paramedic practice. This study is being carried out in order to understand the specialisation intentions of various students seeking to enter into the various specific fields of paramedic practice. This study hypothesizes that the following are the factors affecting the specialisation intentions of various students seeking to enter into the various specific fields of paramedic practice: a). more flexible work hours; b). higher salary or remuneration; c). personal interest in the field; d) more prestige; e). age; and f) gender. Methods Study design A quantitative study was conducted based on a correlational field study in order to determine the factors which were affecting the student’s decision on paramedic specialisation (Creswell, 2003). The theory of reasoned behaviour was used in order to detect behavioural intention among respondents (Hale, et.al., 2003). This theory explained how a person’s behaviour may be predicted by his attitude towards the behaviour and how other people would view them if they carried out such behaviour (Hale, et.al., 2003). Specifically, this correlational field study consisted of a survey. This design was chosen because it was appropriate for the variables being studied. Moreover, its design was also a quick and efficient design for the issue raised (Creswell, 2003). The information gathered was easily collated and tallied with possible answers to the question easily available for the reader to evaluate from the tables (Creswell, 2003). This survey provided a general outlook of reasons for paramedic specialisation and established more details in relation to the behaviour of individuals. Participants and sampling A convenience random sampling method was used to select the respondents. There were 20 students chosen to participate in this study. Convenience random sampling helps conserve time and resources of respondents, especially when the population may be limited (Gravetter and Forzano, 2011). Since there are only limited enrolees for the paramedic specialised program, convenience sampling would help provide validity to the sample, while still serving the needs of the researcher (Gravetter and Forzano, 2011). Data collection Data was collected using a self-administered 21-item questionnaire which evaluated the elements affecting a student’s decision in entering paramedic specialisation fields (Appendix 1). The questionnaire took about 5 minutes to answer. It was developed based on other studies and results established in relation to factors affecting decisions of students in relation to paramedic specialisation. The questionnaire indicated the possible factors and the respondents were given the chance to indicate which factor affected their decision to enter into paramedic specialisation. Data Analysis The SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) software was applied on the results in order to secure an accurate statistical analysis of the data gathered. This statistical tool helped establish the results of the descriptive data as well as the more specific details relating to the factors affecting decisions on paramedic specialization. Percentages were mostly applied to establish the results and to establish specific and numeric details on the respondents’ answers. The analysis of the hypothesis was based on the specific responses of the respondents as indicated in the graphs and charts. Trends were based on the plots for x and y variables entered into graphs for improved visibility. Results Descriptive statistics Twenty respondents were interviewed in this study. The demographical selection of the sample space represents the outlook of the working class. Of those interviewed, 45% (9) were male while 55% (11) were female. The age of the respondents also varied from 18 to 45 with 20% of the respondents being between the ages of 18 and 25, and 15% (3) being between the ages of 33 and 45. Sixty five percent (13) who formed the majority of the respondents were between the modal age group of 26 to 32. All the respondents responded to all the questions. From the graph one can deduce that the most dominant age is between 26 and 32 and that there are few outlaying values with most respondents’ ages concentrated around the centre. Favourability of conditions in one’s career One question that was posed to the respondents was if the current conditions in their chosen field of specialisation were favourable for their current career path. Twenty five percent of the respondents (5) felt that the conditions were not favourable while 30% (6) felt that the conditions were only moderately favourable. At 45% (9) the majority of the respondents felt that the conditions were favourable. The level of favourability increases with increase in x-values (1= not favourable 3= very much favourable). Significance of age in career A question on the significance of age in the respondents chosen fields of specialisation was posed. 5% (1) of the respondents responded that age was not significant in their chosen fields of specialisation. 20% (4) were of the opinion that age was only minimally significant while 30 percent (6) felt that age had moderate significance in their chosen fields of specialisation. Forty five percent (9) considered age strongly significant in their chosen fields. It can be deduced from the trend more people generally attach higher value to the age in career as the graph rises at a steep gradient. Significance of flexible hours in career The significance of flexible hours in various respondents’ chosen fields of specialisation was the last question posed to the respondents. Five percent of the respondents (1) was of the opinion that they were not significant. Twenty five percent (5) were of the view that the hours were minimally significant while 35% felt that the hours were moderately significant. A similar number responded that the hours were strongly significant. It is important to note the trends in regard to the conditions at work place and the significance of age and flexible hours at the work place do not follow the normal curve but rather increase continually. The level of significance increases with increase in the value of X (1= not significant, 4= strongly significant). From the graph one can deduce that generally more people find flexible hours more significant. Discussion The factors which are associated with specialization intentions for paramedic practice include: age, flexible work hours, and general work conditions. These results have some similarity to the literature review which also indicates that more flexible work hours and age are determinants for specialization decisions. These results supports the hypothesis to some degree as it agrees with two of the factors indicated as determinants for specialization intention among paramedics. Differences are apparent in terms of gender not being considered a significant element in the specialization intention. Prestige and personal interest have not also emerged as a significant element in the specialization intention. Age is considered a factor because as mentioned by the respondents, the desire to gain more expertise in their practice is usually seen among the younger or the respondents within their 20s to 30s. This age is already a time when individuals are able to gain more interest into their profession (Kooij, et.al., 2008). It also represents a time when the workers have usually gained more experience in their chosen. As such, they now seek the ‘next level’ in their career progression. The age range indicated for paramedic specialization is therefore expected in this case because 45% of the respondents, with majority of the respondents in the 26-32 age range, believe that age was a determinant for their decision for paramedic specialization. The flexible work hours was also considered a significant element in the decision of the respondents for paramedic specialization (Staudinger, 2009). In most work places, the freedom of workers to dictate and control their work hours makes for ideal work settings. Such work settings helps workers manage their time to their preferred setting, setting which can fit their lifestyle, their family and social concerns (MacEachen, 2008). The long work hours expected in the medical practice often turns off various individuals making considerations for career in the health field. They therefore seek the areas of medical practice where they can gain more flexible and controlled work settings (MacEachen, 2008). The results of this study are therefore very much in accordance with concepts relating to flexible work hours and specialization. In relation to the literature review, the study by Pashen also indicates how age is an important factor in paramedic specialization. The results of this study also indicate the importance of paramedics reaching a point in their career when they want to gain more expertise and specialized skills. This study supports the results of this current study which highlights the importance of age in paramedic specialization intention. Boyd, et.al., (2009) also mention the importance of flexible work hours as an element in their specialization intention. This is similar to the results established in this study. Differences in the literature review are seen with the Adams and Mahony study indicating how gender is a factor in paramedic specialization with the males opting more for specialization as compared to their female counterparts. This was not considered a significant element in this study with the ages of the respondents more or less balanced between males and females. Strengths of this study relate to the specific elements which were enumerated as possible factors affecting paramedic specialization intention. This study was able to gather data on possible included elements and to have the respondents evaluate these elements in their decisions for specialization. This study was also able to cover students actually seeking specialization in paramedic practice. The responses were therefore based on their actual experience and their initial decisions before they entered the university. Weaknesses of this study are on its limited population (20 respondents), which does not make possible a greater generalizability of the results. Statistical analysis was also limited and did not apply better correlations of results using more congruent statistical analysis. Nevertheless, the results are valid based on the current conditions and variables evaluated. Recommendations for future studies may include a larger population and a larger area covered, including more schools and universities involved in paramedic specialization education. Conclusion This study concludes that the primary factors affecting paramedic specialization include age and flexible work hours. This supports the hypothesis indicated for this study and some of the studies cited in the literature review. Age impacts on paramedic specialization intention. As individuals reach a point in their lives when they are ready to pursue better career options, they often develop a deeper and keener intention to specialize. Flexible work hours also impact on specialization intention because the more the workers can control their work hours, the better it is for them. In general therefore, age and flexible work hours impact on paramedic specialization intention and in order to draw in more specialists in this field, the target population should be the 26-32 age range; moreover, offering flexible work hours to prospective specialists can help sustain paramedic specialization. References Adams, T., 2010. Gender and feminization in health care professions. Sociology Compass, 4(7), 454–465. Boyd, J., Clyne, B., Reinert, S., and Zink, B., 2009. Emergency medicine career choice: a profile of factors and influences from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Graduation Questionnaires. Academic Emergency Medicine, 16:544–549. Creswell, J., 2002. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. London: SAGE. Edlich, R., Farinholt, H., Winters, K., Britt, L., and Long, W., et.al., 2005. Modern concepts of treatment and prevention of chemical injuries. J Long Term Eff Med Implants, 15(3), 303-18. Gibson, B. and Brightwell, R., 2006. The Developments in Paramedical Science and the implications of National and International Accreditation and Registration in Alliance with Ambulance Authorities. Edith Cowan University, viewed 12 August 2012 Gravetter, F. and Forzano, L., 2011. Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences. London: Cengage Learning. Hale, J., Householder, B., and Greene, K., 2003. The theory of reasoned action. In Dillard, J. and Pfau, M., (Eds.). The persuasion handbook: Developments in theory and practice. London: Sage. Hallikainen, J., Vaisanen, O., Rosenberg, P., Silfvast, T., et.al., 2007. Interprofessional education of medical students and paramedics in emergency medicine. Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica, 51(3), 372–377. Kitano, H., 2000. RoboCup Rescue: a grand challenge for multi-agent systems MultiAgent Systems. ERATO, Japan Sci. & Technol. Corp., 5 – 12. Kooij, D., de Lange, A., Jansen, P., and Dikkers, J., 2008. Older workers' motivation to continue to work: five meanings of age: A conceptual review. Journal of Managerial Psychology, 23(4), 364 – 394 Lavery, R., Adis, M., Corrice, M., and Tortella, B., et.al., 2000. Taking care of the "good guys:" a trauma center-based model of medical support for tactical law enforcement. J Trauma, 48(1), 125-9. MacEachen, E., Polzer, J., and Clarke, J., 2008. You are free to set your own hours: Governing worker productivity and health through flexibility and resilience. Social Science & Medicine, 66(5), 1019-1033 Mahony, K., 2003. The politics of professionalisation: some implications for the occupation of ambulance paramedics in Australia. Journal of Emergency and Primary Health Care, 1(3), 3-4 Neary, M., 2000. Teaching, assessing and evaluation for clinical competence: a practical guide for practitioners and teachers. London: Nelson Thornes. Pashen, D., Chater, B., Murray, R., and Sheedy, V., et.al., 2007. The expanding role of the rural generalist in Australia – a systematic review. Australian Primary Health Care Research Institute, viewed 12 August 2012 Reeve, C., Pashen, D., Mumme, H., De La Rue, S., and Cheffins, T., 2008. Expanding the role of paramedics in northern Queensland: An evaluation of population health training. Aust. J. Rural Health, 16, 370–375. Staudinger, U., 2009. Older and wiser? Integrating results on the relationship between age and wisdom-related performance. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 23(3). Walsh, V., 1996. Rationality, allocation, and reproduction. London: Oxford. Wyatt, A., 2003. Paramedic practice – knowledge invested in action. Journal of Emergency Primary Health Care (JEPHC), 1(3-4). Appendix 1 Study ID No. ______ Questionnaire Appendix 2 Thank you for agreeing to discuss with me the research project I am undertaking. My name is _________ and my research is being conducted as part of my health science course. The title of this research is: Factors affecting students’ decisions for entry into paramedic specialisations. This study seeks to assess the different factors which are affecting students’ decisions on entry into paramedic specialisation programs in the university. The topic coordinator is _______ and is also the principal researcher. The study has been approved by the Social and Behavioural Ethics Committee of the university. This study includes an 11-item questionnaire which will take about 5 minutes to answer. The questions will involve queries on the factors which have affected your current decision to enter into paramedic specialisation. Would you be willing to be included as one of the participants of this research? Appendix 3 Dear Sir or Madam, RE: Student Research Project Letter of Introduction The letter is to introduce _________ who is an undergraduate student enrolled in the core topic Quantitative Methods for Social Health Research. The student will produce their student card, which carries a photograph as proof of identity. The student is undertaking research as part of a major assignment for the Topic stated above. The student would be most grateful if you would volunteer to assist in this project, by taking part in the study which involves you answering an 11-item questionnaire. No more than 5 minutes of your time on one occasion will be required to take part in the study. Be assured that any information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence and none of the participants in the study will be individually identified in the resulting assignment, report or any other publication. You are, of course, are entirely free to discontinue your participation at any time or to decline to answer particular questions. Please be aware that as your data is not identified in any way, once the data is submitted we will be unable to remove your individual data from the study. The student intends to collect data through the questionnaire, seeking your written consent on the attached form. Thank you for your attention and assistance. Yours Sincerely, Lecturer Read More