As the field of paramedicine continues to evolve, the College is committed to aligning our research activities with the priorities outlined in the RAAP to facilitate ongoing development of the profession, and the best possible patient care.

Join us as we delve into the significance of having a unified Australasian research agenda, explore the research directions and priorities identified within paramedicine, and gain insights from the authors themselves. Esteemed international guests will share their experiences with paramedicine research agendas developed in Canada and the UK, discussing the transformative impact these agendas have had on their research outcomes.

This webinar is an absolute must for anyone invested in the future of paramedicine research and its impacts on patient-centred care.

The two publications of the RAAP can be found in Paramedicine, the international peer-reviewed journal of the Australasian College of Paramedicine:

Research agenda and priorities for Australian and New Zealand paramedicine: A Delphi consensus study

Barriers and enablers to paramedicine research in Australasia – A cross-sectional survey

A shortened report summarising these publications can also be found here

Presented by: A/Prof Paul Simpson, A/Professor Ian Blanchard, Dr Fiona Sampson, Executive Director Jan Jensen and Dr Caitlin Wilson

Faciliated by: Dr Scott Devenish, Associate Professor and Discipline Lead, Paramedicine, Australian Catholic University

Biographies:

A/Prof Paul Simpson Paul is a paramedicine academic at Western Sydney University who supervises a gaggle of HDR students undertaking Honours, Masters or PhD research using quantitative and qualitative methodologies.

A/Professor Ian Blanchard Ian Blanchard has worked in paramedic systems in Canada and the United Kingdom for over thirty years in various capacities, including as a frontline paramedic, quality assurance strategist, and research. He holds master and doctoral degrees from the University of Calgary in epidemiology and medical science and completed Advanced Care Paramedic training in both Canada and England. He is currently the Senior Scientist for the Alberta Health Services (AHS) EMS system and an Adjunct Assistant Professor with the Department of Community Health Sciences, in the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary. In these capacities, Ian is working with a dedicated group of individuals to build the science, research, and knowledge translation enterprise to support frontline colleagues, paramedic systems and the profession.

Dr Fiona Sampson Dr Fiona Sampson is a Senior Research Fellow and Director of Centre for URgent and Emergency care research (CURE) at the University of Sheffield, UK. Fiona has over 25 years experience of research experience in the field of urgent, emergency and prehospital care. Recent UK NIHR funded research projects include exploring the impact of ambulance pre-alerts (prenotifications) on ambulance and emergency department staff and patients, and a study exploring the impact and care trajectory of ambulance patients who have had a long lie after a fall.

Executive Director Jan Jensen Jan Jensen has 24 years of health system and emergency medical services experience in Nova Scotia. Jan is currently the Director of Analytics and Health Information for IWK Health, the tertiary care children’s and women’s hospital for Nova Scotia. Jan is working with the team to drive forward the value of data for patient care, decision making and health service delivery. Previous to February 2024, Jan was the Executive Director of EHS Medical Communications, Patient Flow and System Performance. In that role, Jan oversaw the provincial EHS Medical Communication Centre, patient movement and flow, research, performance improvement, data and applications. She began her career as a ground ambulance Advanced Care Paramedic. Since then, Jan has held progressive positions in Operations and patient care, research and management. Jan received her Master’s in Applied Health Services Research from Dalhousie University in 2010. Jan is academically affiliated with Dalhousie University Division of EMS (Department of Emergency Medicine) and has been a Sessional Lecturer with the University of Prince Edward Island Paramedicine (BSc) Program (Faculty of Biology). With areas of interest in evidence-based practice, health system design and data-driven decision making, Jan has authored or co-authored over 40 peer reviewed academic publications. Jan serves on the Board of Directors of Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, is the Chair of the Paramedic Chiefs of Canada Research Committee, and is a member of the Atlantic Canada Trials Network research ethics board. Jan can often be found spending time with her family and friends, and out in nature surfing, mountain biking and skiing.

Dr Caitlin Wilson Caitlin Wilson (X @999_Caitlin) is a paramedic senior research fellow with Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust and the University of Hertfordshire in the UK. She is a clinical academic with an interest in mixed-methods research within the EMS setting and beyond. Caitlin recently completed her PhD on prehospital feedback to enhance patient safety and staff wellbeing and is also an associate editor for the British Paramedic Journal.