Research-focused Careers for Paramedics

Gregory A. Whitley is a Paramedic Research Fellow for the East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust, and an Associate Professor in Paramedic Science at the University of Lincoln, UK. Scott Munro is a Critical Care Paramedic for the South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, and a Lecturer in Paramedic Practice at the University of Surrey, UK.

• About the Contributors xiAbout the Editors xixList of Case Study Authors xxiiiForeword xxvPreface xxixSection 1: Setting the Scene for Clinical Academic Paramedics 1Chapter 1: The Role and Importance of Clinical Academics in Paramedicine 3Scott Fraser Sim Munro and Gregory Adam Whitley What Is a Clinical Academic? 4The Importance and Benefits of Clinical Academic Careers 6Benefits to the Individual 6Benefits to Patients 7Benefits to Organisations 7Introducing the Clinical Academic Pathway 9Stages of the Clinical Academic Pathway 10Novice Researcher 10Competent Researcher 11Proficient Researcher 11Expert Researcher 12Challenges and Barriers to Becoming a Clinical Academic 13Overcoming Barriers and Addressing Challenges 14Funding Options 17Navigating the Funding Landscape 18Government Grants, Fellowships, and Research Funding Programs 19Academic Institution Scholarships and Fellowships 19Professional Organisations and Charitable Foundations 20Industry Partnerships and Collaborations 21Exploring Small Grant Schemes 22The Challenges of Contract- Based Employment 23Chapter Summary 24References 24Chapter 2: History of Ambulance Services, Paramedics, and Research in Paramedicine 27 Ben MeadleyIntroduction 28Early Beginnings and Challenges in Ambulance Services 28Evolution of the Paramedic 32Paramedic Role 32Paramedic Education 33Paramedics in Research and Academia 36Chapter Summary 40Exemplars of Paramedic- Led Research 41Conclusion 44References 44Further Reading 47Chapter 3: Education 49Brendan Shannon and Alan Michael BattIntroduction 50Early Considerations 52Undergraduate Research/Evidence- Based Practice Module 52Publishing as a Student (CPD Articles, Literature Reviews) 52Networking 53The Clinician– Academic Pathway 54Bachelor’s- Level Study 54Pre- registration Bachelors 55Bachelors Top- up Degrees 55Honours Bachelor’s Degrees 55The Gap Between Bachelor- and Master’s- Level Study 56Master’s- Level Study 56Types of Master’s Degree 56Selecting a Topic of Research 57The Gap Between Master’s- and Doctoral- Level Study 60Doctoral- Level Study 60Should I Do a PhD/DPhil or a Professional Doctorate? 60Developing a Doctoral Research Application/Proposal 61Selecting a Topic 62Selecting a Supervisory Team 64Full- Time Versus Part- Time Study 65Dealing with Difficult Times 67Different Routes to the Same Destination 68After the Degree 70Supervising the Next Generation 71Some Final Thoughts 71Conclusion 72References 72Section 2: Career Stages and Case Study Exemplars 75Chapter 4: Novice Researcher 77Elisha MillerBeginning a Career as a Novice Paramedic Researcher 78Paramedics Participating in Research 81Paramedic Participation in Clinical Trials 84Paramedic Participation in Other Research 86Paramedics Delivering Research 87Bridging Academia and Practice— Bachelor’s- and Master’s- Level Education 90Bachelor’s- Level Education 91Master’s- Level Education 93Chapter Summary 96Case Studies in Paramedic Research 97References 107Further Reading 110Chapter 5: Competent Researcher 111Georgette EatonDefining a Competent Paramedic Researcher 112Paramedics Designing Research 114Finding the Problem that Needs Addressing Through Research 114Learning How to Design Research 115Positioning 118Funding 119Paramedics Leading Research 121Defining Objectives and Planning Research 121Team Management 122Ensuring Compliance 123Dissemination 123Inspiring Future Paramedic Researchers 124Chapter Summary 125References 135Further Reading 136Chapter 6: Proficient Researcher 137Walter TavaresIntroduction to the Proficient Researcher Role 140Transitioning from Competent to Proficient Researcher 142Responsibilities of the Proficient Researcher 144Funding Leadership 145Team Leadership 146Frameworks for Proficiency in Research 147Additional Frameworks for Understanding Proficiency in Research 150Common Themes Across Frameworks 152Personal Attributes and Support Needs of Proficient Researchers 154Chapter Summary 157Case Studies 159References 169Further Reading 170Chapter 7: Expert Researcher 173Peter O’Meara and Malcolm BoyleWhat Is an Expert Paramedic Researcher? 175Motivations for Pursuing a Research Career 179Department Leadership 180Academia 181Benefits of Pursuing a Research Career 182Why Is It Important to Engage with Experienced Paramedicine Researchers? 183Challenges of Pursuing a Research Career 185Top Tips from Expert Researchers 187Future Direction 188Chapter Summary 189Case Studies 189References 198Section 3: Expert Advice 201Chapter 8: Expert Advice 203Julia WilliamsIntroduction 204Research as a Career Choice 207The Role of Mentoring 210The Power of Networking 211Crafting Effective Funding Applications 213Overcoming Common Challenges 219Insights into Applying for a Personal Research Award 223Biography and Current Role 223What a Strong Funding Application Should Include 224Common Pitfalls 226Key Points from Professor Pattison 226Chapter Summary 227References 227Index 229