Australasian College of Paramedicine International Conference (ACPIC23)

ACPIC 2023 delivered a wide range of clinical and research sessions from experts and leaders in paramedicine. Hosted in Melbourne (September 2023) the program was designed to inspire, educate and broaden horizons.

Conference theme: Lead - Evolve - Impact

I’m not religious but thank God you’re here: A mixed methods study exploring chaplains in Australian Ambulance services

Chaplains are included in several Australian ambulance organisations, however despite evidence demonstrating strong connections between spiritual beliefs and health outcomes, little is known about their role or value. This exploratory sequential mixed methods study identified a role built on professional caring relationships, that provided proactive and reactive care in paramedic workspaces. Incorporating emotional, psychological and spiritual care, chaplaincy promoted wellbeing, reduced barriers to help-seeking and supported paramedics in accessing support. Perceived religiousness of chaplains and other organisational factors acted as barriers to paramedics using chaplaincy, however pre-existing relationships were also influential in determining whether paramedics would seek chaplain support.

Biography: Katie Tunks Leach

Katie is a Registered Nurse, Research Assistant and PhD (Health) Candidate at the University of Technology Sydney. She has also worked as a Volunteer Chaplain. After initially specialising in emergency and critical care nursing, she now works in tertiary education, where her research interests include empathy and compassion, spiritual care, and frontline worker wellbeing. In her spare time, Katie enjoys hiking, mountain bike riding, reading and woodwork.

Moderator: Matt Cook, ACPIC23 Organising Committee Member, Paramedic & Registered Nurse

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