Social Determinants of Health in Paramedic Practice Education in British Columbia
Principal Investigator: Dr. Ron Bowles
Research Team: Dr. Becky Donelon, Kent Highnam, Dawn Ursuliak
Project Dates: April 2024 to March 2027
Project Funding: $360,000
Project Summary:
The Social Determinants of Health in Paramedic Practice Education in British Columbia project focuses on integrating Social Determinants of Health (SDH) into paramedic training. By exploring how preceptors, students, and patients engage with SDH during education placements, the study aims to co-create knowledge and develop a framework that equips paramedics to address the broader social and cultural factors affecting health. Through collaboration with BCEHS preceptors, 麻花精品students, and community partners, the project seeks to enhance person-centered care and promote health equity by developing guidelines for telehealth, patient disposition, and dispatch protocols.
Partners: BC Emergency Health Services
Paramedic Association of Canada
McNally Project for Paramedicine Research
Outcomes and Benefits:
This project will lead to the development of a pedagogical framework and policy guidelines that integrate SDH into paramedic education and practice. By co-creating evidence-based tools and processes, the project aims to improve how preceptors and students provide person-centered care, considering patients' social and health contexts. The study's findings will inform clinical pathways, such as telehealth and dispatch protocols, ensuring that paramedics are better equipped to address the broader social factors affecting patient care. Ultimately, this project seeks to foster a deeper understanding of SDH and support transformative changes in paramedic training and practice.
Funding and Support: This project is supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) through the College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF) grant, administered by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).
Project Status: Active
