Student paramedic exposure to workplace violence: a scoping review.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Workplace violence (WPV) against healthcare professionals (HCPs), including student paramedics, is a global concern, with reported incidents ranging from physical to psychological abuse. The prehospital environment, characterised by its high-risk nature, presents unique challenges for student paramedics during clinical placements. To explore the extent and nature of WPV experienced by student paramedics during clinical placements, assess the impact of WPV on their training and psychological well-being, and identify existing support mechanisms and training provisions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Included were research or review articles specifically exploring WPV experienced by student paramedics during clinical placements. Exclusions were applied to articles not focusing on student paramedics, those not in English, and publications outside the specified time frame. A comprehensive search strategy was used across the databases CINAHL, Medline, EMBASE, EMCARE, and PubMed, supplemented by grey literature searches via Google Scholar and citation searching. Data extraction was facilitated through a synthesis matrix and themes were identified and analysed. RESULTS: From 417 records identified, six articles were included, all conducted in Australia, revealing themes such as the risk and effects of WPV, lack of reporting, the role of the practice educator (PEds), and preparedness for WPV. Freedom of Information (FoI) requests to English Ambulance Services highlighted inconsistencies in recording WPV incidents and variability in support provided to student paramedics. CONCLUSIONS: WPV significantly impacts student paramedics' educational experience and psychological health. There is a crucial need for improved education on WPV, standardised reporting mechanisms, and enhanced support systems. Collaborative efforts between ambulance services and higher educational institutions (HEIs) are essential to address these challenges and ensure a safer learning environment for student paramedics.

Keywords

• workplace violence
• student
• paramedic
• healthcare professionals
• prehospital