Olaussen, A., Bowles, K.-A., Lord, B., Williams, B. (2023). Introducing, Designing and Conducting Research for Paramedics. Elsevier Australia.
A paramedic research book from Australia just came out recently called Introducing, Designing and Conducting Research for Paramedics. It was edited by a group affiliated with the Monash University Department of Paramedicine, with chapters contributed by paramedics and out-of-hospital providers from all over the world.
They present an understanding of paramedic research suitable for an introductory graduate-level research course while also being specifically tailored for paramedics. Paramedics in Australia learn about research as part of their required programs: field paramedic – bachelor’s program, flight paramedic – master’s program.
This book aims to summarize the different research approaches to answering a research question, rather than attempting to provide a detailed description of various methodological approaches. As such, it is an easy high-level read which provides the reader with an oversight of research pertaining to out-of-hospital care.
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The text provides concise real-life examples that are pertinent to paramedics and as such makes concepts more relatable and easier to comprehend. The reader is provided sources of information for a more comprehensive discussion of research principles that extend beyond this introductory text.
The book is broken up into sections that introduce the research journey by exploring research questions, evaluating literature that has already been produced, designing qualitative or quantitative or mixed-method type studies, and implementing or sharing the results. As a result, this book is an invaluable resource for paramedics and clinicians in emergency medicine who wish to contribute to the growing body of evidence surrounding the field.
In addition, even for paramedics who do not conduct research themselves, this book will prove to be a valuable asset. By gaining a deeper understanding of the principles and methods used in paramedic-related research, they will be better equipped to comprehend and apply findings from studies they may encounter in their practice or organization.
