Research Symposium 2024 was hosted on the 18th and 19th of July, at Australian Catholic University, Brisbane campus. This symposium’s theme, “Influence and Inspire: Advancing the Paramedicine Research Agenda for Australasia,” reflects our commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in paramedic research. The goal of this symposium was to highlight the crucial role of paramedic research in shaping and advancing emergency care.

To watch more recordings from the symposium, click here. Please note that we experienced some audio issues while recording this event. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause while watching the recordings

Design and development of the Australian Paramedicine Professional Capabilities Tool (APPCAT)

Paramedicine education lacks a nationally standardised assessment tool for evaluating students during work-integrated learning (WIL). The absence of a national harmonised assessment sets paramedicine apart from other health disciplines, risking patient safety and workforce competence. In 2023, Executive Sponsor Australasian Council of Paramedicine Deans (ACPD) supported the development of the Australian Paramedicine Professional Capabilities Tool (APPCAT) project to meet program accreditation standards. The APPCAT aims to develop a reliable method for assessing paramedicine students under direct observation during placement. With HREC ethics approval, to date, two rounds of the modified Delphi process have been undertaken with the assistance of an Expert Reference Working Group (ERWG) with the results of a third round being analysed.

Biography: Louise Reynolds (presenting for Rebecca Houli)

Dr Louise Reynolds, Safer Care Victoria's Chief Paramedic Officer and ACU Associate Professor in Paramedicine, began her career as a student paramedic with SA Ambulance Service. Her career included operational and educational roles across Australia, the UK, and South-East Asia. As Australia's first female paramedic with a doctoral degree, her research focuses on qualitative explorations of paramedicine evolving professional culture, education, systems and leadership. She's a five-time editor of 'Understanding the Australian Health Care System', contributing to the paramedicine chapter.

Session moderator: Biran Haskins, Resarch Symposium 2024, Committee Member