Paramedic patient advocacy: a review and discussion

Authors

Alan M. Batt, Fanshawe College, London, OntarioFollow
Gerard Ward, Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
Joseph J. Acker, British Columbia Ambulance Service, BC, Canada

Abstract

Introduction: Patient advocacy is an often encountered term, but one for which no consistent definition exists. Advocacy is a new and developing role of the paramedic that is closely linked to the developing professionalism of paramedicine, along with the expanding role of the paramedic as a healthcare professional in the community. This role however requires exploration and clarification. Methods: A literature search was performed of multiple databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and prominent paramedic journals. Results: No published literature investigating the theory or practice of paramedic patient advocacy, the potential conflicts and benefits of this role, or the perceived and actual barriers to advocacy paramedics face was discovered. Conclusion: The following literature review and discussion investigate the concept of paramedic patient advocacy, the contexts in which advocacy may take place, potential barriers, benefits and conflicts. Proposals are also included for areas requiring further research.

Author Bio(s)

Alan Batt MSc CCP is a critical care paramedic, educator and researcher based in Ontario, Canada.

Gerard Ward BSc CCP is a critical care paramedic and a medical student at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, in Dublin, Ireland.

Joseph Acker MA EMT-P(cc) is a critical care paramedic, Director of Patient Care Delivery with British Columbia Ambulance Service, Canada and an Adjunct Senior Lecturer in Paramedicine at Charles Sturt University in NSW, Australia.

DOI

10.46743/1540-580X/2017.1660

Recommended Citation

Batt AM, Ward G, Acker JJ. Paramedic patient advocacy: a review and discussion. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2017 Jan 01;15(4), Article 8.